Released 30 years ago
A Ass Pocket of Whiskey
R. L. Burnside · 1996
41 min · 10 tracks · blues
Raw, electrifying blues infused with a gritty authenticity and a deep Southern soul.
Top tracks — play these first
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Goin' Down South — This track encapsulates Burnside's unique blend of storytelling and rhythmic groove, serving as a gateway into the themes of rural life and struggle that permeate the album.
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The Criminal Inside Me — This song features haunting lyrics paired with a hypnotic rhythm, illustrating Burnside's ability to convey deep emotional narratives through simple yet powerful instrumentation.
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Shake 'em on Down — An energetic interpretation of a classic blues standard, this track showcases Burnside's dynamic guitar work and vocal intensity, embodying the spirit of his live performances.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures raw blues energy while blending traditional and contemporary styles effectively.
What we noticed
- The album features a raw, live sound with minimal production, emphasizing the authenticity of Burnside's guitar work and vocals.
- Tracks often incorporate repetitive riffs and grooves that build intensity, particularly in songs like 'Goin' Down South' and 'Shake 'em on Down'.
- Many tracks include call-and-response elements, engaging the listener and creating a communal feel typical of traditional blues performances.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- gritty authenticity and raw energy
- late-night storytelling sessions
- foot-tapping rhythms for gatherings
- soulful reflections on life
- short bursts of electrifying intensity
Maybe skip if you
- seeking polished, refined sounds
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time of its release in 1996, R. L. Burnside was already a respected figure in the Mississippi Hill Country blues scene, but this album marked his breakthrough to a wider audience. It followed the 1994 album 'Too Bad Jim' and showcased a more polished production while retaining his signature raw sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Junior Kimbrough· Fred McDowell· T-Model Ford
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Goin' Down South 4:49
- 2 Boogie Chillen 2:18
- 3 Poor Boy 3:38
- 4 2 Brothers 2:15
- 5 Snake Drive 3:45
- 6 Shake 'em on Down 5:50
- 7 The Criminal Inside Me 5:53
- 8 Walkin' Blues 4:19
- 9 Tojo Told Hitler 3:01
- 10 Have You Ever Been Lonely? 5:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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