A Bothered Mind
R. L. Burnside · 2004
39 min · 13 tracks · blues
Raw, gritty blues intertwines with rhythmic storytelling, evoking the spirit of Southern traditions and contemporary life.
Top tracks — play these first
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Shake 'em on Down — This track exemplifies Burnside's signature storytelling style and captivating guitar work, drawing listeners into the narrative of love and loss.
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Going Down South — With its rhythmic intensity and evocative imagery, this song captures the essence of Southern blues while reflecting on themes of migration and identity.
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My Name Is Robert Too — This track serves as a personal declaration that connects Burnside's legacy to the rich history of blues music and reinforces his identity within the genre.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and authentic blues craftsmanship while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of repetitive, driving rhythms that anchor the storytelling in each track.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, a hallmark of traditional blues, enhancing the communal feel.
- The instrumentation often includes raw guitar riffs and minimalistic percussion, emphasizing the gritty sound characteristic of North Mississippi Hill Country Blues.
- Tracks vary in length, with some extending into improvisational sections that allow for expressive guitar solos.
- 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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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- raw storytelling with gritty charm
- short tracks for quick engagement
- playful rhythms for dancing mood
- late-night gatherings with friends
- nostalgic reflections on southern life
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of polished production
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2004, R. L. Burnside was in a phase of revitalized recognition following his 1998 album 'Come on In'. This release continued to showcase his distinctive voice within the blues genre, solidifying his status as a key figure in modern blues while blending traditional styles with contemporary influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Junior Kimbrough· Fred McDowell· T-Model Ford
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Detroit Boogie, Part 1 0:38
- 2 See What My Buddy Done 2:57
- 3 Shake 'em on Down 3:29
- 4 Going Down South 3:11
- 5 My Name Is Robert Too 2:43
- 6 Someday Baby 3:16
- 7 Go to Jail 2:43
- 8 Bird Without a Feather 3:09
- 9 Glory Be 4:37
- 10 Goin' Away Baby 3:17
- 11 Rollin' and Tumblin' 3:50
- 12 Stole My Check 2:42
- 13 Detroit Boogie, Part 2 2:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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