Allison Wonderland Anthology cover

Allison Wonderland Anthology

Mose Allison · 1994

138 min · 47 tracks · blues

A soulful blend of jazz and blues, weaving intricate piano lines with evocative storytelling and a touch of sardonic wit.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Young Man's Blues — This track captures the essence of Allison's storytelling prowess, combining poignant lyrics with a laid-back yet compelling musical arrangement that resonates with listeners.
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    Eyesight to the Blind — With its intricate piano work and sharp lyrics, this track exemplifies Allison's ability to blend humor with profound observations about life, showcasing his unique voice in the genre.
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    Everybody Cryin' Mercy — This song stands out for its soulful delivery and social commentary, reflecting Allison's knack for addressing deeper themes while maintaining an engaging rhythm.
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    I Love the Life I Live, I Live the Life I Love — The joyful exuberance and catchy melody make this track a celebration of living authentically, highlighting Allison's charm and wit as a songwriter.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • sharp wit and storytelling
  • short tracks for quick listens
  • playful irreverence throughout
  • soulful melodies that linger
  • for relaxed afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking lengthy immersive experiences
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1994, 'Allison Wonderland Anthology' serves as a comprehensive retrospective of Mose Allison's career, compiling some of his most influential works. By this time, Allison had established himself as a significant figure in the jazz-blues crossover scene, having released several acclaimed albums since his debut in the late 1950s. This anthology not only encapsulates his distinctive style but also reflects his evolution as an artist over decades.
Stylistic neighbors
Ray Charles· Bill Evans· Nina Simone

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Back Country Suite: Blues (a.k.a. Young Man's Blues) 1:26
  • 2 Lost Mind 3:33
  • 3 Parchman Farm 3:19
  • 4 If You Live 2:29
  • 5 The Seventh Son 2:39
  • 6 Eyesight to the Blind 1:43
  • 7 Baby, Please Don't Go 2:17
  • 8 Fool's Paradise 3:32
  • 9 V-8 Ford Blues 2:14
  • 10 Ask Me Nice 2:34
  • 11 Hey, Good Lookin' 1:42
  • 12 Back on the Corner 1:55
  • 13 Your Mind Is on Vacation 2:37
  • 14 Meet Me at No Special Place 2:36
  • 15 I Don't Worry About a Thing 2:19
  • 16 I Ain't Got Nothing but the Blues 3:57
  • 17 Swingin' Machine 2:30
  • 18 Stop This World 3:25
  • 19 I'm Not Talking 2:31
  • 20 I'm the Wild Man 1:56
  • 21 Your Red Wagon 2:16
  • 22 Foolkiller 2:26
  • 23 Wild Man on the Loose 2:07
  • 24 You Can Count on Me to Do My Part 2:13
  • 25 Smashed 2:28
  • 26 I Love the Life I Live, I Live the Life I Love 2:34
  • 27 That's Alright 2:34
  • 28 Fool's Paradise 3:42

Disc 2

  • 1 If You're Goin' to the City 2:51
  • 2 Everybody Cryin' Mercy 2:43
  • 3 Feel So Good 2:53
  • 4 Molecular Structure 2:11
  • 5 Monsters of the Id 4:57
  • 6 Hello There, Universe 3:51
  • 7 I Don't Want Much 2:41
  • 8 How Much Truth 3:37
  • 9 Western Man 3:14
  • 10 I'm Just a Lucky So-And-So 2:49
  • 11 The Tennessee Waltz 2:45
  • 12 Ever Since the World Ended 4:51
  • 13 Top Forty 4:23
  • 14 Josephine 3:41
  • 15 Gettin' There 4:27
  • 16 Ever Since I Stole the Blues 3:12
  • 17 You Call It Joggin' 2:56
  • 18 Big Brother 4:14
  • 19 The Gettin' Paid Waltz 4:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata