1949 Country Blues is an invaluable reissue of ten sides originally released on 78s during 1949, plus four previously unreleased songs. During the ’60s, these sides were highly collectable, and earned the reputation of being among the finest country-blues. That reputation wasn’t misguided — he was truly unique among country bluesmen. Pickett had a distinctive rhythmic style and unique phrasing that makes his records compelling decades after his release. He made songs from the likes of Blind Boy Fuller (“Lemon Man,” also known as “Let Me Squeeze Your Lemons”) and Leroy Carr (“How Long”) sound like his own. At times, the music on 1949 Country Blues is simply astonishing. No serious blues collector should be without this disc. – Thom Owens
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