Pops Staples - Peace to the Neighborhood

an original

While you're listening to Pops' shimmering gospel-blues electric guitar , realize that he -invented- this style of playing. Having lived and worked well into his eighties seems to have caused Mr. Staples not to get his due for just how far back he started, and how influencial he's been on modern guitar. September 10, 2004

Pure heaven

I was sitting in traffic flipping stations when I heard a song I'd never heard before.. it was smooth and perfect. Blues at its sweetest. "Down in Mississippi" stayed with me for a long time after. I knew I had to have a copy. When I heard the rest of the album I was blown away. Take classic Mississippi Delta blues and mix in a generous gospel quality and you get one of the finest albums I've ever heard. If you're new to either style, I recommend starting here. You will not be disappointed. Close your eyes, sit back and listen and you can almost feel yourself being transported back to the Deep South. Lose yourself in what music should be. January 15, 2002

Timeless Songs & Quality Sound

One of the best gospel recordings ever made, Pop Staples worked with the best in the business to give us a polished gem of a masterpiece. Some of the songs, such as This May Be The Last Time, have been on previous Staple Singers albums but here they get a contemporary treatment. Guest artists include Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Brown, and Ry Cooder. Mavis, Yvonne and Cleotha Staples join him, with Mavis taking lead on Pray On My Child. Some may find the album sounds uneven with five different production teams, but I enjoyed the styles that each brought the recording. For example, Ry Cooder brings a pared-down rootsy sound to the production of the delta blues material that reminds us of where the music came from, on songs such as Down In Mississippi, and I Shall Not Be Moved. Willie Mitchell brings in Jackson & Love of the Memphis Horns for a more urban sound on America. Get it! November 14, 2001

A Great Disc Very Soulful

Pops Staples sounds Strong on this set.His Voice&Guitar work are Solid here.Peace to The Neighborhood is a Gem.also Great Performances from other Artists such as The Great Bonnie Raitt.a must have. March 21, 2000

A perfect synchronicity of blues, gospel, and soul.

The music speaks for itself. Check out "Down in Mississippi". This CD will grow on you. One of my top ten favorites of all time. Be careful though, it is so good that one does not enjoy the rest of their classic blues collection as much. The "Father Father" is also good but "Peace to the Neighborhood" is truly a classic. March 20, 1999

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