Blues: Gold Collection

While longtime blues fans will find little of interest here, listeners new to the music may discover a wealth of classics in this budget-line compilation, a 14-track collection featuring two entries apiece from giants like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Mississippi John Hurt and Elmore James. Although the fidelity varies wildly from track to track, the overall quality of the performances is fine, and with any luck the cumulative effect will inspire neophytes to investigate the featured artists in much greater detail.