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R.L. Burnside
Wish I Was in Heaven
Sitting Down
(Fat Possum)
First Appeared at The Music Box,
March 2001, Volume 8, #3
Written by John Metzger
Whether R.L. Burnside's music falls into the blues or rock genre is open to debate. Sure, his
songs are the embodiment of the north Mississippi Hill Country sound, but he also brings to the
table a feisty edginess full of funk and hip-hop beats that makes his albums seem more suited to the
rock 'n‘ roll bin.
Burnside's latest effort Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down is stoked with passion, and a
mournful darkness pervades the disc. The way that Burnside contemplates his family's brushes with
death on Hard Time Killing Floor and R.L.'s Story is ghostly and frightening. Likewise
the usage of electronics and DJ scratches adds an eerie underbelly to Got Messed Up.
At the age of 74, it's truly remarkable how Burnside has stayed in touch with modern music and
incorporated its elements into his own style. The ambience he consistently creates ties perfectly to
his pain-fueled personal lyrics and raw, penetrating vocals. It's unfortunate that just a few short
years ago no one really knew who Burnside was. But if he continues to create albums like Wish I
Was in Heaven Sitting Down, that's sure to change.
½
Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down is available
from Amazon.com. To order, Click Here!
For Canadian orders, please
Click Here!
For UK orders, please
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Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2001
The Music Box
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