Arhoolie's
Ball n' Chain is a terrific collection of late-'60s recordings from
Big Mama Thornton. Supported on various tracks by
Lightnin' Hopkins and
Larry Williams,
Big Mama runs through such familiar items as "Hound Dog," "Sometimes I Have a Heartache," "Sweet Little Angel," "Little Red Rooster," "Wade in the Water," and "Ball and Chain," turning in generally powerful performances. By and large, these don't necessarily rival her classic '50s recordings, but they are worth investigating if you're looking for something more. ~ Thom Owens