Curated and compiled by
the Rolling Stones in conjunction with BMG and Universal, the double-disc collection
Confessin' the Blues is designed as a benefit for Willie Dixon's Blues Heaven Foundation, but for most listeners it'll be an excellent primer on the blues. The 42-track collection leans heavily on electric blues, particularly blues that came out of Chicago, but that's not a big surprise coming from
the Stones. Then again,
Confessin' the Blues isn't meant to surprise, nor is it designed for blues connoisseurs. Instead, it's a way of spreading the gospel of
Muddy Waters,
Howlin' Wolf,
Little Walter,
Slim Harpo,
Magic Sam,
Jimmy Reed, and
Robert Johnson, along with several other names of that caliber. For neophytes, this thoughtful collection of blues giants is bound to spark a long love affair with the blues.