A package that definitely lives up to the title – as it presents the hardest-wailing work recorded by Memphis Slim in the postwar years – including plenty of cuts that were a huge influence on early rock and roll, and many that have him in more of an R&B mode than usua! Slim's records weren't always upbeat, but the cuts in this set definitely are – and include some killer cuts with his Houserockers group, and work from a young guitarist Matt Murphy too! As always with Bear Family, the presentation is wonderful – not just well-chosen cuts, but a great package overall – featuring 29 titles that include "Rockin The House", "Memphis Slim USA", "Pacemaker Boogie", "Wish Me Well", "Big Bertha", "Old Taylor", "Harlem Bound", "Back Alley", "Tia Juana", "She's Allright", and "Gotta Find My Baby". (Blues, Soul) CD