Albert Collins - Truckin With Albert Collins (Reissue) (1965/1991)

One of the coolest things about the Iceman was his guitar lines; his clean, clear style suggested that it was impossible for him to put a note wrong. Truckin' with Albert Collins, a mostly instrumental collection of recordings from the early '60s (originally released as The Cool Sound of Albert Collins in 1965) is an early example of that icy-smooth playing, unhindered by vocals (the one exception is the slow blues "Dyin' Flu"). Take a gander at the titles, for starters: "Frosty," "Frostbite," "Thaw Out," "Don't Lose Your Cool," "Shiver 'N Shake," and more--one senses a trend, here. Many of these songs became signature Collins tunes, including "Sno-Cone" and the aforementioned "Frostbite." The backing band, which includes alto and tenor sax, trumpet, and organ, and includes elements of R&B, jazz, and rock, provides a warm contrast to Collins's guitar, making his guitar work stand out even more. Small wonder that he came to be known as the Master of the Telecaster. (Genevieve Williams)