VA - Putumayo Presents Blues Party (2016)

It’s ironic that a style of music whose very name is the definition of sorrow and suffering can make you feel so good. The blues was born out of the African-American experience, which has been shaped by a history of oppression, discrimination and poverty.

It’s no wonder, then, that the blues typically addresses the struggles of daily life, one in which being left by your lover and being broke are familiar themes. The tonal structure, singing style and lyrical content of traditional blues is the quintessential outlet for expressing deep, powerful and ultimately melancholy emotions.

This collection features some of our favorite upbeat blues cuts that turn pain into pleasure and sadness into celebration. They provide life lessons as well; sometimes the best way to deal with the devil is to laugh in its face, proving that nothing he throws in your path is going to keep you from letting the good times roll.