Various Artists - Life is a Problem... But Where There is Life There is Hope [Mississippi Records 3rd-Pressing 2008]

Like Smithsonian Folkways, Document, Vanguard, and countless less prominent labels, Mississippi Records has released a collection of rare, obscure, and wholly American music. The offerings here cover everything from straightforward gospel to swaggering slide guitar, soulful R&B, and gritty electric and country blues. Unlike many various artist compilations that have a narrower focus, the variety of styles is one of the strongest elements of this release.

The Willanette Singers' soulful "Pray on", stands in stark contrast to "Rock & Roll Sermon, pt 1 & pt 2" by Elder Charles Beck's, who while preaching the ills of the devil's music unconsciously delivers one hell of a rockin’ blues number. "Amazing Grace" by Oaklands Famous One Man Band is an emotive instrumental featuring only slide. The title track from Sister Ola Mae Terrel follows in a more traditional country blues style. The Crumb Brothers' "Seat in the Kingdom" has all the makings of a vintage soul/gospel classic a-la Ray Charles. "I Pound A Solid Rock" sounds like an Alan Lomax field recording, thrusted into the modern age by its distorted guitar and primitive percussion. The religious theme runs throughout, but each track comes with its own mood, atmosphere, and stylistic elements.

This vinyl-only LP was originally released in late 2007 and featured a bonus 7". The batch of 500 pressings flew off the shelves of the small, independently owned Portland record store, which doubles as a reissue label, and the records have started to bring at least twice their sticker price on the web. Currently in its third and final pressing Life Is A Problem… isn't easy to come by if you're browsing the local shop and just as difficult to keep in stock if you run one. It's a worthwhile addition to any gospel, soul, R&B, or blues collection. Though some titles and artist may be familiar to the seasoned collector or fan, the record can provide worthwhile stylistic insight into the roots of rock and R&B for the layman. Highly recommended. Happy hunting!

Ed Post-Mortem