kudzurunner
118 posts
Oct 02, 2008
10:55 AM
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As some of you know, I'm on sabbatical from my job at the University of Mississippi this year and am engaged on a research project: a comprehensive look at the devil-figure in blues music, blues literature, and blues culture more generally.
Yes, of course Robert Johnson is part of what I'm doing, but he's actually a fairly small part. One thing I'm trying to do, in fact, is de-center him--so that, for example, we pay somewhat more attention to the six songs that Bessie Smith recorded in which the Devil is invoked quite a bit more vividly than the one song in which RJ invokes him.
I've accumulated more than 120 blues songs on my laptop in which the devil, or hell as a place, is invoked. But I'm sure I'm missing a few.
I've used iTunes, Amazon, and a half dozen more traditional research tools to dredge up these songs, the great majority of which date from 1960 or earlier.
I'm interested, in any case, in filling in the gaps. I'm not that strong on devil-songs issued since 1960s, for example. So I'll be grateful for any and all song titles you might care to post here. (Or you may email me directly: asgussow@aol.com). Although rock and country aren't really part of this project, you should feel free to suggest relevant tunes in those idioms. Yes, I DO already know about Charlie Daniels' song about the devil down in Georgia.
I'm very interested in contributions from outside the USA. If a Polish or Hong Kong or Chilean blues band has named itself after Robert Johnson or "the crossroads," I'd love to know that.
yours from the crossroads,
Adam
Last Edited by on Oct 02, 2008 10:57 AM
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Bb
25 posts
Oct 02, 2008
12:42 PM
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It may not be a direct path to "The Debbil", but this link may relate or be a good jumping-off point. It's about Hoodoo practice and the blues. One might think dark forces are at work with this :^).
I carry a mojo and have convinced myself that it gives me a performance edge. Silly, but true.
I love all the "Deal with the Devil" mythology and would be very interested to read what comes out of your project.
-Bob
http://www.luckymojo.com/blues.html
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superchucker77
77 posts
Oct 02, 2008
1:15 PM
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There is a very good song called "Devil Take My Soul" by Benjamin Darvel aka Son of Dave.
Here are some links to it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJkE4yIN77U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50xMHe0BlQ0
Hope this helps.
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Bobbyred16
23 posts
Oct 02, 2008
2:17 PM
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Adam,
Paul Rishell and Annie Raines do two songs referencing the devil on the Album "Want you to Know" Track 5 is Nothin' but the devil (by Jerry West) and Track 12 is the Otis Spann classic "Must have been the devil".
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gene
12 posts
Oct 02, 2008
2:38 PM
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This ain't quite what you're lookin' for, but I just wanna toss it in 'cuz it's unique:
From Tom Waits' "Heart Attack & Vine":
"There ain't no devil; there's just God when He's drunk."
Last Edited by on Oct 02, 2008 2:50 PM
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eharp
94 posts
Oct 02, 2008
2:39 PM
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guy davis
i got the power on the "call down the thunder" cd
devil went down to georgia - charlie daniels(?)
devil with the blue dress - mithch ryder (rock and i aint sure if it is an original)
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kudzurunner
119 posts
Oct 02, 2008
2:48 PM
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Thanks everybody! This is exactly the stuff I'm looking for.
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Kaining
2 posts
Oct 02, 2008
3:07 PM
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"There is a very good song called "Devil Take My Soul" by Benjamin Darvel aka Son of Dave. "
Don't forget to mention that the next track on the album where "Devil Take My Soul" was released is his version of Robert Johnson "Crossroad Blues"
I can't find on youtube thougt :(
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bluemoose
19 posts
Oct 02, 2008
3:13 PM
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TOO POOR TO DIE
Louisiana Red aka Iverson Minter
Last night I had a dream
I dream I died
The undertaker came
To carry me for the ride
I couldn't afford a coffin
Embalmin' kinda high
I jumped off my death bed
Cause I too poor to die
I's in trouble
And I'll tell you the reason why
I'm just too poor people
I'm too poor to go lay down and die
I dream at the cemetery
I couldn't afford enough
To pay the gravediggers
To cover me up
It cost a lot of money
Cause they was union men
I guess before I die
I better think again
I'm in trouble
And I'll tell you the reason why
I'm just too poor people
I'm too poor to go lay down and die
Dream I met the devil
He is waitin' at the gate
Say "come on in Red
You ain't a minute late"
Said he lead me to his kingdom
Lead me by my arm
But he wouldn't move my body
Less I grease his palm
I's in trouble
And I'll tell you the reason why
I'm just too poor people
I'm too poor to go lay down and die
-- moose
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gene
13 posts
Oct 02, 2008
5:18 PM
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From Melissa Etheridge's "Bring Me Some Water"
My baby's got my heart
My baby's got my mind
But tonight sweet devil
Sweet devil's got my soul
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oldwailer
219 posts
Oct 02, 2008
7:48 PM
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Don't forget "The Devil Jumped The Black Man" by Lightnin Hopkins--one of my favorites of this genre. . .great back-up harp--a song about running! A natural for you, Adam!!
I-tunes has it. . .
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Philosofy
53 posts
Oct 02, 2008
8:48 PM
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Off the top of my head: Friend of the Devil by the Grateful Dead (but I prefer Lyle Lovett's version.)
Sympathy for the Devil (and the concert tragedy that happened during its performance would be good fodder.)
The movie "Crossroads" (NOT the Britny Spears one!) might give some good inspiration.
James Cotton has a song "Dealin with the Devil"
I'm sure your blues knowledge is better than mine, but I might be able to pull some pop or rock stuff for you.
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Ant138
34 posts
Oct 03, 2008
12:21 AM
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Try "Devil's Cadillac" by Watermelon Slim and the workers (2005).
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Philosofy
54 posts
Oct 03, 2008
7:38 PM
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Are there any ties between the blues' fascination with the devil and heavy metal's links with satanism?
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eharp
97 posts
Oct 04, 2008
4:57 AM
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if you recall, philosofy, the government did a "witch hunt" into heavy metal following the suicides of a few teens that were big listeners to heavy metal. it seems they government was trying to prove a direct correlation between that music and suicidal tendencies.
so listening to heavy metal will make you think of killing yourself; blues will make you think of playing a harmonica!
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eharp
98 posts
Oct 04, 2008
5:04 AM
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i was just thinking. adam is playing with fire here. if he comes across some secret plan the devil has going on, he is in jeopardy! maybe we should all keep in our prayers, send him some mojo and hire me as a full time bodyguard.
i have experience in this sort of thing. i will send my complete resume and references upon request. i have been sanctified by 2 popes and have an aunt who is a retired nun. and i also play harp and love the blues.
decisions need to be soon and monetary negotiations must be completed as quickly as possible.
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gene
15 posts
Oct 04, 2008
3:11 PM
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I don't think Adam has anything to worry about. Religion is just something that was created to control people through guilt and fear....And to make money. (There's more to it than that, but that's for a whole other website.)
There have been MANY people that share the same stories as those attributed to Jesus.
Horus, for example (Egypt, 3,000 B.C.) Was born of a virgin on December 25 with a star in the east followed by three kings. He began to teach at the age of 12, had 12 disciples and was baptized at the age of 30. He healed the sick, walked on water, was betrayed, was crucified and resurrected 3 days later.
Others with very similar stories are
Attis (Greece, 1200 B.C.)
Krishna (India, 900 B.C.)
Dionysus (Greece, 500 B.C.)
Mithra (Persia, 1200 B.C)
Howard Levy (Well, maybe someday...)
For more examples and details of these kinds of stories, and what they originally meant:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5547481422995115331
Last Edited by on Oct 04, 2008 5:24 PM
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Stéphan
3 posts
Oct 04, 2008
3:12 PM
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Hello Adam,
On the last album of Greg Zlap (Greg Szlapczynski) "Road Movie(s)" - sept 2008.
"Knocking On Devil's Door" (Ian Siegal / Greg Szlapczynski - Johan Dalgaard)
"The Harmonica, the Devil & the Chaplin Piano" (Greg Szlapczynski - Johan Dalgaard)
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mr_so&so
1 post
Oct 06, 2008
10:02 AM
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Perhaps a little off topic --- and maybe we could start a new thread on great blues literature --- but I recently found an original edition (early 1960's) of LeRoi Jones' "Blues People" in a used book store. It's the first book on blues by a black American. It's really more of a cultural history of black Americans using blues and jazz as the main theme throughout. There is some pretty interesting stuff on the conversion of slaves to Christianity, and the source of the idea of blues as the Devil's music. I'm pretty sure Adam is already familiar with this book, but others might like to track it down too.
Out of curiosity, I Googled LeRoi Jones, and he's had a long and, at times, infamous, career as a radical thinker and teacher.
Last Edited by on Oct 06, 2008 10:03 AM
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brian07
2 posts
Oct 09, 2008
9:17 AM
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Delta Moon - Blind Spot.
talks about the devil being there in his blind spot.
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mwe
Guest
Oct 09, 2008
10:06 AM
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"Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?" by Larry Norman. The song's title is based on a quote often wrongly attributed to Martin Luther.
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Guest
Guest
Oct 10, 2008
9:03 AM
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The Devil Is A Busy Man Sunnyland Slim ?
Is on iTunes
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bluemoose
22 posts
Oct 10, 2008
3:54 PM
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A search of my library came up with these, some may just
have 'devil' in one line, or be the same song with a
different title.
Devil in Disguise - Bobby Radcliffe - Universal Blues
Sleeping with the Devil - Carey Bell - Good Luck Man
Devil - Seigel-Schwall Band - Reunion Concert
Devil at your Doorstep - Floyd Lee - Mean Blues
Devil Child - Kenny Neal - Mean Blues
Devil in Mind - Hitmans Blues Band
Devil in My Whiskey - Kingsnakes - Ultrasound
Devil Women - Sugar Blue - Paris Blues
Don't Let the Devil Ride - Corey Harris - Downhome Sophisicate
Dream About the Devil - Long John Hunter - Ride with Me
I Thought I heard the Devil - Walter Trout - Livin'EveryDay
I'm Gonna Miss you like the Devil - Ron Hacker & the Hacksaws - Back Door Man
Life's Devil Ride - Julian Sas - 2000 for the Lost and Found
Nothing But the Devil - Lazy Lester - All Over You
She a Devil - Pat Boyack & the Prowlers - Breakin In
Take the Devil by the Horns - Nanette Workman - Roots & Blues
To the Devil For a Dime - Tinsley Ellis - Storm Warning
Waiting on the Devil - The Steepwater Band - Dharmakaya
moose.
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OEuropean
14 posts
Oct 12, 2008
6:50 AM
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The devil was a (or the) central theme in the music of the outstanding blues guitarist John Campbell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Campbell_(blues_guitarist)
see for example
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fghLRH1qScE&feature=related
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Jamie
1 post
Oct 16, 2008
2:10 PM
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Cephas and Wiggins
"Dog Days of August", 1992
"Dog Days of August, and the devil is beating his wife..."
Jamie
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Fred S
Guest
Oct 17, 2008
3:45 PM
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"Devil" by Corky Siegel on "The Siegel-Schwall Band" (WNS-1002)
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Anonymous
Guest
Oct 19, 2008
1:55 AM
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Hi Adam
Heard ages ago (last century to be exact) Curtis Mayfield sing at Montreux Jazz Festival (1990?) 'Don't worry' in which the end sounds like:
'...and if there's hell below
we all gonna go!'
I still got some rather poor recording of that song, in case you'd like to listen to it, I could mail it...
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Anonymous
Guest
Oct 19, 2008
1:55 AM
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Hi Adam
Heard ages ago (last century to be exact) Curtis Mayfield sing at Montreux Jazz Festival (1990?) 'Don't worry' in which the end sounds like:
'...and if there's hell below
we all gonna go!'
I still got some rather poor recording of that song, in case you'd like to listen to it, I could mail it...
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Philosofy
72 posts
Oct 22, 2008
7:32 AM
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Adam, why do you need us for this research? You played with Satan for years: just ask him! :)
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Alex
1 post
Oct 27, 2008
6:06 AM
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Hi guys,
I've just found a website by accident with a list of songs or records that conatains devil inside.
http://blues.about.com/od/earlybluesessentials/tp/DevilMusic.htm
Regards
Alex
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MrVerylongusername
15 posts
Oct 27, 2008
1:36 PM
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I'm pretty sure that the Devil at the Crossroads myth has its roots in the Yoruban (W.Africa) deity Elegud / Legua who is characterised as both a trickster with many disguises and a teacher. For a price, Legua will take your wishes wish to the Gods who can grant them. Legua is also linked, both literally and figuratively to the crossroads. It is a short evolutionary hop from Yaruban Legua, to Voodoo (Papa Legba) and then the Christian devil.
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LittleJoeSamson
72 posts
Oct 27, 2008
7:23 PM
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Not aware of who the artist was, but very early comedy record, "Cohen on the Telephone" had some devil references.
Prolly 1920's...maybe earlier.
LJS
Anecdotally, I did a cartoon of the devil at the crossroads with an accordian player. Devil: "I'm sorry. I don't do accordians. They're their own personal hell. "
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kudzurunner
150 posts
Oct 27, 2008
7:48 PM
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Thanks to all. In case you're curious, here are the first few titles on my 120+ song songlist:
Are You Bound for Heaven or Hell? 3:03 Reverend J.M. Gates
Blue Devil Blues 3:24 Texas Alexander
Blue Spirit Blues 2:55 Bessie Smith
Boogaboo 3:19 Jelly Roll Morton
Burnin' Hell 2:42 John Lee Hooker
Busy Devil 3:16 Bumble Bee Slim
The Cats Got the Measles 3:03 Papa Charlie Jackson
Chased Old Satah Through the Door 2:54 Woodie Brothers
Dealing With the Devil 3:36 James Cotton
Death Sting Me Blues 2:47 Sara Martin
Deep Down in the Ground 3:12 Sonny Boy Williamson [1]
The Devil and God Meet At Church 2:53 Rev. Emmett Dickinson
Devil And My Brown Blues 2:57 Bo Weavil Jackson
Devil and My Brown Blues 2:52 Sam Butler
The Devil Blues 2:54 Jazz Gillum
Devil Blues 3:04 Sylvester Weaver
Devil Child 3:14 Kenny Neal
Devil Dance Blues 3:06 Sippie Wallace
The Devil Gets His Due 2:16 Loretta Lynn
Devil Got My Woman 3:19 John Cephas & Phil Wiggins
Devil Got My Woman 5:15 Skip James
Devil Got My Woman 3:02 Skip James
The Devil Has Thrown Him Down 2:54 Sister Rosetta Tharpe
The Devil Has Thrown Him Down 2:47 Sister Rosetta Tharpe
DEVIL IN DISGUISE 3:43 LITTLE JOE BLUE'S
Devil In the Lion's Den 2:44 Sam Collins
Devil In the Woodpile 2:56 Gus Cannon & Noah Lewis
Devil In the Woodpile 2:58 Sleepy John Estes With Yank Rachell and Noah Lewis
A lot more where that came from. This list doesn't include all the suggestions you guys have offered, and I thank you for those. I just wanted you to get a sense of how massive the tradition actually is. Yes, Legba/Eshu is definitely a crossroads deity I'm thinking about, but the devil-in-the-blues-tradtion is so much more extensive than that.
My favorite song unearthed during my still-in-process researches is Big Bill Broonzy's "Hell Ain't But a Mile and a Quarter," also recorded by Red Mike. Download it today.
Last Edited by on Nov 16, 2008 4:30 AM
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Ruurd
Guest
Oct 28, 2008
1:57 AM
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And now for something completely different: Frank Zappa wrote a tune called "Titties and Beer" in which he tries to talk the Devil into regurgitating his girlfriend and sixpack that the Dark Lord swallowed earlier.It's on the Live in New York album. Hilarious.
Bye, Ruurd
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Ruurd
Guest
Oct 28, 2008
1:57 AM
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And now for something completely different: Frank Zappa wrote a tune called "Titties and Beer" in which he tries to talk the Devil into regurgitating his girlfriend and sixpack that the Dark Lord swallowed earlier.It's on the Live in New York album. Hilarious.
Bye, Ruurd
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Stéphan
5 posts
Nov 16, 2008
4:13 AM
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Hello,
I don't speack really good english but I eard "devil" / "crossroad" in this short song : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_tuqCy8FsQ
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DanP
12 posts
Nov 16, 2008
10:40 AM
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Robert Peebles- "Wicked Devil Blues" (Paramount Records from 1929); Roosevelt Sykes- "Devil's Island Gin Blues" ( RCA/Bluebird from 1933); Cedell Davis- "Shes got the Devil in Her"- from the Fat Possum album "Feel Like Doing Something Wrong" 1995; and Dave Edwards- "Done Sold my Soul to the Devil"( Decca Records from 1937). The last one is a country song with a heavy blues/jazz influence.
Last Edited by on Nov 16, 2008 10:57 AM
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gene
62 posts
Nov 16, 2008
1:33 PM
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Taken from two seperate posts, Adam said, "Although rock and country aren't really part of this project, you should feel free to suggest relevant tunes in those idioms....I just wanted you to get a sense of how massive the tradition actually is." So give 'em more, folks.
"Devils Daughter" by Uriah Heep.
"My Wild Love" by the Doors.
My wild love went ridin'
She rode all the day
She rode to the devil
And asked him to pay
The devil was wiser
It's time to repent
He asked her to give back
The money she spent....
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harmonicanick
64 posts
Nov 16, 2008
2:59 PM
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Adam,
When playing with Eddie Martin (uk)
his latest cd has a couple of devil inspired tracks ie. I think he's been ripped off..
'Contrary Mary' check out man
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TylerLannan
2 posts
Nov 19, 2008
9:46 PM
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there's a cool website called pandora.com which allows you to type in asong and it will pull up more like it. Try it with a couple of titles you already have and I'm sure you will get more of what you are looking for : )
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mr_so&so
5 posts
Nov 20, 2008
10:04 AM
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Tyler is on to something. I went to http://www.mudcat.org/ (a great site BTW) and used their lyrics search for "devil". Came up with 314 songs --- may not all be blues songs.
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Genesis
Guest
Nov 23, 2008
11:11 AM
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Hi Adam,
I think I can help you with your search on the devil.
I can put you in direct contact with her. I know, the Devil is actually a woman. And my ex-wife. Let me know if you are interested. I do suggest extreme caution though.
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bluesstruggler
4 posts
Nov 23, 2008
5:11 PM
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Adam,
I have a tune by Sonny Terry and Brownie Mcghee titled " The Devil's Gonna Get You " in regards to your topic about the devil in blues music, if you don't have it.
I can email you a copy if you would like... I would also like to take this time to thank you for all you have given...
This is kind of an Ironic place for it but the Bible says you will be Given to in the measure you have given, and you sir have given much!
Thank you,
Bluesstruggler
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GGiles
12 posts
Nov 24, 2008
4:50 AM
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.... HEY ... Don't forget your Devil Musical movies!!
Crossroads with Ralph "Karate Kid" Macchio
and Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny with Jack Black!
CLASSICS!!
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