Hotter Than Houston In August
Some of the tracks on this splendid, reasonably priced 2 CD-set could peel paint off road signs. Self-taught, unable to read a note of music, Stevie Ray Vaughan displays technical virtuosity that at times seems almost Faustian, it's hard to believe that what you're hearing is even possible. Most of all, SRV is a complete Texas blues package, his singing is excellent, his command of the blues idiom so total one imagines he must have dreamt blues as well as lived them - everything works, right down to the outfits and soul patch.

In a sense, SRV was the brightest hope of a next generation of blues masters. He picked his idols wisely, patterning himself after Albert King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, among others. However, there are also strong rock overtones here, most notably the influence of Hendrix who he clearly worshipped. The several Hendrix covers attest to this - they are actually not the best parts of this effort although Little Wing is marvelous. The others prove that SRV could recreate the Hendrix sound - which in itself is an amazing achievement - but add nothing new.

SRV was discovered by legendary virtuoso Johnny Winter, who retains the title of Texas blues heavyweight, and also frequently crossed over to rock. There will be those who will claim SRV outstrips Winter, I can't agree, but I would say they belong in the same sentence. In life, Vaughan was unable to outlive irony. Decades of chronic drug and alcohol abuse took him to death's door where he made the decision to get clean. He did, and was enjoying success as a sober man, only to die in a helicopter crash. It's a tragic story, but he certainly left us with some incendiary, thoroughly satisfying music. I guess that really is why they call it the blues. Highly recommended.

Great Album
This album is a must own for any one who enjoys anything by SRV. There is a reason they called it the essentials!

Unparalleled
There's just nobody else out there that can do it like Vaughan. This is a great sampling of his recordings, too, and makes a good starting point for those just getting into Vaughan's music.

Aptly titled.
The title says it all, "Essential". SRV will be missed by anyone who marvels at guitar magic. The music on this album is a huge cross section of Stevie Ray's work, and there are some real wonders here. I've even discovered a new favorite and my wife has become a fan too. Anyone who appreciates fantastic guitar work will love this album. Enjoy.

if your only gonna buy one cd
hey srv fans if your only looking to buy one cd and this is the one. it does a pretty good job of summing up the 4 studio albums and live album he released during his life it even includes tracks from his posthumous album that was released after his death and some tracks he recorded with his brother.i know all fans have personal fav. they would have liked to see make it but thats just how these things go. so whether your looking for a good retrospective or are just a casual fan looking to dig a little deeper this is the set for you. also of intrests for fans looking for extra live or unreales tracks is the 3cd srv box set