Jimmy Reed’s Somethin Else: A Bluesy Love Letter to Chicago (and Maybe a Little Heartbreak Too)
Let’s cut to the chase: Jimmy Reed’s 1968 album Somethin Else isn’t just another blues record—it’s like a smoky bar on a rainy Tuesday night, where everyone’s got a story but no one’s in a hurry to leave. Released under Sunset Records, this gem of Chicago Blues feels as authentic as your grandma’s apple pie and twice as satisfying. With Reed handling most of the songwriting duties (props to him for that), the album is a low-key masterpiece that sneaks up on you when you least expect it.
Now, let me tell ya—this thing's got some bangers. Tracks like “Odds And Ends” and “You’re Something Else” are the kinds of tunes that stick in your head like gum under a diner table. Let’s break ‘em down real quick:
- “Odds And Ends”: This track hits hard because it's so dang relatable. Life’s messy, right? You’ve got loose ends everywhere, bills piling up, maybe even an ex who ghosted you after promising they’d call. Reed sings about all that chaos with this lazy-but-in-control groove that makes you wanna grab a beer and just... sit with it. The harmonica wails like it knows exactly how you feel, and by the end, you’re not mad anymore—you’re kinda grateful for the mess.
- “You’re Something Else”: Oh man, this one’s sly. It starts off sweet enough, but there’s this subtle swagger beneath the surface, like Reed’s tipping his hat while secretly roasting you. The guitar licks are smooth, almost too smooth, and his voice has that perfect mix of charm and mischief. By the time the song wraps, you realize he wasn’t paying you a compliment—he was calling you out. Sneaky bastard.
The production here is tight without being overdone, which is saying something for 1968. Credit goes to Woody Woodward for art direction and Gabor Halmos for design—they clearly knew what vibe they were going for. And shoutout to Ivan Nagy for snapping photos that probably smelled like cigarette smoke and regret. As for the other writers, Al Smith, Calvin Carter, and Ewart G. Abner Jr., they added their two cents here and there, but let’s face it: this is Jimmy Reed’s show from start to finish.
Other standout tracks include “Little Rain,” which feels like standing outside during a drizzle without an umbrella—it’s uncomfortable yet oddly comforting—and “Meet Me In Your Home Town,” which could double as a road trip anthem if you squint at it sideways. But honestly, every song on this album brings something special to the table, even the ones you forget five minutes later.
Here’s the kicker: listening to Somethin Else feels less like hearing music and more like eavesdropping on someone else’s life. It’s raw, unfiltered, and occasionally awkward—but isn’t that what makes blues great? At its core, this album reminds us that life’s full of odds and ends, little rains, and people who are… well, something else entirely.
So next time you’re feeling stuck or just need a soundtrack for staring out the window, give Somethin Else a spin. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself humming “You’re Something Else” while dodging responsibilities. After all, Jimmy Reed didn’t write these songs to make you productive—he wrote ‘em to keep you company.
