Bullfrog Blues: A Raw Slice of 1977 Blues Magic
Alright, let’s talk about Bullfrog Blues by Various. This album is one of those hidden gems that doesn’t scream for attention but grabs you anyway. Released in 1977 on the Mamlish label (yeah, not exactly a household name), it’s got all the grit and soul you’d expect from a collection of Country Blues and Delta Blues tracks. And honestly, once you dive into it, it feels less like an album and more like sitting around some backwoods porch with folks who know how to pour their hearts out through six strings.
First off, big shoutout to the crew behind this thing—folks like Gayle Dean Wardlow and Stephen Calt dropping knowledge in the liner notes, Borden Elniff handling design duties, and Yellow Bee Studios making sure these tunes hit your ears just right. Oh, and Richard Wakefield’s painting? Adds that perfect dusty vibe to the whole package. Props to Laura Jeidel too for keeping the tech side tight. These little touches really make the record feel special.
Now, onto the music itself. You’ve got legends here—Bo Weavil Jackson, Walter "Buddy Boy" Hawkins, Sam Butler, William Harris—all bringing their own flavor to the mix. The vocals are raw, the guitar work is straight-up hypnotic, and every track has its own personality. But if I had to pick two songs that stuck with me, they’d be “Shaggy Dog Blues” and “Bullfrog Blues.”
“Shaggy Dog Blues” is one of those tracks that sneaks up on you. At first listen, it sounds simple enough—just a guy singing about life and maybe a dog or two—but there’s something in the delivery that gets under your skin. Maybe it’s Buddy Boy’s voice cracking ever so slightly at the end of each line, or the way his guitar seems to groan along with him. Whatever it is, it makes you stop scrolling TikTok mid-scroll and actually pay attention. It’s not flashy, but damn does it stick.
Then there’s the title track, “Bullyfrog Blues.” How could you not love a song called that? It’s playful yet grounded, with William Harris laying down some killer riffs while his vocals bounce between swagger and sorrow. There’s a moment where he stretches out the word “bullfrog,” and suddenly you’re picturing yourself knee-deep in a swamp somewhere, swatting mosquitoes and feeling oddly content. That’s the power of good blues—it takes you places without even trying.
Other standouts include “Why Do You Moan?” (which, fair warning, will probably get stuck in your head) and “When The Saints Go Marching In,” which gives the classic tune a fresh coat of Delta dust. Honestly, the whole album flows so well, it’s hard to pick favorites.
But here’s the kicker—listening to Bullfrog Blues isn’t just about enjoying great music; it’s about connecting with history. These guys weren’t chasing fame or Spotify streams—they were telling stories, plain and simple. And somehow, decades later, those stories still resonate. Makes you wonder what we’re missing in today’s overproduced playlists.
So yeah, give Bullfrog Blues a spin. It won’t change your life overnight, but it might remind you why people started making music in the first place. Plus, who wouldn’t want to brag about owning a piece of authentic 1977 blues gold? Just saying.
