*Blues

Muddy Waters, the undisputed king of Chicago blues, hit a string of highly successful albums in the late 70s. In between Hard Again and King Bee came in 1978 I'm Ready, a powerful blues record containing new material and classic reworks. Driving blues burners such as Willie Dixon's "I'm Ready" and "Rock Me" are varied by slow jams like "33 Years", "Hoochie Coochie Man" and "Screamin' And Cryin'". Muddy is clearly feeling alright with these song selections. Johnny Winter is taking care of the production duties, allowing I'm Ready to be a spontaneous outburst of pure bluesyness, with a lively feel.

The Chicago-based blues singer Muddy Waters has been in the business since the 1940s, influencing the 60s blues rock movement spearheaded by the Rolling Stones.
Recorded eight years after his last album After The Rain, Hard Again is Muddy Water's massive comeback album of 1977, opening up with the one song that cemented Muddy's place in Rock & Roll heaven: "Mannish Boy". Produced by Johnny Winter (whose ecstatic 'Yeah!'s can be heard on "Mannish Boy"), Hard Again features Muddy's trademark blues sound: rugged, raw and full of energy.
The rest of the album has similar qualities: blues harps, slide guitars and wailing vocals, it's all there. Music On Vinyl's 180 gram reissue is a no brainer for any record collection!