Beach/Blues

Truth in concentrated form from the Excello vault....

Sigh. Here’s more of the new reality: The compilations we learned from and loved a few short years ago are fast disappearing. They’re being replaced by slightly less comprehensive versions, and playlists that catch most, but not all, of the curated content from significant labels like Excello.

This morning I spent way too long searching streaming platforms for thematic 2-volume Excello Records compilations issued by Rhino in 1989 — Sound of the Swamp and Southern Rhythm and Rock. They’ve got great Slim Harpo tracks, some gruff and enduring Lightnin’ Slim, and the track I most wanted to highlight: The spry pre-surf-rock classic “Congo Mombo” by Guitar Gable and the Musical Kings.

I’m relieved to report that it’s track 9 on the above anthology, credited just to Guitar Gable but sounding as fierce as ever. Happy Friday.