Protest, resentment, despair. Well, it's the blues after all. But frequently the message is expressed with wit and humour, so that the object of the various barbs would have no idea who or what was being criticised. Occasionally, as with both the Mississippi Sheiks and the Memphis Jug Band - who complained about police corruption - the sentiments were unambiguous. And, as it happens, never so relevant as today. But these tracks were cut primarily as entertainment - the musicianship and wordplay is generally stunning. Listen for that reason. The sociology's a bonus. Tracklist: CD A: 1.Jail Bird Love Song: MISSISSIPPI SHEIKS 2.No Job Blues: RAMBLINÆ THOMAS 3.Down In The Bottom Where I Stay: OZIE McPHERSON 4.Gut Struggle: WILMER DAVIS 5.Trouble And Whiskey: ROOSEVELT SYKES 6.Raise R-U-K-U-S Tonight: NORFOLK JUBILEE SINGERS 7.Raise A R-U-K-U-S Tonight: BIRMINGHAM JUBILEE SINGERS 8.LandladyÆs Footsteps: MADLYN DAVIS 9.Get On Board: CLARA SMITH 10.IÆm GoinÆ Home: CHARLEY PATTON 11.