The first title in the three-volume Library of Congress Recordings series of the titanic singer and 12-string guitarist, Midnight Special consists of recordings that date back to 1934. By then, the much-traveled, oft-jailed Huddie Leadbetter had assembled a repertoire that was laden with what would become signature Leadbelly tunes. Featured on this 15-track anthology are a couple of his most famous songs, including "Irene" (here presented in two versions) and "Midnight Special." The autobiographical "Governor O.K. Allen" (about the singer's plea for a pardon), the cocaine-inspired "Take a Whiff on Me," and the ballad "Careless Love" add to the appeal of this touchstone set. If you're interested in laying the groundwork of a Leadbelly collection, this is as good a place to start as any. --Steven Stolder
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