This mix is raw, soulful, and dripping with attitude. Raggedy And Dirty is a statement. A collection of blues and funk anthems that hit deep, groove hard, and tell stories of struggle, triumph, and straight-up cool. From blistering guitar solos to basslines that shake your soul, these tracks don’t just play—they take over.
The Trip
Gritty riffs, deep grooves, and timeless anthems—this is the real sound of raw music.
Pack It Up – Freddie King
When it comes to Texas blues, Freddie King is royalty. His 1974 album “Burglar” blends blues with funk-driven energy, making it impossible to sit still. “Pack It Up” is an electrifying wake-up call, packed with sharp licks and King’s signature searing vocals. His influence stretched far beyond blues, inspiring the likes of Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan. If you haven’t cranked this one up yet, you’re missing out on a masterclass in groove-laden blues rock.
Why I Sing The Blues – B.B. King
Nobody lamented the blues quite like B.B. King, and this song explains exactly why. Off the 1969 album “Completely Well”, this track is a deep dive into hardship and history, told through Lucille’s wailing strings and King’s unmistakable voice. The song is as much a history lesson as it is a blues standard—soulful, raw, and endlessly relevant. No wonder King remained the undisputed ambassador of the blues until his final days.
Oh, Pretty Woman – Albert King
Released in 1969 on “Born Under a Bad Sign”, this tune proves that Albert King didn’t just play the blues—he bent it to his will. His biting, razor-sharp guitar tone and relaxed delivery set him apart. Unlike its Roy Orbison namesake, this “Pretty Woman” struts with a swagger that only Albert could conjure. His left-handed, upside-down guitar playing still leaves guitarists scratching their heads.
Shotgun Slim – Dyke & The Blazers
From the streets of Phoenix to the heart of the funk movement, Dyke & The Blazers brought raw, unfiltered energy. “Shotgun Slim”, a firecracker of a track, is pure groove with a dose of storytelling grit. Their 1969 album, “Funky Broadway”, is a blueprint for future funk icons. Without Dyke, James Brown wouldn’t have had much competition.
Stop The Pusher – Bo Diddley
Rebel, innovator, musical mad scientist—Bo Diddley broke every rule in the book. “Stop The Pusher”, off his 1972 album “Where It All Began”, is as gritty as it gets. With his signature rhythm and a defiant message, Bo takes aim at drug dealers and delivers one of the rawest anti-drug anthems ever recorded. This is the kind of track that cements legends.
It’s Getting Sweeter – Gregg Jolly
Mystery surrounds Gregg Jolly, but It’s “Getting Sweeter” is a funk-soul gem. This deep cut simmers with slick horns and an irresistible groove. It’s one of those tracks that crate diggers dream about, and its presence here is proof that lost treasures sometimes shine the brightest.
Baby Get Hip To Yourself – Little Johnnie Taylor
Often overshadowed by his namesake, Little Johnnie Taylor carved his own lane in the blues-soul crossover scene. “Baby Get Hip To Yourself ”is a funky sermon straight from his 1973 album “The Heart of the Blues is Sound”. It’s a warning, a dance track, and a showcase of Taylor’s smooth yet commanding voice. Pay attention—he knew what he was talking about.
Think People – Z.Z. Hill
Before the blues resurgence of the ’80s, Z.Z. Hill was keeping the soul-blues fire burning. “Think People” is socially charged yet deeply groovy. It’s a wake-up call wrapped in warm, honey-soaked vocals. His 1971 album “The Brand New Z.Z. Hill” showcased his gift for making serious themes sound effortlessly cool.
Funky Bitch – Son Seals
As raw as blues gets, Son Seals turned up the heat with “Funky Bitch”. Released in 1978, this track fuses fire-spitting guitar work with relentless energy. Seals never held back, and this song is proof—gritty, loud, and unapologetically funky.
Amos Moses – Jerry Reed
Country-funk? You better believe it. Jerry Reed was a guitar wizard, and Amos Moses is a swampy, foot-stomping anthem from his 1970 album “Georgia Sunshine”. It’s storytelling at its finest—dangerous, mischievous, and irresistibly catchy. If you haven’t heard this one, fix that now.
Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On – Big Maybelle
Before Jerry Lee Lewis lit his piano on fire, Big Maybelle was already shaking things up. Her deep, husky voice dominates this rock ‘n’ roll classic from 1955, proving that she was way ahead of her time. Power, presence, and attitude—she had it all.
Take Care Of Business – Nina Simone
Nobody did defiance like Nina Simone. “Take Care Of Business”, from her 1965 album “I Put A Spell On You”, is Simone at her fiercest. With a hypnotic rhythm and commanding delivery, this track is an anthem for anyone tired of excuses. Queen Nina never played by the rules.
Stagger Lee and Billy – Ike & Tina Turner
Tina’s fire. Ike’s grit. Together, Ike & Tina Turner turned “Stagger Lee and Billy” into a blues-rock explosion. Found on 1969’s “Outta Season”, this song reimagines a legendary folk tale with relentless energy and scorching vocals. Tina never just sang—she roared.
Son Of A Son Of A Slave – Larry Darnell
Blending blues with gospel and a touch of jazz, Larry Darnell was a powerhouse. “Son Of A Son Of A Slave” is a powerful, soulful exploration of heritage and hardship. His voice, soaked in emotion, makes every note resonate deeply. A forgotten gem that deserves recognition.
Raggedy And Dirty – Luther Allison
A bluesman’s bluesman, Luther Allison had a voice like thunder and a guitar to match. “Raggedy And Dirty”, off his 1974 album “Bad News Is Coming”, is pure electric blues fury. It’s hard, it’s raw, and it’s impossible to ignore.
Medley: Sissy Strut / Romp – The Elders
A funk explosion, this medley channels The Meters’ influence with high-energy precision. The Elders take “Sissy Strut and Romp” to new heights, keeping the groove locked tight and the rhythm section unstoppable.
You Don’t Miss Your Water – Lou Rawls
Smooth yet heart-wrenching, Lou Rawls transforms You Don’t Miss Your Water into a soul masterpiece. His velvet voice glides effortlessly over melancholic instrumentation, proving that sometimes, you don’t realize what you’ve lost until it’s gone.
The Playlist
- Pack It Up – Freddie King
- Why I Sing The Blues – B.B. King
- Oh, Pretty Woman – Albert King
- Shotgun Slim – Dyke & The Blazers
- Stop The Pusher – Bo Diddley
- It’s Getting Sweeter – Gregg Jolly
- Baby Get Hip To Yourself – Little Johnnie Taylor
- Think People – Z.Z. Hill
- Funky Bitch – Son Seals
- Amos Moses – Jerry Reed
- Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On – Big Maybelle
- Take Care Of Business – Nina Simone
- Stagger Lee and Billy – Ike & Tina Turner
- Son Of A Son Of A Slave – Larry Darnell
- Raggedy And Dirty – Luther Allison
- Medley: Sissy Strut / Romp – The Elders
- You Don’t Miss Your Water – Lou Rawls
Raggedy And Dirty. by Funkologie on Mixcloud
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Diving Duck Blues – A retrospective of all blues music I used to listen from teenager age until today.