Purists and critics can argue interminably about what constitutes "real blues," but this double-disc compilation surely rules the roost in terms of range; it spans from the dawn of the commercial blues, 1920's "Crazy Blues" by Mamie Smith, all the way to Popa Chubby's 1995 version of "Palace of the King." Long historical overviews aside, Real Blues is an OK compilation of blues that tries to fit in as many artists as possible. It begins with near-definitive performances by the biggest of the big -- Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Bessie Smith, Lonnie Johnson, Willie Dixon, Leadbelly, and Mississippi John Hurt -- but spends much of the second program rummaging through second-rate blues crossovers by Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Tommy Emmanuel, Chris Whitley, and Kenny Lattimore. Yes, there are great performances from Jimmie Vaughan, the Allman Brothers Band, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds, but there are precious few blues fans who want a blues compilation with such a broad scope. Good for a curiosity piece. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide