These three labels represent the earliest juke sides of Junior Wells recorded in Chicago. Sidemen on these sessions include Otis Spann, A.C. Reed, Syl Johnson, Popsy Dixon, Earl Hooker, and Jack Myers. While it's true there isn't anything here that quite touches Hoodoo Man Blues, these blues are raw, greasy, unfiltered, and passionate. Wells' vocals are strong throughout and the ensembles literally tear the roof off. What they may lack in finesse (thank goodness they lack some of it), they more than make up for in passion, honesty, and sheer guts. Get it. [Messin’ with the Kid is also available with eight extra tracks on the Japanese label P-Vine.]