Featuring tracks John Lee Hooker recorded in the '50s but not released until 1962, Folk Blues is a rather average album in Hooker's vast catalog, but still a highly enjoyable piece. With Hooker's rhythmic drone-trance effect being used to perfection, cuts like "Half a Stranger," "Bad Boy," and "Down Child" are standout tracks. "Shake, Holler and Run," which bears more than a passing resemblance to "Shake, Rattle and Roll" and swings like the Big Joe Turner original, is another highlight, as are the feedback-drenched boogies "Baby I'm Gonna Miss You," "Rock House Boogie," and the classic "Gonna Boogie." Even straight-ahead blues numbers like "Let's Talk It Over" are included. Overall, a very listenable collection. ~ Matt Fink