Customer Reviews
Hotter Than Houston In August 
2008-07-04
Some of the tracks on this splendid, reasonably priced 2 CD-set could peel paint off road signs. Self-taught, unable to read a note of music, Stevie Ray Vaughan displays technical virtuosity that at times seems almost Faustian, it's hard to believe that what you're hearing is even possible. Most of all, SRV is a complete Texas blues package, his singing is excellent, his command of the blues idiom so total one imagines he must have dreamt blues as well as lived them - everything works, right down to the outfits and soul patch.
In a sense, SRV was the brightest hope of a next generation of blues masters. He picked his idols wisely, patterning himself after Albert King, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, among others. However, there are also strong rock overtones here, most notably the influence of Hendrix who he clearly worshipped. The several Hendrix covers attest to this - they are actually not the best parts of this effort although Little Wing in marvelous. The others prove that SRV could recreate the Hendrix sound - which in itself is an amazing achievement - but add nothing new.
SRV was discovered by legendary virtuoso Johnny Winter, who retains the title of Texas blues heavyweight, and also frequently crossed over to rock. There will be those who will claim SRV outstrips Winter, I can't agree, but I would say they belong in the same sentence. In life, Vaughan was unable to outlive irony. Decades of chronic drug and alcohol abuse took him to death's door where he made the decision to get clean. He did, and was enjoying success as a sober man, only to die in a helicopter crash. It's a tragic story, but he certainly left us with some incendiary, thoroughly satisfying music. I guess that really is why they call it the blues. Highly recommended.
Great Album 2008-02-15
This album is a must own for any one who enjoys anything by SRV. There is a reason they called it the essentials!
Unparalleled 2008-01-14
There's just nobody else out there that can do it like Vaughan. This is a great sampling of his recordings, too, and makes a good starting point for those just getting into Vaughan's music.
Aptly titled. 2007-12-30
The title says it all, "Essential". SRV will be missed by anyone who marvels at guitar magic. The music on this album is a huge cross section of Stevie Ray's work, and there are some real wonders here. I've even discovered a new favorite and my wife has become a fan too. Anyone who appreciates fantastic guitar work will love this album. Enjoy.
if your only gonna buy one cd 2007-09-23
hey srv fans if your only looking to buy one cd and this is the one. it does a pretty good job of summing up the 4 studio albums and live album he released during his life it even includes tracks from his posthumous album that was released after his death and some tracks he recorded with his brother.i know all fans have personal fav. they would have liked to see make it but thats just how these things go. so whether your looking for a good retrospective or are just a casual fan looking to dig a little deeper this is the set for you. also of intrests for fans looking for extra live or unreales tracks is the 3cd srv box set
Disappointing Quality - Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan 
2007-09-23
There are several reviews for other SRV best hits disc compilations on Amazon (e.g., The Real Deal I and II compilations which are two separate discs) having reviews that suggest buying The Essential SRV & DT compilation instead because it is less expensive (that's true) and apparently at one time had more tracks than The Real Deal I and II (that's no longer true, both sets have 33 tracks total). So I followed the advice of the reviews and purchased The Essential SRV & DT two disc set instead. After listening to this set, I noticed on Shake for Me (track 1) there is a dropout in the audio from time 2:03-2:06 minutes during the track. And on Pride & Joy (track 4), one of his most popular hits, there is a fluttering sound audible at many times during the track, reminding me of the sound of a grasshopper rubbing its wings during summer mating season. And on the live take of Superstition (track 8 on the second disc) the snare drum is pushed way past headroom and consequently has a distorted sound throughout the entire track which was obviously not intended by the musicians. I would say that the poor recordings of Pride & Joy, and Superstition, are enough to make me want to return this set and purchase The Real Deal I and II discs instead, even though it would cost about $10 more for those two seperate discs versus this dual disc set. The Essential SRV & DT compilation is produced under the EPIC/Legacy label, while The Real Deal I & II appear to be under the Sony label. Hopefully the Sony productions are better quality recordings. Both sets have the same number of tracks but differ in that two songs are completely different, and also The Essential SRV & DT has several more live versions of the songs in common between the two compilations. Regarding the two tracks that differ, The Essential SRV & DT compilation has the instrumental "Little Wing" and the song "Long Way from Home" which are not on the Sony compilations. The Sony compilations The Real Deal I and II have the songs "Aint gonna give up on your Love" and "Pipeline" which are not present in the Epic compilation. Hope this helpful.
Can't get much better than this 2007-07-09
Purists will decry missing songs, but you can't complain about this collection of great songs. Stevie and DT have a timeless quality to their music that lets you listen to them over and over and not get tired of it. If you've only heard a few of their songs on the radio, you owe it to yourself to try the others -- you won't regret it.
a bargin 
2007-05-16
The album is exactly what I expected from the artist simply awesome. The vocals and strings are soulful. You'll listen to it over and over.
The Essential Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble 
2007-05-13
Too much Stevie Ray for me. I loved Crossfire but not much more will make my playlists unless I open a rib joint and play hm for background. The quality of recording could have also been better
Introducing Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. 2007-04-28
I think this is a very thorough Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble CD, spanning Stevie's entire career. Every song is good, including many studio hits and fan favorites, as well as a few live cuts. My personal favorites are: "Love Struck Baby", "Pride & Joy", "Mary Had A Little Lamb", "Scuttle Buttin'", "Couldn't Stand The Weather", "Cold Shot", "Empty Arms", "Say What!", "Life Without You", "Little Wing", "Leave My Girl Alone", "The House Is Rockin'", "Crossfire", "Tightrope", "Wall Of Denial", "Riviera Paradise", "Telephone Song", and "Long Way From Home". There are a few others that I would have liked to have on here, but I think that these tunes are "essential", timeless classics, effectively showcasing Stevie's talent and charisma, and are a good start for someone new to his music.
