The Best of Friends - John Lee Hooker The premise behind this compilation is somewhat unusual: classic tracks, yes, but classic tracks recorded by John Lee Hooker... and friends. Charles Brown, Eric Clapton, Ry Cooder, Los Lobos, and Bonnie Raitt are only some of the performers who appear here, and the tracks, selected from recordings made by the prolific guitarist since 1988, show that Hooker hasn't lost his touch. Among the highlights, there's a smokin' duet with Raitt on "I'm in the Mood," a rendition of "Boom Boom" with a guest appearance from Jimmie Vaughan, and a reprise of Hooker's 1956 hit "Dimples" with Los Lobos backing up. Mention must also be made of the lone solo track on this CD, the acoustic "Tupelo," which hearkens to Hooker's Delta blues roots. There are also three previously unreleased tracks, which are probably the real reason to get this compilation. - Genevieve Williams

1 Boogie Chillen - Eric Clapton
2 This Is Hip - Ry Cooder
3 The Healer
4 I Cover the Waterfront - Van Morrison
5 Boom Boom - Jimmie Vaughan
6 I'm in the Mood - Bonnie Raitt
7 Burnin' Hell - Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite
8 Tupelo
9 Baby Lee - Robert Cray
10 Dimples - los Lobos
11 Chill Out (Things Gonna Change) - Carlos Santana
12 Big Legs Tight Skirt - Ike Turner, Ry Cooder
13 Don't Look Back - Van Morrison