Swamp Music: The Complete Monument Recordings (2007)

"This overstuffed box not only includes White's 3 initial albums for Monument, but adds dozens of extra songs and outtakes, most of which have never been heard before, and includes a fourth disc of previously unreleased live and studio tracks. Even though the singer/songwriter/guitarist was signed to Monument in 1966 (both sides of his debut single are included), his first album was not recorded until 1969. By that time White had pretty much nailed his trademark swamp sound. The musky yet melodic songs and evocative lyrics married to White's baritone voice reveled in his scrappy Louisiana roots. His finest work effortlessly combined blues, country and folk. While others had worked similar territory, in particular Bobbie Gentry (her "Ode to Billy Joe" was a major inspiration), he infused a rock and R&B sensibility that drove the music with gritty authenticity and his "whomper stomper" wah-wah pedal. He produced his best material in the period covered here (1969-71)." (Hal Horowitz, Allmusic; 4,5 uit 5 sterren)