American Primitive Vol. 1: Raw Pre-War Gospel (1926-36)

by Various Artists

American Primitive Vol. 1: Raw Pre-War Gospel (1926-36) cover art

Curated by John Fahey for his acclaimed Revenant label, this compilation unearths devastatingly raw, emotionally intense gospel and blues recordings from the pre-WWII era. Eschewing polished choral arrangements, the collection focuses on feral street evangelists and solitary guitarists preaching damnation and salvation. It is a chilling, culturally essential document of American religious music history.

Genres

  • Acoustic Blues
  • Traditional Black Gospel
  • Gospel

Tracklist

  1. I Believe I'll Go Back Home
  2. Down On Me
  3. Honey In The Rock
  4. I'm Gonna Cross The River Of Jordan Some O' These Days
  5. Oh Death
  6. You Better Quit Drinking Shine
  7. Been Listening All The Day
  8. Sinner You'll Need King Jesus
  9. This Time Another Year You May Be Gone
  10. Lord I'm The True Vine
  11. Woke Up This Morning
  12. Holy Mountain
  13. I Wouldn't Mind Dying (But I Gotta Go By Myself)
  14. Everybody Help The Boys Come Home
  15. Everybody Ought To Pray Sometime
  16. Tryin' To Get Home
  17. I'll Be Rested (When The Roll Is Called)
  18. I'm On My Way To The Kingdom Land
  19. Troubled 'bout My Soul
  20. When That Great Ship Went Down
  21. I Am In The Heavenly Way
  22. Good Lord (Run Old Jeremiah)
  23. Jesus Is Getting Us Ready For That Great Day
  24. I Believe I'll Go Back Home
  25. Prayer Of Death-part 1
  26. Prayer Of Death-part 2