Rollin’ and Tumblin’ – Electric Blues 1965–1971 (3CD Box Set Review)
Hi, Phil Aston here from Now Spinning Magazine.
In this episode, we’re diving into a fantastic 3CD collection from Cherry Red’s Strawberry label – Rollin’ and Tumblin’ – American Electric Blues 1965–1971.
At first glance, you might think: “Do I really need another compilation? Isn’t this all on streaming anyway?” But this set proves exactly why physical releases like this matter. The sequencing, the mastering, and the sheer amount of music packed in here make it a joy to explore. And crucially, many of these tracks are not available on streaming platforms.
What’s Inside the Box
This clamshell set contains three discs brimming with classic and deep-cut blues from a pivotal era, when electric blues was spilling over into rock, soul, and psychedelia. It also comes with a superb booklet—full of essays, track-by-track notes, photos, and memorabilia—that acts as a rabbit hole for further musical discoveries.
Here are just some of the highlights:
Disc One: Howlin’ Wolf, Bo Diddley, Slim Harpo, Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Junior Wells, Otis Redding, Buddy Guy, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Dion, Booker T & The MGs, John Lee Hooker, Albert Collins, The Everly Brothers, Captain Beefheart.
Disc Two: Blue Cheer, Quicksilver Messenger Service, J. Geils Band, Steppenwolf, James Gang, Taj Mahal, Electric Flag, Johnny Winter, Wilson Pickett, Allman Brothers, Aretha Franklin, Ry Cooder, Freddy King, King Curtis, Buddy Miles.
Disc Three: Muddy Waters, Canned Heat, Mike Bloomfield & Al Kooper (from the legendary Super Session), MC5, Big Brother & The Holding Company, Etta James, Dr. John, ZZ Top, Chairmen of the Board, and of course BB King’s immortal The Thrill Is Gone.
That last one is particularly essential—strings woven into the blues, a landmark moment, and a perfect closer for a set called Rollin’ and Tumblin’.
Why This Works
The beauty of these Strawberry/Cherry Red compilations is in their curation. Yes, you’ll find well-known classics, but you’ll also stumble across tracks you’ve never heard before—or rediscover ones you may have overlooked. The sequencing makes it flow like a proper listening experience, rather than just a random shuffle of tracks.
The booklet is another reason to pick this up. Each song gets its own little write-up, with background details and insights that make you want to go deeper. Before you know it, you’re down another rabbit hole, searching for a Bloomfield solo album or that elusive Paul Butterfield record. That’s the joy of collecting and discovering music through physical media—it expands your world rather than narrowing it.
Sound Quality
The mastering (by Alec Palao) is excellent. The recordings sound full, dynamic, and alive—this isn’t just a history lesson, it’s music that breathes.
Final Thoughts
For around £25–£30, you’re getting three packed discs, a beautifully produced booklet, and hours of musical exploration. Rollin’ and Tumblin’ isn’t just a compilation—it’s a gateway to an era, and a reminder of how the electric blues powered much of what we love about rock music today.
If you love physical media, curated box sets, and discovering gems beyond the obvious hits, this one is highly recommended.
As I always say: music is the healer and the doctor. Keep spinning those discs!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
