"I Ain't Superstitious" is a song written by bluesman Willie Dixon and first recorded by Howlin' Wolf in 1961.[1] It recounts various superstitions, including that of a black cat crossing the pathway. The song has been recorded by a variety of artists, including Megadeth and Jeff Beck, whose version has been acknowledged by Rolling Stone magazine.
[edit] Original song
"I Ain't Superstitious" is a mid-tempo stop-time blues song that does not follow the typical chord progression.[2] The song "is not merely an electric version of the blues practiced in the Delta; it is something wholly new, a more aggressive and sophisticated Chicago cousin that acknowledges contemporary jazz, R&B, and pop forms".[3]
Backing Wolf (vocal and guitar) are Henry Gray (piano), Hubert Sumlin and Jimmy Rogers (guitars), Sam Lay (drums), and Willie Dixon (upright bass).[1] "I Ain't Superstitious" is included on several Howlin' Wolf compilation albums, including the 1969 Chess album Evil.
[edit] Jeff Beck version
English rock guitarist Jeff Beck recorded "I Ain't Superstitious" for the 1968 debut album Truth by the Jeff Beck Group, featuring Rod Stewart on vocals. Called "a well-known classic-rock-radio staple",[3] Beck's version is "an inventive and inspired recording that manages to inject even more power into the updated arrangement".[3] The song's prominent feature is Beck's guitar work. "At every break, Beck's aqueous wah-wah tone makes his instrument sound like it's talking".[4] Jeff Beck's version was ranked #86 on Rolling Stone's list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time".[4]
[edit] Other versions
"I Ain't Superstitious" has been recorded by numerous artists, including Megadeth, George Lynch, The Upholsterers (Jack White's original band), Tesla, The Grateful Dead, and The Yardbirds. The song's author Willie Dixon recorded it for his 1970 album I Am The Blues. Carlos Santana covered the song for his 2010 solo album Guitar Heaven: The Greatest Guitar Classics of All Time, with Jonny Lang on lead vocals.
[edit] Notes and references
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