Headin’ For The Poorhouse: What To Do When Money Is Through? is another themed compilation from Bear Family Records. This one provides a selection of 40s, 50s and 60s recordings on the subject of money. As is the case with these albums, the genres include Rock and Roll, Rhythm & Blues, Country and Blues. Featuring a whopping 30 tracks, Is this worth picking up?

My Thoughts on this Release

The compilation begins on The Silhouettes’ Headin’ for the Poorhouse, for which the album takes its name. It introduces the topic nicely, in tone and lyrics. The selection is well-balanced, providing several well-known gems alongside rarer material that is a joy to discover. Its also not jarring in its hopping between genres. The subject is strong enough that it doesn’t feel random.

My highlights include Slim Harpo’s “I Need Money”, Glen Paul and The Sunset Wranglers’ “I’m Broke”, Faron Young’s “I’m A Poor Boy” and The Penguins’ “Money Talks” among others. Its also a joy to hear Carl Perkins in a more Country mode in “Poor Boy Blues”. The album includes two versions of Money Honey, and Money (That’s What I Want), a couple of standards represented as an original and a cover version; Yet another example of the balance.

The album ends on Al Terry with Rusty & Doug’s “Money”, a slow Country ballad with excellent harmonies.

Sound Quality

Bear Family Records has attempted to source the best-sounding copies of each recording. Some sound like they derive from a master recording, others appear to come from an original 45; The latter can produce less-than-ideal-sounding transfers, but it’s a wonder they survive at all!

An example is an early recording by Willie Nelson, which appears to have artefacts or tape dropouts present in the transfer. Given the rarity, it’s likely that much of the “qualities” present were down to the original equipment used. The same could be said for The Rebel Guys’ “Ain’t Got No Money”.

The great thing about these releases, is that these recordings are available in any form! If you’re someone who enjoys a deep dive into these genres, then you’ll be aware of the initial setbacks of such a venture that turn into a strength. Recordings such as The Blue Diamonds’ “No Money” have a vibe all their own.

A Little Something Extra…

The compilation CD is housed in a printed digipak with a 36-page booklet. As usual, on a lot of these releases, Bill Dahl provides detailed liner notes that shine a light on each artist. The context of the artist’s career is tied to the overall subject matter nicely. There are also rare photographs and illustrations.

Conclusion

The concept of this compilation starts at a relatable juncture. We’ve all experienced the ups and downs of money, and the opportunity to hear other perspectives is always welcome. When listening to these tracks, it makes you realise that everything sung about here is universal. Some recordings may sound a little old, but the subject matter beneath is as relevant as ever. By the end of my listening experience, I had “Money on My Mind”.

In addition, this is a nicely put-together compilation that manges to mix the known and the obscure. Bear Family Records’ talent for curating a selection that tackles the subject and provides a music education never ceases to amaze me. Headin’ For The Poorhouse is available to order from Bear Family Records

Tracklisting

The Sillhouettes – Headin’ For The Poorhouse
Clyde McPhatter and The Drifters – Money Honey
Johnny Ace – No Money
Slim Harpo – I Need Money (Keep Your Alibis)
Howard Crockett – Just A Poor Man
Glen Paul and The Sunset Wranglers – I’m Broke
Carl Perkins – Poor Boy Blues
Barrett Strong – Money (That’s What I Want)
Eugene Lee – Money Blues (If You Ain’t Got No Money)
Billy (Boy) Arnold – I Ain’t Got No Money
Dr. Clayton’s Buddy (Sunnyland Slim) – Broke And Hungry
Jimmy Whitherspoon with Jay McShann’s Orchestra – Drunk, Broke And Hungry
Faron Young – I’m A Poor Boy
Frankie Avalon – I’m Broke
Willie Nelson – No Dough
The Rebel Guys – Ain’t Got No Money
Carl Runner – No Money
Stonewall Jackson – Life Of A Poor Boy
Elvis Presley – Money Honey
Freddie Carpenter – Money, Money, Money
Jessie Knight And His Combo – Nothing But Money
The Blue Diamonds – No Money
The Penguins – Money Talks
The Louvin Brothers – Cash On The Barrel Head
Ted Daffan’s Texans (Vocal by Curly Borgen) – Got Money On My Mind
Cecil Moore and Ray’s Trio – My Money’s Gone
Arkie Shilbey – I’m A Poor Oakie
The ‘Great’ Gates – Ain’t Got No Money
The Miracles – Money (That’s What I Want)
Al Terry with Rusty & Doug – Money