Cyndi Lauper... Blues singer?

I couldn't stand Cyndi Lauper back in the '80s. She just kind of optimized the whole electric "pop" thing going on back then. I actually prided myself on not owning a single Cyndi Lauper album in those days. Then in the '90s, she started her acoustic phase. She became a bit more interesting to me, but I still wouldn't go out and buy a CD. Now, though, I'm taking a whole new look at her.

Her appearance earlier this year on The Apprentice with Charlie Musselwhite was unbelievable doing a rendition of the Little Walter song "Just Your Fool" ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhHV0gN9CGM ). Then today, I heard her do "Crossroads" with Jonny Lang on the Howard Stern Show ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-6HMTJo8Vo ). So tonight, I've done the unthinkable: I've downloaded Cyndi Lauper's new ablum, "Memphis Blues."

What a great release!

She has paired up with Musselwhite, BB King, Allen Toussaint, Jonny Lang, Kenny Brown, and Ann Peebles for what I think is a phenomenal blues album. Take a listen on iTunes or Amazon ( http://www.amazon.com/Memphis-Blues-Cyndi-Lauper/dp/B003HTPHSQ ).

I love it when long-time rock artists end where they should have started...