Trouble in Mind is the second album by the American musician Mance Lipscomb, released in 1961.[2][3] It was his only album for a major label.[4] Lipscomb promoted the album by playing various folk festivals.[5]

The songs were later released on various Arhoolie Records compilations.[6] Trouble in Mind was rereleased in 2003 with 13 additional tracks from the same recording sessions.[7]

Production

Recorded in Lipscomb's Texas home, the album was produced by Chris Strachwitz and Mack McCormick.[8] The pair had intended to record Lightnin' Hopkins, who was out of the state; Lipscomb was suggested, and they recorded him in Lipscomb's kitchen.[9] Lipscomb played many of the songs with a capo on the guitar neck.[10] Lipscomb did not appreciate having to record multiple versions of the songs, vowing that he was never again going to perform the title track.[11] The hopeful "Trouble in Mind" was a favorite of many mid-century acoustic blues musicians.[12][13]

Critical reception

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[7]
The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings	[14]

The Journal of American Folklore wrote that "this great Texas songster absorbed the hard blues and spirituals, the ballads and dance songs, and renders them in a rich, appealing understatement."[15]

No Depression wrote that "Lipscomb's picked, rhythmic style and grab-bag repertoire had a profound influence on pop artists."[8] AllMusic wrote that Trouble in Mind constitutes "Lipscomb and his acoustic guitar, affably picking and singing his way through an assortment of largely traditional material."[7] The Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings noted that "the separation of voice and guitar into different speakers is distracting," although it praised "Rocks and Gravel Makes a Solid Road".[14]

Track listing

References