The late Junior Wells really was a kid (in blues terms, at least) when he recorded these titles early in his career. They"re firmly in the mold set by the guys across town at Chess. Quite often, Wells is dwarfed by guitarist Earl Hooker, whose delightful pinched tone and airy lines are all over most of these titles, "Universal Rock" in particular. Other highlights include the original version of Wells"s theme song "Messin" with the Kid," the blues standard "It Hurts Me Too," and a blasting instrumental "Calling All Blues." Gesturing vainly toward rock & roll radio, Junior cut "I Need Me a Car," but, as he soon discovered, he was on safer ground with bar blues. --Colin EscottCOLIN ESCOTT