Albert released some wonderful albums during his career-- the best of which were recorded during his contract with Stax Records. The Berkeley-based label, Fantasy Records, bought out Stax in the Nineties and has since unearthed some wonderful previously unreleased recordings. The Music Archive recommends the following releases:

Most of Albert King's records were released on Stax, Tomato, or Fantasy (who bought the Stax catalog). Stax is, of course, famous for releasing all kinds of wonderful soul music: Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, The Staple Singers, and many others. Born Under a Bad Sign is my favorite of all of Albert's studio work (and one of my favorite blues records of all time). This recording is simply a gem! The fact that the Stax records house band, Booker T. and the MG's, are the backup support only makes this record even better! Booker & Company also lend their hand to King of the Blues Guitar, a compilation that features some of King's best work from his 1966-68 Stax period-- including the great blues single "As the Years Go Passing By." I'll Play the Blues for You [Stax] is worth getting for a chance to hear the two part "I'll Play the Blues For You," a song that was always great to hear him play live.

Live Wire/Blues Power was originally released on Stax Records in 1968. The tracks were culled from two nights (June 26 & 27, 1968) at the famous Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. After Fantasy Records took over Stax in the early Nineties, they went through the old master recording and released two more discs worth of material from these same shows-- one disc to cover each night. Both Wednesday Night in San Francisco and Thursday Night in San Francisco are essential evidence for any case that might be mounted to prove the greatness of King's playing on the stage. Don't pass these releases by!

Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA, USA 30 AUG 72
Wonderful show that appears to come from a soundboard recording. Albert lets loose on "I'll Play the Blues for You" and "Killing Floor."
SETLIST: Got To Be Some Changes Made, I'll Play the Blues for You, Killing Floor, Angel of Mercy, Matchbox Blues, Watermelon Man, Breaking Up Somebody's Home, Stormy Monday Blues

Montreux Jazz Festival
Casino de Montreux, Switzerland 12 JUL 75
This is either a radio broadcast or a soundboard. Nice, long, healthy set by Albert that will leave you wishing there was even more. Highlights include "As the Years Go Passing By" and "Blues at Sunrise."
SETLIST: Intro, Don't Burn Down the Bridge ('Cause You Might Want to Come Back Across), Blues at Sunrise, That's What the Blues Is All About, As the Years Go By, ??, I'll Play the Blues for You, Stormy Monday, Kansas City Blues, I'm Gonna Call You As Soon As the Sun Goes Down, Sometimes I Wonder, ??-> 3 O'Clock in the Morning-> Someday Baby

San Francisco Blues Festival
Great Meadow at Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA, USA 16 SEP 86
I was fortunate to see this show. One of the main highlights of this show is the surprise guest appearance by Carlos Santana. Albert redefines Elmore James' "The Sky is Crying." Carlos and Albert trade some very tasty licks on "I'll Play the Blues For You) As far as I know, this show only circulates as an audience recording (with average sound quality), but it is well worth tracking down. [*w/ Carlos Santana]
SETLIST: You're So Mean to Me, The Sky is Cryin', Flood in California, I'm Standing in a Phone Booth, ??, *I'll Play the Blues for You, *??

Chicago Blues Festival
Grant Park, Chicago, IL, USA 11 JUN 88
A very nice FM broadcast that offers a good taste of what Albert was up to a year or so before he passed away.
SETLIST: You're So Mean to Me, The Sky is Cryin', ??, Born Under a Bad Sign, ??, Cadillac Assembly Line, ??, I'll Play the Blues for You