Vintage Rock 'n' Roll & Rockabilly - Bulletin November/ December 2009 - Freddy Cannon  -> Various Artists + Books + DVD
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BULLETIN - January/ February 2010
Vintage Rock 'n' Roll & Rockabilly
Freddy Cannon  -> Various Artists + Books + DVD
 

 
 

NEW BOOKS
 
THE DAY THE MUSIC DIED by Larry Lehmer ● BOOK $24.98
Paperback, 272 pages, counts as four CD for shipping, highly recommended
Absolutely fascinating book that takes an in depth look at that fateful all star rock 'n' roll tour that ended with the death of BUddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Big Bopper in a plane crash in the early morning of February 3, 2009. The music may not have died on that day but the death of one of the most creative musicians in the field, Buddy Holly, may have had an effect on the subsequent development of rock 'n' roll - which is not to take anything away from the tragedy of the death of the other two artists. Valens was still very young and had recorded very little so it's hard to know what the future held for him but what little he left behind certainly indicated a young man of remarkable talent who may have well had a major impact. The Big Bopper was an entertainer and showman and didn't really view himself as anything more. The author has spent many years researching the tragedy and after introductory profiles of the three musicians he discusses the events that led up to that tour and then goes day by day through the tour that criss crossed across Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa under grueling conditions with all the members of the tour in one bus that suffered several breakdowns and was without a heater for a period of time during one of the coldest winters in history in that part of the country. By the time the tour reached Clear Lake, Iowa the members of the tour were exhausted and morale was low and when the opportunity arose for three of them to fly to their next port of call in Moorhead, Minnesota and to arrive fresh rather than exhausted there was a lot of enthusiasm among the tour members. Buddy was the first to sign on and after some discussion Ritchie and The Big Bopper joined him and along with pilot Roger Peterson they took off shortly before 1:00 am on February 3rd - five minutes later the plane crashed into a field with the death of all aboard. Lehmer discusses the layout of the plane and the disposition of weight and it's possible effect on the crash and presents the official CAB report of the crash. He also discusses some of the theories (some of them pretty outlandish) about what really caused the crash and while he has an open mind it seems that the official report makes sense. The pilot had not been adequately informed as to how bad the weather conditions were and so immediately after takeoff had to rely on instruments. Although an experienced pilot he had done little night time flying by instrument and this confluence of factors resulted in the crash. The rest of the book discusses the aftermath of the crash, the completion of the tour, the effect on the families and the legacy of the performers. Lehmer provides a thrilling and immensely readable narrative and gives one a great deal of insight into how musicians were treated and marketed back in 50s. Whether or not you are a fan of any of the artists you will be sure to find this an absorbing read. (FS)

 
HOW THE BEATLES DESTROYED ROCK 'N' ROLL - An Alternative History Of American Popular Music by Elijah Wald ● BOOK $23.98
Hardback ,324 pages, highly recommended
Counts as six CDs for shipping. The provocative title already has people up in arms and will probably get this book a wider audience than it would under a different name. But before you Beatlemaniacs start sharpening your pitchforks, don't worry; his opinions on the mop-tops only make up a small amount of the focus of this tome. Wald freely admits being a fan of their early work, so calm down. What this basically is, is a richly detailed history of pop music, all pop music, starting with the likes of John Phillips Sousa, and covering huge stars in their days like Paul Whiteman, Al Jolson, Pat Boone, etc. that sold millions upon millions of records, but whose story is rarely told. This covers popular music, the music of the masses, and not just music that has weathered well through history, critically acclaimed and loved by modern music fans. This is American music, warts and all, and has virtually nothing to do with the Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, Howlin' Wolf or any other "great" artists whose stories have been told over and over again. This is a fascinating read, albeit academic and a bit dry at times, certainly not for everyone, but immensely worthy of attention. Kudos to Wald for tackling music history from such an obtuse angle, this is surely a book that will confuse many, but will definitely get people talking. (JM)

 
 

NEW DVD
 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Charly DVD 1026 Rock Around The Hits ● DVD $16.98
62 performances, 139 mins, highly recommended
While not every performance here is great this is a wonderful deal featuring 48 rock 'n' roll performances from the 50s and early 60s along with 14 performances from the 40s featuring the R&B and blues roots of rock 'n' roll. The first part of the program is drawn from TV shows, films and video jukeboxes - some of them I've seen many times before while others are new to me. Among the artists featured are Jerry Lee Lewis, Jackie Wilson, The Johnny Otis Show, The Diamonds, Bobby Vee, The Dell-Vikings (a great rendition of Jitterbug Mary), Bill Haley & His Comets, Charlie Gracie (he does his hit Butterfly with a guitar solo that hints at his prowess on the instrument), Buddy Knox, Carl Perkins (a terrific version of Matchbox from a 1956 Canadian TV show that looks unfamiliar to me), Bo Diddley (two fabulous performances), Ronnie Hawkins & The Hawks, Fats Domino, Bobby Darin, The Everly Brothers, Paul Anka, Sonny james, Frankie Avalon, Del Shannon, Little Anthony & The Imperials, Bobby Rydell, Ivory Joe Hunter and more. About a third of the performances are lip synched to records but the majority are live. Video and sound quality varies but is generally fine. But, wait, there's more. There are another 14 performances of mostly R&B and up tempo jazz from 40s soundies including Meade Lux Lewis, The Les Paul Trio, Louis Jordan, Dorothy Dandridge, The Deep River Boys, Duke Ellington Orchestra and others. The DVD menu navigation is clumsy so you may have to play around to get the second part of the DVD but it is there. The set even has a 16 page illustrated booklet with notes by Adama Komorowksi. Not perfect by any means but a lot of great music for little money and since each performance has it's own chapter you can skip Paul Anka, Frankie Avalon and Fabian if so inclined (I was!). (FS)

 

NEW COMPACT DISCS
 
FREDDY CANNON Shout Factory 31107 Boom Boom Rock 'n' Roll - The Best Of Freddy Cannon ● CD $15.98
24 tracks, 61 min., recommended?
You might see Freddy Cannon's music as good clean fun, full of enthusiasm, shouting, and loud noise. Good old time rock and roll. If so, you will be pleased to know that this release collects all 23 of Cannon's charted singles and tosses in a Tommy Boyce-Bobby Hart-penned single from 1965, Let Me Show You Where It's At. But for me, Cannon is much ado about very little. For while his stage name (he was born Frederick Anthony Picariello) and his nickname ("Boom Boom") testify to the explosive nature of Mr. Picariello's music, their testimony is largely perjured. With the possible exception of Cannon's first hit record, Tallahassee Lassie, the rest of his hits lack any trace of danger or sexuality or rebellion, which are the foundation of rock and roll. (Maybe that's why that clean cut Dick Clark, unsullied by his questionable actions during the payola scandal, invited Cannon to perform on American Bandstand 110 times!) Contrived excitement. Even Buzz Buzz A-Diddle-It, which begins with promisingly dirty guitar, shines itself into a pale Bo Diddley reflection. Some of the songs (Muskrat Ramble/ For Me And My Gal) are not even rock 'n' roll. Too safe to take a chance on, but a sure thing if you're a Freddy Cannon believer. (JC)

 
BILLY FURY Castle CMQDD 1170 Radio Luxembourg Sessions/ Sound Of Fury Demos, etc ● CD $23.98
Two CDs, 49 tracks, highly recommended
Billy Fury (born Ronald Wycherly) from Liverpool was one of the finest rock 'n' roll artists to emerge in Britain in the late 50s. With a style obviously influenced by Elvis and similar smoldering good looks he soon became a teen idol though in spite of influences Billy was definitely his own man and wrote a good number of his songs. Although most of his hits were rock ballads he was also a fine up tempo rock 'n' roll singer and had some excellent backup groups. The first disc here features never before reissued recordings that were broadcast over Radio Luxembourg in 1962 and is a treat for Fury fans as it features many songs not recorded commercially - covers of rock 'n' roll classics, fine treatments of several country songs, several originals and more. There are also several instrumentals by his backup group The Tornadoes who shortly thereafter had a worldwide hit with Telstar. Disc 2 has been out before and features 12 stripped down demos of songs Billy had written for his first album "Sound Of Fury" which is considered by many to be the best British rock 'n' roll album of the early 60s. There are six tracks from an acetate cut in 1957 and 1958 - four Elvis covers and two originals and are all quite impressive. This CD ends with a 14 minute interview with Billy from 1982 just a year before his early death at the age of 43. (FS)
 
THE HILLTOPPERS Evergreen 2691755 30 Greatest Hits ● CD $17.98
30 tracks, 74 min., recommended
Don't let the college sweaters and the beanies keep you away from this pre-rock vocal group that counted Billy Vaughn as one of its members. Fans of the Four Lads, the Four Aces, The Gaylords, and the like, will no doubt find much to admire here. But the Hilltoppers should also appeal more broadly to fans of the Ink Spots and the (Mercury-era) Platters and other ultra-smooth doo wop outfits. Sure, when rock and roll came to town, these guys had to get in the backseat (and by 1963, out of the car completely), but such hits as Trying/ P.S. I Love You/ Time Waits For No One/ If I Didn't Care/ The Door Is Still Open/ Only You (And You Alone) share an undeniable quality and charm not matched by very many vocal groups of the early 1950s. If the 2-CD, 61-track Jasmine Records release of The Hilltoppers is just too much Hilltoppers, this disc may be just the ticket. More generous with its music than any other single-disc reissue, this collection contains all the hits and much more and will likely scratch that Hilltoppers itch, which is probably coming from those wool sweaters anyway. (JC)
THE HILLTOPPERS: A Fallen Tear/ Bettina/ Do the Bop/ From the Vine Came the Grape/ I Love My Girl/ I Must Be Dreaming/ I'd Rather Die Young/ If I Didn't Care/ Ka Ding Dong/ Love Walked In/ Marianne/ Must I Cry Again/ My Treasure/ No Regrets/ Only You (And You Alone)/ P.S. I Love You/ Poor Butterfly/ So Tired/ Teardrops In My Eyes/ The Door Is Still Open/ The Joker/ The Kentuckian Song/ The Last Word In Love/ Till Then/ Time Waits For No One/ To Be Alone/ Trying/ Until the Real Thing Comes Along/ When You're Alone/ You Try Somebody Else

 
BENNY JOY Norton CED 351 Crash The Party - The Benny Joy Story, 1957-1961 ● CD $37.98
3 CDs, 76 tracks, highly recommended
Georgia born singer Benny Joy was one of the very best of the second string rockers and his Spin The Bottle and Crash The Party are certified rockabilly classics that would set you back a small fortune to get the originals. He was too frantic and wild to have made much of an impact in the late 50's but his legendary status continues to grow with collectors. Over the years unissued tracks from his sessions and demos have turned up and reissued by White Label but Norton have now hit the motherlode with this amazing collection featuring all of Benny's issued sides, unissued sessions tracks, alternate and studio and home demos including 45 tracks that have never been issued before in any form. Much of it is uptempo rockabilly often featuring dynamic guitar work by Big John Taylor and remarkably almost all the songs were written or co-written by Joy who later went on to become a succesful Nashville songwriter. There are also a couple of instrumentals and vocals from Taylor and the occasional soulful ballad to cool things down a bit. With a collection this ambitious there are bound to be a few clunkers and some of the more pop oriented titles are forgettable. Considering that many of these sides are demos the sound quality is superb though a few of the home demos are fairly rough. The set comes with a 20 page booklet with notes by Norton head honcho Billy Miller plus rare photos, posters and label shots. Joy was as pure a rockabilly spirit as ever slipped on a pair of blue suede shoes and this is the last word on this undeserevedly obscure performer! (FS/AE)
 
LUKE MCDANIEL Stomper Time 24 Is Jeff Daniels - Mississippi Honky-Tonk Rockabilly Man ● CD $18.98
34 tracks, 78 mins, highly recommended
Luke McDaniel/ Jeff Daniels was a cool Country/ Rockabilly cat that came out of the Honky-Tonks of Mississippi. Stomper Time has gathered up a whole mess of high velocity tunes from the height of ole' Luke/ Jeff's career. From 1956 - 1960 he seem to be recording one hot number after another, with the bulk of the tracks cut between those years. We get recordings from as early as 1952-54, which are pretty cool as well, just not quite the level he would later achieve. I honestly didn't really know much about Luke/ Jeff, but the liner notes provided take care of his basic story and have a few great old pictures as well. With tunes like Switchblade Sam/ Daddy-O-Rock/ Foxy Dan/ Huh Babe/ Bottoms Up, etc, you can easily guess what you are in store for, and it's a good time for sure. Putting out records on labels like Big Howdy, Astro, Venus, and Meladee, you know it was a blast at the time as well. As far as I can tell this is the first real comprehensive collection of this material put out on CD, long overdue, but well worth the wait. Too bad ole' Luke/ Jeff died in 1992 and would never see it. (JM)

 
THEE MIDNIGHTERS Microwerks 002 Thee Complete Midnighters - Songs Of Love, Rhythm & Psy ● CD $32.98
4CD, 69 tracks, highly recommended
Called by some the greatest Latino rock band of the 1960's, Thee Midniters created a legacy that lives on to this day in other Latino bands like Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys. Creating a garage rock sound that was equal parts Rolling Stones and traditional R&B, the group was extremely popular in their East Los Angeles stomping grounds. Although they only had one minor national hit-a sizzling cover of Land of 1000 Dances - they had several regional hits that have become cult faves over the years, including Whittier Blvd/ Love Special Delivery, and That's All. By including horns as part of their sound, the group arguably set the stage for later horn dominated bands like Chicago and Blood, Sweat & Tears, although the horn arrangements owe more to Stax than to the Jazz flavored tones favored by Chicago and BS&T. This box set includes everything the band recorded (including rarities) and might be more material than the average person can handle, but for fans of the group or of mid-60's rock in general this is a treasure trove of gems by a band that was sadly underappreciated in its day. (GMC)

 
ROY ORBISON/ FARON YOUNG Memphis Recording Service 6656 Sing Elvis Presley And Others ● CD $25.98
42 tracks, 50 mins, fans and music historians only
This CD features recordings made at a party at the home of Judy Baker in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1956. Faron Young and Roy Orbison were present at the party and got to perform accompanying themselves on Faron's acoustic guitar. Faron does 29 songs or fragments of songs including recent rock 'n' roll hits (Good Rockin' Tonight/ Long Tall Sally/ Blues Suede Shoes), etc., imitations of country hits (Walkin' The Floor Over You/ I'm Movin' On/ Honky Tonk Man, etc) as well as a couple of his own songs. Roy does 12 songs - rock 'n' roll and R&B hits like That's All Right/ Hey! Miss Fannie/ Slippin' And Slidin'/ Lawdy Miss Clawdy, etc. So far, so good. Unfortunately the sound quality is apalling - the recorder and mike were probably of amateur quality and the mike is not too close to the performer and so we get a lot of noise from the participants at the party and what little you can hear of the performers is extremely distorted. I confess that I could only make it through a few songs by each artist before I had to switch it off. If you're a Young or Orbison completist or a music historian you might find this of interest but I can't imagine anyone else getting any enjoyment from this. All that being said, if it were Buddy Holly I'd be listening to it from beginning to end! (FS)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Ace CDCHD 1224 Destroy That Boy! More Girls With Guitars ● CD $18.98
24 tracks, 60 mins, very highly recommended
The sequel to 2004's "Girls With Guitars" (Ace 989 - $18.98), this collection furthers the notion that, contrary to popular opinion, all-female rock bands did not begin and end with Fanny, The Runaways, and The Donnas. No, my children, here are ten examples of 1960's all-singing all-playing (at least in concert) girl power: New York's The What Four, Liverpool's distaff version of The Beatles The Liverbirds, Detroit's The Debutantes, Britain's She Trinity (produced by ace producer Mickey Most), and Nashville's The Pivots (who morphed into The Feminine Complex) to name but five. And these ladies are no joke: from The Liverbirds' bluesy He's Something Else to The What Four's brash I'm Gonna Destroy That Boy to The Feminine Complex's gritty I've Been Workin' On You, these women mean business and can measure up to any male frat-rock band (The Sonics, The Kingsmen) of the time. There's even some solo singers who were too rock and roll to be considered part of the Girl Group pack: Toni McCann (from Australia), Beverly Jones, Sharon Tandy, Karen Verros, and Ann-Margret (yes, that one!) are the standouts of this particular bunch. McCann's No and Jones' Hear You Talking are great, but the dirty Lee Hazelwood-produced tracks by Ann-Margret are the eye openers; sporting fuzz tone guitar and odd time signatures It's a Nice World to Visit (But Not to Live In) fits perfectly into the harder sound that typified 1968, while the quiet-loud dynamics of You Turned My Head Around were definitely ahead of their time. Of course, these tracks weren't hits, but I'm glad someone put them on CD. And for you fans of Sly Stone's pre-Family Stone producing days for Autumn Records in San Francisco, there's a one-shot by The Girls 1964's Here I Am in Love Again, a post-British Invasion twang-banger that's hypnotically charming and makes it's first appearance on CD. A collection like this make me wonder there's recording by female bands from the 70's that haven't been unearthed yet; if so, come on Ace, bring on Volume 3. In the meantime, this CD is more than an artifact of a bygone era, it's proof that 60's rock and roll wasn't just the boys club we've always been taught it was. (GMC)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Ace CDCHD 1228 Chartbusters USA - Special Edition - Sunshine Pop ● CD $18.98
26 tracks, 73 mins, very highly recommended
"Sunshine Pop" is a term that was coined after the fact to describe a certain kind of mid/late 60's pop song; basically a song had to be full of hope and optimism to qualify. The "Chartbusters USA" series has long chronicled exemplary American pop music; and this special edition is no exception. Yes, many of these 26 tracks have been compiled elsewhere (not to mention used on the soundtrack of nearly every movie set in the 60's), but I have to say that from start to finish, this CD is guaranteed to make whatever blues you may have go away instantly. There is no way anyone could listen to songs like Happy Together (The Turtles), Workin' on a Groovy Thing (The 5th Dimension), A Girl Like You (The Young Rascals), Lazy Day (Spanky & Our Gang), and Time For Livin' (The Association) and not instantly get a warm sparkly feeling inside. What I like about the collection is that although the artists might be obvious, the song choices aren't; for example, who ever picked Darlin' to represent the Beach Boys deserves a medal because it is indisputably one of the group's best songs ever! And the obscure tracks like I Could Be Good to You (Don & the Goodtimes, the pride of the Pacific Northwest garage scene!), The River is Wide (The Forum), and Don't Wake Me Up in the Morning, Michael (The Peppermint Rainbow) are just as good as the classics. My picks: Keith's 98.6 and the Cowsills' The Rain, the Park and Other Things are songs I never get tired of and boast some of the most sophisticated and infectious arrangements ever recorded. And if great music is not enough of a selling point for collectors, then there's always the first appearance of Tommy James & the Shondells' Crystal Blue Persuasion on CD in its 45 Mono version, and a shimmering Bobby Vee track from 1966 Look at Me Girl. Ace has also helpfully included each songs' original U.S. label and chart position, for those of you who are interested in such things; but, for me, whenever I need cheering up, this collection of incomparable tunes from 1966 to 1969 is going straight into the CD player. (GMC)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Ace CDCHD 1229 Wild Thing - The Songs Of Chip Taylor ● CD $18.98
25 tracks, 71 mins, very highly recommended
If anyone recognizes the name Chip Taylor at all, it's as the composer of the immortal Wild Thing (made a hit by Britain's Troggs, but also notably covered by Jimi Hendrix), but he was good for much more than that. In fact, he cut a swath through the 60's and 70's giving pen to songs for everyone from the Hollies to Aretha Franklin to Dusty Springfield to Peggy Lee. Also on his resume were the less celebrated but equally memorable Angel of the Morning (a hit for Merrilee Rush in 1968), I Can't Let Go (cut by the Hollies and Evie Sands in the 60's, and a minor hit for Linda Ronstadt in 1980), and Try (Just a Little Bit Harder) (here in Lorraine Ellison's original version). And for those readers who recall my review of a Judy Clay/Veda Brown split CD (Kent 302) from a while back, Ace has included Clay and Billy Vera's take on Taylor's Country Girl-City Man. And that doesn't even count great the great soul ballads by Walter Jackson, Tina Mason, Patti Austin, and the one and only Dusty Springfield; indeed, Taylor's best covers seem to have come from the distaff side of the tracks, from the aforementioned artists to Barbara Lewis (who had a hit with Make Me Belong to You in '66) and Madeline Bell (a Brit powerhouse who should be better known in the States). In fact, with a list of credentials like that (not to mention being actor Jon Voight's younger brother), it's ridiculous that this man isn't more well known. Hopefully, this compilation of some of his hits for others (along with one of his own recordings, for despite his success as a songwriter, he's never given up his dream of a career of his own) will rectify this injustice. (GMC)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Ace CDCHD 1231 The Laurie Records Story, Vol. 3 - Girls & Girl Groups ● CD $18.98
24 tracks, 61 mins, highly recommended
The first volume (Ace 933 - $18.98) of songs from the vaults of legendary New York indie label Laurie Records focused on the label's greatest hits and their biggest stars, Dion & the Belmonts. The second installment (Ace 883 - $18.98) spotlighted songwriter Ernie Maresca, who wrote (or co-wrote) many of the label's hits including Dion's The Wanderer and Runaround Sue. This latest entry highlights the distaff side of the roster with more than half of the selections new to CD. These sides are truly a treat for girl group aficionados; among the goodies are some late chart entries from The Chiffons, and some obscure tracks from Dawn (not the Tony Orlando-led group), The Charmers, The Cheese Cakes (featuring unsung vocalist Jean Thomas), Les Girls, Brenda Lee Jones, and Beverly Warren. Best surprise bonus: the original version of Hanky Panky - famously a hit for Tommy James & the Shondells - by The Summits. Sixties pop never sounded so good, and this CD is essential for girl group fans. (GMC)
MARIE ANTOINETTE: He's My Dream Boy/ BERNADETTE CARROLL: Circus Girl/ He's Just A Playboy/ THE CHARMERS: Shy Guy/ Sweet Talk The/ THE CHEESE CAKES: Heading For A Heartbreak/ THE CHIFFONS: If I Knew Then (What I Know Now)/ Keep The Boy Happy/ Love Me Like You're Gonna Lose Me/ Stop, Look And Listen/ CORINNA CORD: Don't Lean On Me/ LORRIE DARNELL: Nothing Went Right/ DAWN: I M Afraid They Re All Talking About Me/ Sandy/ THE DEL-RONS: Your Big Mistake/ GLORIA DENNIS: How Can I Be Sure (That It's Love)/ THE FOUR PENNIES: My Block/ LES GIRLS: I Still Love You/ THE JEANS: Whenever A Teenager Cries/ LINDA & THE LINDETTES: He S Mine/ REPARATA: Your Life Is Gone/ THE SUMMITS: Hanky Panky/ He's An Angel/ BEVERLY WARREN: Let Me Get Close To You

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Ace CDCHD 1235 Solitary Man - The Early Songs Of Neil Diamond ● CD $18.98
24 tracks, 68 mins, highly recommended
In the tradition of Ace's collection compiling the early work of songwriter-turned-performers like Jackie DeShannon and Randy Newman, we have here a CD doing the same service for another performing legend Neil Diamond. Unlike Newman, who was always the best interpreter of his own material, Diamond wrote songs that were accessible (if sometimes a bit same-y) and sounded great no matter who recorded them. And his songs were adaptable to a wide variety of styles: R&B, both black (Arthur Alexander, the Four Tops) and white (the Box Tops); garage rock (The Music Machine), pop (the Monkees, of course, represented with a rare TV mix of Look Out [Here Comes Tomorrow]), ska (Tony Tribe), and blues rock (Deep Purple). In fact, the Brits got a lot of mileage out of Neil as evidenced by tracks from Lulu, Cliff Richard, Billy Fury, and Jackie Edwards. Listen people, you haven't lived until you've heard the late, great Levi Stubb's wrap his golden pipes around I'm a Believer or Jr. Walker & the All-Stars' righteous take on Holly Holy (which was Neil's attempt at gospel to begin with). If anyone has any doubts about the longevity or worthiness of Neil Diamond's song catalog, one needs to look no further than this revealing compilation. (GMC)
ARTHUR ALEXANDER: Glory Road/ MARCIE BLANE: Bobby Did/ THE BOX TOPS: Ain't No Way/ JIMMY CLANTON: I Care Enough (To Give The Very Best)/ BILLIE DAVIS: Love To Love/ DEEP PURPLE: Kentucky Woman/ RONNIE DOVE: My Babe/ JACKIE EDWARDS: Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon/ THE FOUR TOPS: I'm A Believer/ BILLY FURY: Where Do You Run/ JAY & THE AMERICANS: Sunday And Me/ LULU: The Boat That I Row/ THE MONKEES: Look Out, Here Comes Tomorrow/ THE MUSIC MACHINE: Cherry, Cherry/ CLIFF RICHARD: Just Another Guy/ THE ROCKY FELLERS: We Got Love/ SADINA: It Comes And Goes/ THE SOLITAIRES: Fool That I Am/ JAN TANZY: That New Boy In Town/ B.J. THOMAS: Solitary Man/ TONY TRIBE: Red Red Wine/ JUNIOR WALKER & THE ALL STARS: Holly Holy/ THE WANDERER'S REST: You'll Forget/ BOBBY WOMACK: Sweet Caroline (Good Times Never Seemed So Good)

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Ace CDCHD 1237 The London American Label, Year By Year: 1960 ● CD $18.98
28 tracks, 67 mins, highly recommended
This newest series from Ace documents the British London label's distribution of various U.S. imprints (Atlantic/Atco, Big Top, Chess/Checker, Cadence, Jamie, Liberty, Scepter, Sun, Imperial, and Kapp among others) via their London-American imprint. This first volume salutes 1960 -- a year when the label issued 236 singles - this volume includes 28 singles from a wide variety of performers: Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran, Duane Eddy, Roy Orbison, Johnny & the Hurricanes, Bobby Darin, the Everly Brothers, Marv Johnson, the Coasters and more. Many of the London-American sides have appeared on other collections, but the compilers promise that at least 20 of the tracks on each package will be new to Ace. We are given no clue how many of these collections there will be, but with songs ranging from Orbison's gorgeous Blue Angel to LaVern Baker's sassy Tiny Tim to the Drifters' yearning Save the Last Dance For Me to the smart bubblegum of Johnny Burnette's You're Sixteen I'd say that things are off to brilliant start that bodes well for future volumes. In the meantime, you could do worse than to give this one a try.
LAVERN BAKER: Tiny Tim/ CHUCK BERRY: Let It Rock/ BILL BLACK'S COMBO: Don'T Be Cruel/ DONNIE BROOKS: Doll House/ SONNY BURGESS: Sadie'S Back In Town/ DORSEY BURNETTE: Hey Little One/ JOHNNY BURNETTE: You'Re Sixteen/ THE CLOVERS: Lovey/ THE COASTERS: Wake Me, Shake Me/ EDDIE COCHRAN: Three Steps To Heaven/ BOBBY DARIN: Somebody To Love/ THE DELICATES: Too Young To Date/ BO DIDDLEY: Road Runner/ FATS DOMINO: My Girl Josephine/ THE DRIFTERS: Save The Last Dance For Me/ DUANE EDDY: Kommotion/ THE EVERLY BROTHERS: Like Strangers/ LEE HAZLEWOOD WITH DUANE EDDY AND HIS ORCHES: The Girl On Death Row/ ETTA JAMES: All I Could Do Was Cry/ JOHNNY AND THE HURRICANES: Beatnik Fly/ MARV JOHNSON: I Love The Way You Love/ ROY ORBISON: Blue Angel/ TEDDY REDELL: Judy/ SHIRLEY & LEE: I'Ve Been Loved Before/ WYNN STEWART: Wishful Thinking/ VERNON TAYLOR: Mystery Train/ JOHNNY TILLOTSON: Poetry In Motion/ THE VENTURES: Perfidia

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Big L 1002 Golden Anniversary - Collector's Edition - Lin, Kliff, ● CD $11.98
24 tracks, 56 mins, recommended
Officially this is a collection of material from the Lin, Kliff, and Big L labels dating from 1954 - 2004, but most of the material is from the classic era. For a much more comprehensive take on the Lin/ Kliff story, you can get Bear Family's big four-CD box set, but for a sampling of the label's history this is a fine place to start. Admittedly the first couple of tracks are far from the best here, but don't let that discourage you; from track three on, it's mostly all pretty cool. Although these labels started out releasing Country Western 78s, they would have some of their biggest successes and best tracks in the Rhythm & Blues, Pop, and Rock & Roll genres. This collection covers the spectrum of their output; you get tracks like Let's Elope Baby by Buck Griffin alongside Dogfight by The Jokers, and Night Air by The Four Mints. Other artists include The TuTone, Andy Starr, Honee Welch, Jerry Fuller, The Strikes, and more. The tastiest track featured would probably have to be The Fickle Chicken by The Atmospheres, a finger licking/ guitar-picking treat for sure. I guess that they figure that Bear Family took care of all the extensive details, for this comes with only the briefest on liner notes and not much else. Still there are a lot of rare tracks to be found here, from a couple of labels that had a unique vision and eclectic tastes. Plus, how many independent record labels out there have survived from putting out 78s to CDs and beyond. All tracks have been digitally re-mastered and have a crisp, clear sound to them. (JM)
THE ATMOSPHERES: Fickle Chicken, The/ THE FOUR MINTS: Budy Body Rock/ Night Air/ JERRY FULLER: Mother Goose at the Bandstand/ BUCK GRIFFIN: Bawlin' and Squallin'/ Let's Elope, Baby/ Pretty Lou/ TRELLA HART: Fools/ THE JOKERS: Dogfight/ DAVID RAY: Jitterbugging Baby/ RAY RUFF: Fool Again, A/ I Took a Liking to You/ FRANK "ANDY" STARR: Dig Them Squeaky Shoes/ Evil Eye/ Knees Shakin'/ Lover Man/ THE STRIKES: If You Can't Rock Me/ DAVE TANNER: Lost in the Shuffle/ Pledge of Love/ THE TUTONES: Still in Love With You/ HONEE WELCH: I'm Gonna Try (To Steal Her)/ It Must Be Love/ It's Me Girl/ STEVE WRIGHT: Wild, Wild Woman

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS El Toro 1028 El Mexican Rock And Roll, Vol. 1 ● CD $19.98
25 tracks, recommended
An entertaining selection of performances by Mexican bands playing the new fangled rock 'n' roll between 1955 and 1957. Unlike in the USA where the music was mostly the provenance of teenagers many of the early Mexican purveyors of rock 'n' roll were well established bands who were conversant in a range of styles including traditional Mexican mariachi, cha cha cha, mambo, jazz and rhythm & blues. The result when applied to rock 'n' roll is distinguished by superb musicianship rather than energy and excitement. Most of the songs are original songs sung in Spanish though the songs by Los Supersecos are Spanish covers of Jailhouse Rock/ I Want You, I Need You, I Love You and Tutti Frutti and La Orquesta Royale Y Sus Cantest do a fine English language rendition of Chuck Willis's What Am I Living For. Most of the artist are unknown nortbof the border with the exception of Juan Garcia Esquival Y Su Orquesta who under the shortened name of Esquivel became a leading figure in the USA with his lounge pop recordings. Excellent sound quality and booklet has note son most of the performers and a number of artist photos. Lots of fun. (FS)
 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Fantastic Voyage 026 Routes Of Rockabilly ● CD $22.98
Three CD set with 75 tracks drawing together the many threads from around the country that came together to form the genre we know as rockabilly - down home blues, jump blues, hillbilly, western swing and more. Most of the tracks are from the late 40s to mid 50s and addition to the music that lies at the heart of rockabilly there are also some fine rockabilly sides includes from familiar artists like Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis to totally obscure names like Jimmy Selph and Cal Veale. Among the many artists are Arthur "big Boy" Crudup, Hank Williams, Charline Arthur, Charlie Feathers, The Maddox Brothers & Rose, Tennessee Ernie Ford & Ella Mae Morse, Dickie Thompson, Merrill Moore, Arthur Gunter, Little Junior's Blue Flames, Doug Poindexter, Lou Graham, Skeeter Bonn, Malcolm Yelvington, Johnny Tyler, Annisteen Allen, The Collins Kids, Bob Wills, Carson Robison, Freddie Hart, Ptasy Cline, Slim Rhodes, Sid KIng & The Five Strings, Link Davis and many more. No real suprises but a nicely put together of great music with excellent notes, attractively pacakaged and with a 12 page booklet with informative notes.
ANNISTEEN ALLEN: Fujiyama Mama/ CHARLINE ARTHUR: Welcome To The Club/ SKEETER BONN: Rock A Bye Baby/ JOHNNY CASH: Get Rhythm/ ERNIE CHAFFIN: Feelin Low/ JEAN CHAPEL: I Wont Be Rockin Tonight/ PATSY CLINE: Stop Look And Listen/ AL COKER: Dont Go Baby Don t Go/ THE COLLINS KIDS: Party/ The Rockaway Rock/ ARTHUR "BIG BOY" CRUDUP: Thats All Right/ LINK DAVIS: Trucker From Tennessee/ THE DELMORE BROTHERS: Freight Train Boogie/ DUB DICKERSON: My Gal Gertie/ ARLIE DUFF: Alligator Come Across/ BILLY "THE KID" EMERSON: Red Hot/ CHARLIE FEATHERS: Peepin Eyes/ AL FERRIER: No No Baby/ THE FIVE STRINGS: Drinking Wine Spoli Oli/ TENNESSEE ERNIE FORD: Catfish Boogie/ False Hearted Girl/ LOU GRAHAM: Long Gone Daddy/ ARTHUR GUNTER: Baby Lets Play House/ BILL HALEY: Rocking Chair On The Moon/ ROY HALL: Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On/ FREDDIE HART: Dig Boy Dig/ BOBBY HELMS: Tennessee RocknRoll/ GENE HENSLEE: Dign And Datin/ CHUCK HIGGINS: Motor Head Baby/ JOHNNY HORTON: Honky Tonk Man/ Im Coming Home/ PEE WEE KING: Catty Town/ SID KING AND THE FIVE STRINGS: Sag Drag And Fall/ JERRY LEE LEWIS: Crazy Arms/ LITTLE JUNIORS BLUE FLAMES: Love My Baby/ Mystery Train/ THE LOUVIN BROTHERS: Cash On The Barrelhead/ BILL MACK: Kitty Kat/ THE MADDOX BROTHERS AND ROSE: Im A Little Red Caboose/ CHUCK MILLER: Down The Road A Piece/ MERRILL E. MOORE: The House Of Blue Lights/ ELLA MAE MORSE: Oakie Boogie/ JIMMY MURPHY: Granpaws A Cat/ DANNY OVERBEA: Forty Cups Of Coffee/ CARL PERKINS: Movie Magg/ PIANO RED: Right String But The Wrong Yo Yo/ DOUG POINDEXTER: My Kind Of Carrying On/ ELVIS PRESLEY: Blue Moon Of Kentucky/ I Dont Care If The Sun Dont Shine/ Just Because/ JIMMIE REVARD: Daddys Got The Deep Elem Blues/ SLIM RHODES: Take And Give/ THE RHYTHM ROCKERS: Juke Box Help Me Find My Baby/ KENNY ROBERTS: Choo Choo boogie/ CARSON ROBISON: Rockin And Rollin With Grandmaw/ JIMMY SELPH: Tom Catin Around/ ARTHUR "GUITAR BOOGIE" SMITH: Who Shot Willie/ JIMMIE ROGERS SNOW: The Milk Cow Blues/ JIMMY SWAN: Country Cattin/ BILL TAYLOR AND SMOKEY JO: Split Personality/ RUFUS THOMAS: Bear Cat/ DICKIE THOMPSON: Thirteen Women And Only One Man In Town/ JUNIOR THOMPSON: Mamas Little Baby/ BIG MAMA THORNTON: Hound Dog/ ERNEST TUBB: Thirty Days To Come Back Home/ ZEB TURNER: Jersey Rock/ JOHNNY TYLER: Lie To Me Baby/ CAL VEALE: Dont Cry Baby/ BILLY WALLACE: Burning The Wind/ HANK WILLIAMS: Honky Tonk Blues/ Move It On Over/ Settin The Woods On Fire/ BOB WILLS: Corrine Corrina (1947 Radio Transcription)/ Sittin On Top Of The World/ MALCOLM YELVINGTON: Rockin With My Baby

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS GVC 1008 Jack Good's Six-Five Special Versus Jack Good's Oh Boy! ● CD $13.98
42 tracks, 79 mins, recommended
Britain's GVC label is fast becoming the keepers of the lesser known aspects of U.K. music history; recently we reviewed a re-issue of a rare album from Brit Blues giants Alexis Korner and Cyril Davies (GVC 1006), and now we present the soundtracks to two groundbreaking TV shows. In the late 50's, TV producer Jack Good created two shows geared strictly toward teenagers: "Six-Five Special" in 1957 and "Oh Boy!" in 1958. Much in the way "American Bandstand" influenced and shaped both rock and roll music and youth culture in the U.S., Good's programs did the same in Britain even though both were short-lived. EMI released a soundtrack for each program, spotlighting the stars of the respective shows: John Barry & The Seven, Terry Wayne, Jim Dale, and Don Lang for the Six-Five Special and Cliff Richard, Vince Eager, John Barry again, and Cuddly Dudley for Oh Boy! (the shows' other big stars, Lonnie Donegan, Marty Wilde, and Billy Fury are omitted for contractual reasons). As noted on other collections of 50's British rock and roll, the U.K. version of rock 'n' roll is slightly tamer than the American equivalent but Wayne, Dale, and the King Brothers are pretty swinging, and things liven up considerably on the Cliff Richard cuts. And it must be said the audiences' enthusiasm is quite infectious. As a document of a bygone era, this CD has its moments; its worth as music depends solely upon one's love or tolerance for British rock 'n' roll. (GMC)
JOHN BARRY & THE SEVEN: Every Which Way/ Let's Have A Wonderful Time/ Rock-A-Billy Boogie/ THE JOHN BARRY SEVEN: Pancho/ When The Saints Go Marching In/ CUDDLY DUDLEY: Hey-Hey-Hey-Hey/ Let's Rock While The Rocking's Good/ JIM DALE: Crazy Dream/ Just Born To Be Your Baby/ THE DALLAS BOYS: Joshua/ Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart/ TERRY DENE: This Is The Night/ VINCE EAGER: Blue Ribbon Baby/ Buzz, Buzz, Buzz/ PETER ELLIOTT: The End/ Your Hands, Your Heart, Your Love/ WEE WILLIE HARRIS: Smack Dab In The Middle/ JIMMY JACKSON: Six-Five Jive/ THE KING BROTHERS: Cold, Cold Shower/ Party Time/ DON LANG & HIS 'FRANTIC FIVE: Ramshackle Daddy/ Six-Five Special/ You Started Something/ LAURIE LONDON: Up Above My Head I Hear Music In The Air/ CLIFF RICHARD: Early In The Morning/ High School Confidential/ I'll Try/ King Creole/ Rockin' Robin/ Somebody Touched Me./ T.V. Hop/ TOMMY STEELE: Swaller Tail Coat/ NEVILLE TAYLOR & THE CUTTERS: Good, Good/ Little Miss Ruby/ NEVILLE TAYLOR & THE DALLAS BOYS: Leroy/ THE TWO VERNONS GIRLS: Little Jonah/ There's Never Been A Night/ THE VERNONS GIRLS: Bad Motorcycle/ Don't Look Now, But.../ TERRY WAYNE: Boppin' The Blues/ Teenage Boogie/ THE WORRIED MEN: Fraulein

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS GVC 2026 Bad Penny Blues - Joe Meek: The Early Years ● CD $18.98
2CD, 62 tracks, recommended
Once more our buddies at GVC bring us the best in obscure British pop music; this time they've delved into the history of eccentric producer Joe Meek. Meek's main claim to fame Stateside was producing the eerie instrumental Telstar for the Tornados (a No. 1 hit in 1962) and the Honeycombs' Have I the Right, but in England he was a pioneer (one of the first independent producers to produce records his way and lease the results to labels, in addition to his innovative and unusual production techniques) and a proven hit-maker between 1960 and 1966. But before all that, Meek had to learn his trade somewhere and the fruits of his early apprenticeship-working as Senior Engineer at the Lansdowne studio (which he designed) for Jazz producer Denis Preston-are contained on this two disc set. On these tracks, Meek functioned as either engineer, co-producer, or producer, although what separates these recordings from his later work is the fact he was very much working to other peoples' (i.e. the A&R men from the labels) specifications. Still, Joe got to work his skills on a diverse selection of talent and styles of music which encompasses Jazz (Kenny Baker, Acker Bilk, Chris Barber), dance band singers (Marion Ryan, Dennis Lotis), Pop Vocalists (Gary Miller, Frankie Vaughan), Divas (Shirley Bassey, Cleo Laine), Skiffle (Lonnie Donegan), Blues (Big Bill Broonzy, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee), and early U.K. attempts at Rock 'n' Roll (Eric Delaney). But the key song on this set is Humphrey Lyttelton's Bad Penny Blues, the first record on which Meek was able to show what he was capable of, and a record that changed the musical landscape in Britain. Not all of these tracks, recorded between 1955 and 1959, are essential listening, but at its best - Shirley Bassey's first single, Kenny Graham's Afro-Cubists - "Bad Penny Blues: Joe Meek, the Early Years" is fascinating listening. (GMC)
KENNY BAKER: Mean Dog Blues/ CHRIS BARBER'S JAZZ BAND FEAT. MONTY SUNSHINE: Petite Fleur/ SHIRLEY BASSEY: Burn My Candle/ Stormy Weather/ MR ACKER BILK'S PARAMOUNT JAZZ BAND: Travelling Blues/ DICKIE BISHOP WITH LONNIE DONEGAN & HIS SKIFFLE: Precious Memories (live)/ BEN BOWERS WITH BERTIE KING'S ROYAL JAMAICAN: Not Me/ BIG BILL BROONZY: When Do I Get To Be A Man/ JACKIE DAVIES & HIS QUARTET: Land Of Make Believe/ ERIC DELANEY BAND: Rock'n'Roll King Cole/ LONNIE DONEGAN & HIS SKIFFLE GROUP: Cumberland Gap/ Don't You Rock Me Daddy-O/ Ella Speed (live)/ JOHNNY DUNCAN & THE BLUE GRASS BOYS: Blue, Blue Heartache/ If You Love Me Baby/ Last Train To San Fernando/ JOHN FRASER: Bye Bye Love/ Why Don't They Understand?/ KENNY GRAHAM & HIS SATELLITES: Lullabye/ KENNY GRAHAM'S AFRO-CUBISTS: Rockin' In Rhythm/ COLIN HICKS & HIS CABIN BOYS: Wild Eyes And Tender Lips/ EDMUND HOCKRIDGE: A Woman In Love/ No Other Love/ Young And Foolish/ TEDDY JOHNSON & PEARL CARR: Sweet Elizabeth/ Tomorrow, Tomorrow/ CLEO LAINE WITH DAVE LEE: Indian Summer/ LORD INVADER & HIS CALYPSO RHYTHM BOYS: Teddy Boy Calypso/ DENNIS LOTIS: No Other One/ Sugaree/ HUMPHREY LYTTELTON & HIS BAND: Bad Penny Blues/ THE MIGHTY TERROR & HIS CALYPSONIANS: T.V. Calypso/ BETTY MILLER: Georgia's Got A Moon/ GARY MILLER: Garden Of Eden/ Robin Hood/ The Story Of My Life/ The Yellow Rose Of Texas/ JIMMY MILLER & HIS BARBECUES: Jelly Baby/ Sizzling Hot/ OTTILIE PATTERSON WITH CHRIS BARBER'S JAZZ BAND: Georgia Grind (live)/ MIKE PRESTON: Whispering Grass/ Why, Why, Why/ ROCKIN' RED PRICE: Weekend/ LITA ROZA: I've Got My Eyes On You/ You're The Greatest/ MARION RYAN: Cry Me A River/ Oh Oh, I'm Falling In Love Again/ PEGGY SEEGER WITH GUY CARAWAN & ISLA CAMERON: Bring A Little Water, Sylvie/ ANNE SHELTON: Lay Down Your Arms/ Too Young To Go Steady/ PAULINE SHEPHERD: Treasure Of Love/ Willie Can/ BILL SHEPHERD ORCH: Tequila/ SONNY TERRY & BROWNIE MCGHEE WITH CHRIS BARBER: Key To The Highway/ FRANKIE VAUGHAN: My Boy Flat Top/ The Green Door/ CHERRY WAINER: Valencia/ ERIC WINSTONE & HIS ORCHESTRA: Rhythm'n'Blues

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS JSP JSPCD 6201 Virginia Rocks ● CD $23.98
2 CDs, 61 tracks, 142 mins, very highly recommended
Although it may be news to some, Virginia was an early hot-bed of Rock 'n' Roll and when it came to Rockabilly, the great state of Virginia held up the torch higher and longer than most of the other 49. This fantastic collection features a whole mess of great acts from the "Cavalier state," from proto-Rockabilly-Country and Western through Rock 'n' Roll and beyond. The R&R legends like Gene Vincent, Link Wray, Janis Martin, and The Rock A Teens are all here with known and rare tracks as well. You also get hot numbers from less likely sources like Patsy Cline with Stop Look and Listen, and a fiery young Roy Clark with Please Mister Mayor, and Puddin'. Most importantly, though, are probably the great acts that most haven't heard of, with drop dead killer tracks from the likes of The Dazzlers, Robert Williams & The Groovers (the awesome Loud Mufflers) Darnell Miller, The Downbeats, The Hi-Tombs, The Lancers, Carl Tyndale, Gene Criss & The Hep Cats, and many, many, more. You also not only get Link with his Ray Men, but also with his brothers Lucky and Doug Wray on Teenage Cutie. Unlike a lot of JSP sets, this one comes with an outstanding 72 page booklet full of all kinds of rare pictures and lengthy info on the artists and the scenes throughout the state that fostered all of this talent. This is easily one of my favorite collections of the year so far and I know that Rock & Roll/ Rockabilly fans will love it as well and also discover some killer cuts that they never knew about before. (JM)
BARBARA ALLEB: Sweet Willie/ THE AMBITIONS: That's My Baby/ BILLY BARNETTE AND THE SEARCHERS: Stomp, Shake and Twist/ JAY CHEVALIER: Rockin' Roll Angel/ ROY CLARK: Please Mr. Mayor/ Puddin'/ PATSY CLINE: Gotta Lot of Rhythm in My Soul/ Stop, Look and Listen/ EARL CRAIG & THE DOWNBEATS: Saki, Pt. 2/ GENE CRISS & THE HEP CATS: Hep Cat Baby/ I Don't Know/ BARRY DARVELL: Geronimo Stomp/ DON DAY & THE KNIGHTS: Mexicali Roll/ THE DAZZLERS: Gee Whiz/ Somethin' Baby/ RONNIE DOVE & THE BELL TONES: Lover Boy/ THE DOWNBEATS: Craig's Crazy Boogie/ PHIL GRAY & THE GO BOYS: Bluest Boy in Town/ Pepper Hot Baby/ ROY HALL: Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On/ BOB HARMON'S COMBO: Do You Ever Think of Me, Rock/ THE HI-TOMBS: Sweet Rockin' Mama/ Weepin' Willow Rock/ ALDEN HOLLOWAY & HIS TRI-CITY BOYS: Blast Off/ JIMMY HUFTON: Shiver and Shake/ TONY AND JACKIE LAMIE: Sunset Blues/ Wore to a Frazzel/ THE LANCERS: My Little Girl/ JUDY LAYNE & THE RUMBLERS: Hard Headed Woman/ JEANIE LEE: Tic-Toc-A-Boogie/ LEON & CARLOS: Rock Everybody/ JOE MAPHIS: Guitar Rock & Roll/ JANIS MARTIN: Drugstore Rock 'N' Roll/ Let's Elope Baby/ CLINT MILLER: Bertha Lou/ DARNELL MILLER: Royal Flush/ WARREN MILLER: Everybody's Got a Baby But Me/ THE MILLER BROTHERS: Don't Break My Heart/ MOON MULLINS & THE NIGHT RAIDERS: Bip Bop Boom/ JERRY & WAYNE NEWTON: Baby, Baby, Baby/ THE NEWTON BROTHERS FEATURING WAYNE NEWTON: Little Jukebox/ *BUSTER PACK & THE LONESOME PINE BOYS: Indian Boogie/ DOUG POWELL: Jeannie with the Dark Blue Eyes/ Lord Made a Woman/ NAT ROBERTSON: Country Boy/ THE ROCK-A-TEENS: Janis Will Rock/ Woo-Hoo/ HENDER SAUL: I Ain't Gonna Rock-Tonite/ GENE SIMPSON & THE ROCKABILLIES: Blue Baby Boogie/ RANDY SPANGLER & THE COUNTRY KATS: Rock 'N Roll Baby/ THE SPORTSTERS: Johnny's Rip/ THE TRAILBLAZERS: Grandpa's Rock/ CARL TYNDALL: Hillbilly Rock/ GENE VINCENT & THE BLUE CAPS: Be-Bop-A-Lula/ Bluejean Bop/ BUDDY WATSON: If I Had a Woman/ ROBERT WILLIAMS & THE GROOVERS: Cranberry Blues/ Loud Mufflers/ MAC WISEMAN: Step It Up & Go/ LINK WRAY & HIS RAY MEN: Rumble/ LUCKY WRAY WITH LINK & DOUG WRAY: Teenage Cutie

 
VARIOUS ARTISTS Silly 8015 Those Rock & Roll Answer Songs, Vol. 3 ● CD $17.98
26 tracks, 64 mins, recommended
From A Girl Named Sam and Tom Dooley Jr., to Mr. Tenor Man and Come Back Jack, No stone is left unturned as the music biz eats its own, finding one great hit after another to parody, mock, and cash in on, from the golden era of Rock 'n' Roll. These compilations are always a lot of fun, full of songs that you didn't know even existed and in certain cases, maybe shouldn't ever have existed. Fans of Dr. Demento, Spike Jones and other parody masters will especially enjoy this one. Sure, there are a few pretty straight tracks on here, but any collection that features Fluff The Velvet Dragon can only be taken so seriously. Still, I had a lot of fun listening to this one and you probably will too. (JM)

 

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