EDDIE COCHRAN |
Ace CDCH 237 |
The Early Years |
● CD $18.98 |
Early rarities by The Cochrane Bros., Jerry Capehart,
Albert Stone, Darry Weaver and of course Eddie himself in the spotlight.
20 cuts of collectable Cochran.
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EDDIE COCHRAN |
Bear Family DVD 20002 |
At Town Hall Party |
● CD $27.98 |
DVD
Black & white, 8 songs, 30 mins, highly recommended
Thanks
to companies like Bear Family we are now able to hear some more great and
long forgotton moments in rock 'n roll history. This set features rock 'n'
roll pioneer Eddie Cochran live on the legendary Southern California based
TV show "Town Hall Party" in February 1959. Best known as an outlet for
country performers the show, on the air from 1953 and 1960, also featured
many great rock 'n' roll and rockabilly performers. Fortunately kinescopes
of a number of the original shows are preserved at the Country Music
Foundation which is the source of these priceless recording. Eddie is
accompanied by the excellent Dick D'Agostin & The Swingers. He does eight
songs including his most recent hit C'Mon Everybody (twice!),
Summertime Blues and several covers including great versions of Fats
Domino's Don't Blame It On Me and Chuck Berry's School Days
both of which he had not recorded elsewhere. Lots of great singing and
guitar playing from Eddie. There is also and interesting interview of Eddie
by Johnny Bond which is several cuts above most interviews of rock 'n roll
performers. (FS)
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EDDIE COCHRAN |
Primo 6075 |
Forever Eddie |
● CD $10.98 |
2 discs, 42 tracks, 92 mins, recommended
Eddie Cochran
needs no introduction to die-hard fans of rock 'n' roll; a great singer,
crafty songwriter, and master guitarist, his early death in 1960 was a
tragic loss to the world. The first disc collects tracks he cut for a
British TV show, "Boy Meets Girl"--in January 1960 while he was on that
fateful tour of England-and an interview he did with Freeman Hoover in
November 1957. The second disc contains material from his earlier years,
including his work with Hank Cochran as the Cochran Brothers, various
instrumentals, and some of Eddie's session work. All of this material has
been issued before, but the package is attractively priced and the sound
quality is good. Basically, if you don't already have this stuff, here is
a chance to obtain it at a bargain price. (GMC)
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EDDIE COCHRAN |
Rockstar 001 |
Rock'n'Roll Legend |
● CD $21.98 |
20 tracks, 44 mins, recommended. The first decent &
legal Cochran CD, 20 non-Liberty tracks, including most of the tunes
(and a few demos) done for Ekko with Hank Cochran as The Cochran
Brothers. This has 4 alternates not available on the vinyl version - a
version of Guybo without final guitar overdub, take 5 (and false
start 4) of Jellybean, an alternate of Take My Hand by The
Four Dots with Eddie on guitar, and a finished alternate, with hand
claps, of Don't Bye Bye Baby Me, plus the usual great Cochran
collectables like Pink Pegged Pants/ Skinny Jim/ Latch On/ Let's
Coast Awhile/ Chicken Shot Blues, etc Excellent sound courtesy of
Boppin' Bob Jones, detailed notes by Adam Komorowski and a couple of
cool rare photos. (GM)
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EDDIE COHRAN &
FRIENDS |
Rockstar 009 |
Vol. 1 - Cruisin' The Drive In |
● CD $21.98 |
30 tracks, 70 min., good Don't let the above rating fool
you. All production standards here are very high indeed. The sound
quality is solid; the liner notes are scrupulously thorough, and the
vintage photos are great. The reason that I rate the disc as less than
"recommended" is because, for me at least, it marks one more
attempt to scrape the bottom of the Eddie Cochran barrel for just a few
more marketable numbers. There is, according to the liner notes, one
previously unreleased vocal by Cochran here, the title tune, an
uncertain run-through of an undistinguished lyric. But the vast majority
of the program features the nominal star of this set only as an
accompanying musician. The featured vocalists are actually Bob Denton,
Ray Stanley, Lynn Marshall, Jack Lewis, Jerry Capehart (who is awful!),
Jewel Akens, and Gary Williams (from a home tape recording). Good stuff,
I presume, for L. A. music scene archeologists or folks seeking their
Eddie Cochran PhD's. (DH)
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EDDIE COHRAN &
FRIENDS |
Rockstar 010 |
One Minute To One |
● CD $21.98 |
28 Tracks, 62 min., good In the CD booklet, Rob Finnis
indicates that the bulk of the Rockstar labels' catalogue is now
comprised of Eddie Cochrane related material. Unless you are an Eddie
Cochrane completist, there isn't a whole lot here that would be of great
interest. There are 11 songs by Cochrane (four of them instrumentals)
and the other cuts are performed by people such as Jerry Capehart (Cochrane's
manager and songwriting partner), June Cochrane (his sister-in-law), the
Kelly Four and others. The cuts themselves range from demos of songs
Cochrane recorded to songs (some of them demos) that he played guitar
on. The CD booklet is very informative, but there is just too much
filler material found here. (RS)
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EDDIE COCHRAN |
Rockstar 011 |
Rockin' It - Country Style |
● CD $21.98 |
26 tracks, 48 mins, very good Those persistent folks at
Rockstar come up with more unissued Eddie Cochran recordings - this time
26 previously unissued cuts made at the home of Chuck Foreman between
1953-55. It's all straight country material, often with an upbeat flavor
and features Eddie on guitar and Foreman, who is usually in the lead
role playing steel guitar. The emphasis is on jazzy instrumentals in the
Speedy West/ Jimmy Bryant mould though there are a number of vocals by a
very young and uncertain sounding Eddie Cochran. Lavishly documented in
great detail with amazing photos in the 16 page booklet. This will be of
most interest to Eddie Cochran fans and music historians as the country
music here is very ordinary and there is no real rock 'n roll for the
rock'n roll collector. Pleasant though. (FS)
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EDDIE COCHRAN |
Rockstar 014 |
Don't Forget
Me |
● CD $21.98 |
Those fanatics at Rockstar are at it again with another
Eddie Cochran collection mixing material that has been out before with a
few unissued cuts including the hot instrumental String fever and
the eminently forgettable acoustic guitar instrumental Rain.
There are also some alternate takes of previously reissued tracks and a
number of accompaniments where Eddie's guitar work outshines the often
lame vocals. There are also a couple of live cuts from 1957 (Alan Freed
show, I think). The instrumental work throughout shows just what a fine
and varied guitarist he was - on
one cut he even sounds like Les Paul!
|
EDDIE COCHRAN |
Rockstar RSRCD 026 |
Portrait Of A Legend |
● CD $21.98 |
35 tracks, 79 mins, highly recommended
Continuing Rockstar's preservation of the legacy of pioneer rocker Eddie Cochran
comes this CD which is an expanded version of their 16 track LP of the
same name from 1984 with 19 additional sides all drawn from the Liberty
vaults including several items that have never been unearthed before
though no new songs. Among the highlights are 12 tracks in stereo
including a fabulous version of Cut Across Shorty with a more
country feel. It also includes the master of this song (one of his best)
at the original tempo (it was speeded up for single release). It includes
the great bluesy instrumental Jam Sand-Witch, the British single
version of Summertime Blues lacking added reverb and with the
ending intact and the version of Somethin' Else is also minus the
fade out. The disc also includes the undubbed version of Eddie's fine
version of Ray Charles' Hallelujah, I Love Her So along with the
stereo version of the version with string overdubs. Cochran helped spread
the word about Ray on his European tours. The disc also includes the never
before reissued backing tracks for My Way and Rock 'n' Roll
Blues which are interesting but a bit redundant. As always with Eddie
there are a few drab ballads (ballads were not his strong suit) but the
majority of the set is fine and worthwhile even if you're not a Cochran
fanatic. Sound is superb and the 8 page booklet includes detailed notes by
Stu Coleman and some great photos including a priceless one of Eddie with
Gene Vincent. For more on this great artist be sure to check out
www.eddiecochran.info (FS)
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JACKIE LEE COCHRAN |
Hydra 27102 |
Jack The Cat |
● CD $21.98 |
29 tracks, 74 min., recommended This is a much enlarged
reissue of Hydra's 1985 LP dedicated to the recordings of this New
Orleans-based artist whose 50's recordings are hot items among
rockabilly collectors. Not being such a collector myself, I guess it's
fair to admit that I much prefer his 70's recordings for Rollin' Rock
Records. But, fear not, fans of either decade should be pleased here,
since this lengthy set includes most of his early cuts, plus a healthy
sampling of his later, more clearly country, numbers. Highlights include
Hip Shakin' Mama/ Ruby Pearl/ Buy a Car/ Georgia Lee Brown/ Endless
Love/ Bop Town, and Rockabilly Music. A nicely-produced
package from start to finish, with excellent sound quality, an
appropriate vintage cover photo of the artist, and an enthusiastic 32
page booklet. (DH)
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JERRY COLE |
Ace CDCHD 1122 |
Hot Rod Twangin' - The 1960s Crown
Recordings |
● CD $18.98 |
24 rockin' guitar instrumentals recorded under a variety
of pseudonyms for the Biharis Crown label in the 60s by Jerry Cole who
played on hundreds of L.A. sessions in the 60s (including virtually all of
Phil Spector's sessions as well as the "Pet Sounds" album). When he wasn't
in the studio Cole was touring with The Champs or a member of the house
band at Hollywood's famed Palomino Club. The music here covers a range of
styles but all of it rocks.
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THE COLLINS KIDS |
Bear Family BCD 15537 |
Hop, Skip & Jump |
● CD $65.98 |
There are 59 tunes on 2 CD's plus a beautiful photo packed
20 page LP sized booklet. All but 16 have been issued on the 3 Collins
Kids LP's by Bear (BFX 15074, 15106 & 15108). If you don't know, the
Collins Kids were a brother and sister rockabilly act, originally from
Oklahoma, who found a degree of fame and fortune after moving to the LA
area and landing a big spot on Tex Ritter's TV show Town Hall Party.
Unlike most rockabilly artists, the Kids were warmly received there and
on many other national shows. Even though they had no hit records they
hung on until the early 60's (when Larry's voice changed and Lorrie got
married) because they were so exciting to teens and cute to adults. And
they could be cutsie at times like on I Wish and Soda Poppin'
Around but the great rock'n'roll tunes are very plentiful - Beetle-Bug-Bop/
I'm In My Teens/ Hop Skip & Jump/ Hoy Hoy/ Hot Rod , etc. Now
let's see what's new. There's a session from 1961 with Lorrie singing 4
wonderful country tunes - Ain't You Ever/ What'cha Gonna Do Now/
Waitin' And Watchin'/ Home Of The Blues . With Larry on lead guitar
and Ralph Mooney on steel, the backing band sounds a lot like The
Buckaroos. There are a couple of instros by Larry - Fire Ball Mail
and Spur Of The Moment with Harold Bradley's famous Nashville
studio band. Three more tunes from Larry's solo country sessions (early
60's) are included. And a trio of Lorrie's tunes, done in a red hot mama
vein, show a surprising maturity - Blues In The Night/ Another Man
Done Gone/ There'll Be Some Changes Made . It's a shame she didn't
continue in country because I think she would've given Wanda Jackson a
run for the money. (AE)
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THE COLLINS KIDS |
Bear Family BCD 16250 |
The Rockin'est |
● CD $21.98 |
22 tracks, 47 mins, recommended
If the Bear Family box set
is too much here's a chance to pick the best of the rockers this perky
teen duo cut for Columbia between 1955 and 1959. The Collins Kids were a
brother and sister rockabilly act, who found a degree of fame after
landing big spot on Tex Ritter's TV show Town Hall Party. Unlike most
rockabilly artists, the Kids were warmly recieved there and on many
other national shows. Though they could be cutsie at times this disc is
all rockin' with such numbers as Hop Skip & Jump/ Just Because/
Move A Little Closer/ Go Away Don't Bother Me/ The Cuckoo Rock/ The'yre
Still In Love/ Heartbeat, etc. And, if at time, their squeaky voices
get to be a bit much Larry will usually rescue the proceedings with a
hot guitar solo on his double necked Mos-Rite guitar. Usual high quality
Bear Family production with 16 page booklet with informative notes, rare
photos and full discographical information. (FS)
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THE COMETS |
Collectables 620 |
Mercry, Mercy |
● CD $11.98 |
12 sides from mid 60s young teen band from Winston-Salem,
North Carolina (ages 10 through 14!). Mostly R&B covers - Mercy,
Mercy/ The Lats Time/ Johnny B. Good/ Mr. Pitiful/ Memphis/ I Got You (I
Feel Good), etc.
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COMMANDER CODY |
MCA MCAD 659 |
Live From Deep In The Heart Of Texas |
● CD $10.98 |
Live recording from Austin Texas, 1973. 13 songs,
including such staples as Down To Seeds And Stems/Crying Time/Riot In
Cell Block #9/Too Much Fun.
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COMMANDER CODY |
MCA MCAD 10092 |
Too Much Fun - The Best Of Commander Cody |
● CD $13.98 |
Hits compilation with Lost In The Ozone/ Hot Rod
Lincoln/ 20 Flight Rock/ Beat Me Daddy Eight To The Bar/ Truck Drivin'
Man/ Mama Hated Diesels/ Smoke Smoke Smoke That Cigarette/ Everybody's
Doin' It plus live versions of Down To Seeds And Stems Again/
Diggy Liggy Lo/ Too Much Fun and more from California's grungiest
cowpoke rockers. Great stuff, man.
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THE COUNT FIVE |
Collectables 6039 |
Psychotic Reaction - The Very Best Of |
● CD $13.98 |
Reissue of classic 1966 album with 6 bonus non-LP cuts.
High powered maximum R & B from 5 San Jose kids (they were 18 &
19 at the time), mostly originals including the title hit that out-Yardbirded
the Yardbirds, and covers of 2 early Who tunes, My Generation
& Out In The Street (GM)
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BILLY
"CRASH" CRADDOCK |
Bear Family BCD 15610 |
Boom Boom Baby |
● CD $21.98 |
This disc collects Craddock's 21 earliest efforts,
recorded between 1958-60, including several like Ah, Poor Little
Baby/ Little Ole You on which he sounds a lot like Elvis Whatsisname.
And despite frequent diversions into teen town (School Day Dreams/
Report Card Of Love), the album manages a surprising number of
credible rock'n'roll and rockabilly performances, including the
straightforward I Want That/ Am I To Be The One/ Sweetie Pie/ Treat
Me Like You Do/ Heavenly Love and the title track. Session talent
like guitarist Grady Martin and pianist Floyd Cramer add authority to
the proceedings. Notes from Jimmy Guterman, discography from Richard
Weize. (JC)
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THE CRICKETS |
Bear Family BCD 15599 |
Still In Style |
● CD $21.98 |
Perhaps you, like me, wondered who the singer was among
those guys pictured on the cover of the old Coral LP that The Crickets
put out after Buddy Holly's death. Bear Family's informative notes have
the answer: It was usually none of those three guys; it was usually Earl
Sinks, and they've also got a picture of him. Unfortunately, even with
that mystery solved, the music that The Crickets produced after Holly
was gone is still rather uncharismatic. Even their much earlier version
of member Sonny Curtis's I Fought The Law only makes me thankful
that Bobby Fuller sang it later with more conviction. The 23 tracks here
feature a mix of original material and covers of other rock n' roll
standards: Deborah/ When You Ask About Love/ Great Balls of Fire/ So
You're in Love/ Rockin' Pneumonia and The Boogie Woogie Flu.
Production values are up to Bear Family's usual high standards. (DH)
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THE CRICKETS |
Rockstar 002 |
Ravin' On From California To Clovis |
● CD $21.98 |
The Crickets tenure with Liberty Records in the early 60s
produced some pretty dull pop offerings. This collection features 24
tracks from that same period, many of them previously unissued - with
good reason - they were even more dreary than the issued titles. It's a
little baffling to me that the Crickets after Buddy Holly's death have
such status since most of their recordings are bland as can be and their
version of the Holly hit Rave On here is little more than a
parody - one wonders what they were thinking. John Ingman's extensive
notes discusses the sessions in great depth though it would have been
clearer if it had been presented in standard discographical format. All
is not completely lost - the disc ends with the full 8 minute interview
between Buddy Holly, Jerry Allison and disc jockey Freeman Hover in
Denver, Colorado in November 1957 and also includes a photo from that
interview. (FS)
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THE CRICKETS |
Rollercoaster RCCD 3006 |
Double Exposure |
● CD $21.98 |
THE CRICKETS: Baby my heart/ Brown-eyed handsome man/ Don't ever change/
Everyday/ I fought the law/ It doesn't matter anymore/ It's so easy/ La
bamba/ Love's made a fool of you/ Maybe baby/ More than I can say/ My
little girl/ Oh boy/ Peggy Sue/ Rave on/ Teardrops fall like rain/ Tell
me how/ That'll be the day/ Think it over/ True love ways/ Well...all
right/ When you ask about love
|
PAT CUPP &
THE FLYING SAUCERS |
El Toro 1019 |
Long Gone Daddy |
● CD $17.98 |
18 tracks, 48 mins, highly recommended
Gathering up this
Rockabilly Hell-cat's recordings from the 1950's. A few of these tracks
would be released by RPM in the '50s, then some on Crown in the '60s and
Rolling Rock in the '70s. As well as a few rare early demo tracks, that
appear to be making their first appearance here. The Bihari brothers knew
a lot about making hit records, but didn't necessarily know how to make
Rockabilly hit records. It would appear that with better management, Cupp
could have been a star from the start; he had the talent. Unfortunately it
wouldn't be until the Rockabilly revival of the '70s and the releases of
some fine 45s on Rolling Rock that Pat Cupp would become well known, at
least to genre fans. This is a fine collection of hot Rockabilly, that any
self respecting (or even self loathing, for that matter) fan would want to
have in their collection. Features both the R&B tinged single version of
Baby Come Back, as well as the hot Rockin' earlier version, that
would eventually be released on the Crown album from the '60s. (JM)
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THE CYRKLE |
Columbia CK 47717 |
Red Rubber Ball |
● CD $12.98 |
The Cyrkle were 3 (later 4) enterprising young men who
captured the hearts and imaginations of the folk-pop world for a brief
moment in 1966. During that time they exhibited a fierce commitment and
zest for living the Young Life. Not as gutsy as the Critters; not as
nasty and macho as the Association nor as raunchy as the 5th Dimension,
the Cyrkle nonetheless carved a tiny niche with their successive hits Red
Rubber Ball and Turn Down Day (both included here) before
fading in early '68 to write ad jingles (sadly not included here). All
the trappings of the period are on this 18-track collection: sitars,
quavering flutes, swirly organ, harpsichord, wimpy but confident 3-part
harmonies. Red Chair Fade Away/ Cloudy/ Straighten Out My Messed Up
Life. 2 cuts previously unreleased.
(RS)
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