Well, the Variety label called it "rock 'n roll," and Promenade (this release, by the famous Synthetic Plastics Co.) called it "rock n' roll." Of course, it's "rock 'n' roll," but that still leaves a couple questions unanswered--namely, what are April Love and Kisses Sweeter Than Wine doing here? Besides taking up track space?
I think of myself as anything but a purist, but those two titles are about as rock n'/'n/'n' roll as, oh, Al Di La (the best version of which was waxed by the Ray Charles Singers. Not that Ray, of course.)
And I *like* Kisses Sweeter Than Wine, ironically. Even this version.
These are all fakes, of course--sound-alikes, back when you could swipe an arrangement and not get sued. Some fine tracks--Jo Ann, The Stroll, Don't, Keep a Knockin', and, especially, Great Balls of Fire. The passable copies include Diana, April Love, and Whole Lotta Shakin'.
Shed a tear for Jail House (sic) Rock, whose fabulous backing would have been infinitely better served by a singer who sounded remotely like Elvis. And who put a little life into the proceedings. Given a decent vocal, this would have been an all-time great fake. Thanks a lot, "Eli Whitney."
And genuine thanks to the declicker filter on my MAGIX program, and to some tool-removed pops (mega-pops too big for the declicker to declick, these terrible pressings sound totally acceptable.
I think of myself as anything but a purist, but those two titles are about as rock n'/'n/'n' roll as, oh, Al Di La (the best version of which was waxed by the Ray Charles Singers. Not that Ray, of course.)
And I *like* Kisses Sweeter Than Wine, ironically. Even this version.
These are all fakes, of course--sound-alikes, back when you could swipe an arrangement and not get sued. Some fine tracks--Jo Ann, The Stroll, Don't, Keep a Knockin', and, especially, Great Balls of Fire. The passable copies include Diana, April Love, and Whole Lotta Shakin'.
Shed a tear for Jail House (sic) Rock, whose fabulous backing would have been infinitely better served by a singer who sounded remotely like Elvis. And who put a little life into the proceedings. Given a decent vocal, this would have been an all-time great fake. Thanks a lot, "Eli Whitney."
And genuine thanks to the declicker filter on my MAGIX program, and to some tool-removed pops (mega-pops too big for the declicker to declick, these terrible pressings sound totally acceptable.
Jo Ann--Promineers
The Stroll--Promineers
Keep a Knockin'--Little Bobby
Jail House Rock--Eli Whitney
Diana--Bob Robbins
April Love--Michael Reed
Don't--Jimmie Aires
Kisses Sweeter Than Wine--Johnny Logan
Great Balls of Fire--Billie Case
Why Don't They Understand--Johnny Logan
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On--Allan Freed
Only Because--The Wright Bros.
(Rock n' Roll--Promenade RR 23 and RR 24, 45 rpm EPs)
Lee
