| CUSTOMER REVIEWS: | 5/5 - Excellent collection
It's a pity that Lewis isn't given more credit these days and it's a mystery why he's sort've forgotten. This CD will settle the score and prove conclusively that Jerry Lee could really rock! This is a marvelous collection and by far the best single-CD collection out there on Jerry's music. Most people listening to this music for the first time can never stop at just one CD, so this will serve as a fine introduction to some of the best music you'll ever hear. Though these songs are all more than 45 years old, they wear well and are timeless.
Most casual rock fans can name only a few Lewis tunes, "Whole Lotta Shakin'" and "Great Balls of Fire," but there is so much more than that. This collection includes several of his most haunting, beautiful slower tempo songs, as well as some awesome rockabilly.
Jerry Lee Lewis was a genuine innovator and talent. This compilation proves that. The sound quality is superb, I can't recommend this CD enough.
5/5 - Seminal Rock 'n' Roll Recordings
Given how well anthologized Lewis' recordings for Sun are, anyone issuing yet another collection is going to find themselves the target of criticism. Why these 25 tracks? Why so much duplication of material that's readily available elsewhere? Why only one disc? Tough questions in a market that has been glutted with this material for many years.
On the other hand, what Varese's included here is the Real Stuff: pristinely transferred original singles recordings. The 25 tracks include all of Lewis major chart hits (both pop and country) during his six-year tenure at Sun. All of the best-known early titles (and those most overplayed by Oldies radio) are here, "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Great Balls of Fire" (which, amazingly, makes an entire band out of only a piano and a guitar), "Breathless," and "High School Confidential." Non-charting B-sides such as his cover of Roy Orbison's "Down the Line," and previously unissued rarities like "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee" show that The Killer had more good material than radio and the public were able to soak up at the time. Throughout the recordings, the support from guitarist Roland Janes is stellar, and drummer J.M. Van Eaton mostly keeps pace with Lewis' manic performances.
The wealth and breadth of material that Lewis recorded for Sun couldn't possibly be represented in only 25 tracks, and Varese clearly knows this. They've chosen to focus on Lewis' seminal contributions to the birth of rock 'n' roll, seasoned with a few ballad, pop novelties and country tunes. It's a common musical characterization of Lewis, and though perhaps not fully revealing of his talent, what's here is sure to please most listeners. As a single-disc summary of Lewis' Sun years, this is as good as any and better than many. For the whole story, save your pennies and buy Bear Family's comprehensive 8-disc box set.
5/5 - there's a whole lotta shakin' goin' on...look out Killer!
I grew up with "Rock N' Roll"...that is to say ~ Elvis Presley, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bill Haley & the Comets...and oh yes, Jerry Lee Lewis...when I think of all the 45 records I would cart around to different "Teen Towns"...had the best collection on the South-Side, whenever dance or special party...I was invited, would spin the top hits of the month...those were the days my friend.
There was only one Jerry Lee Lewis, his style and mannerism very unique...never know what he will do next, this was his charm and drawing power...he touched on country, honky tonk, southern rock and good ole rock n' roll...take for instance "WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN' GOIN' ON", this was an immediate hit, couldn't go anywhere and not hear this played..."GREAT BALLS OF FIRE", followed as another number one hit, the super-star could do no wrong...and this next tune was my all-time favorite by "the Killer" ~ "HIGH SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL", co-written by Jerry Lee and Bill Hargrave, the opening lyrics is classic Lewis, he's completely in his element...next, listen to the piano style on "LEWIS BOOGIE", tickling the ivory's...as only Jerry can.
Hats off to ~ Cary E. Mansfield (collection producer), Sun Records and Varese Sarabande Records/Varese Vintage...fantastic sound remastered by Dan Hersch...the energetic performances bring back so many good memories of ~ JERRY LEE LEWIS!
You might try other Varese Vintage releases, all worthy of a good listen ~ "Roy Orbison Complete Sun Sessions" (302-066-233-2)..."The Champs-25 All Time Greatest Recordings" (302-066-113-2)..."The Beach Boys Surfin" (302-066-085-2)..."PHILADELPHIA U.S.A." (302-066-212-2)...please check out my reviews on amazon.com/music.
Total Time: 67:06 on 25 Tracks ~ Varese Sarabande 302-066-129-2 ~ (2000) |
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Last visit: 29/12/2009
