The Unsung Heroes of British Rock 'n Roll (2 X CD Set)

 

I do have to question the inclusion of one or two songs on this 50 track compilation. For example, Laurie London’s He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands really isn’t rock’n’roll of any sort. Whether London is considered ‘unsung’ in rock’n’roll terms is not helped by the inclusion of this folk track. More Pete Seeger than Elvis in style.Despite the blip, there’s plenty to like here including the essential inclusion of Broadway stage and film star, Tommy Steele who, despite what some observers might exclaim, was an important part of rock’n’roll development in the UK with such bizarre tracks such as Rock with the Caveman. There were other, far more serious figures that are welcomed within this set including Terry Wayne and Terry Dene who obviously patterned themselves on Elvis Presley but who featured enough talent to attract their own fan base.Among that familiar names of UK rock that includes Duffy Power, Wee Willie Harris and Vince Eager & The Vagabonds (his rolling Yea Yea plus raucous sax playing, is included here) there were true rock’n’roll stars such as Johnny Kidd & The Pirates. The latter is my second ‘beef’ with this compilation because I wouldn’t describe Kidd as at all ‘unsung’. In fact, their hit single, Shakin’ All Over, was a direct influence on may world stars including The Who. Before the Beatles appeared on the scene, it’s arguable that Kidd ruled the UK rock roost. Included here is that very song plus Restless, You Got What it Takes and Please Don’t Touch.Despite the odd strange inclusion, this is a worthy set, full of interesting characters and songs. Also look out for Jasmine’s newly released Everybody Loves The Voice of….H.B. Barnum, featuring Earl King, Roy Perkins and more plus The Beat Generation including Adam Faith, Bob McFadden and Add ‘Kookie’ Burns.

PAUL RIGBY

Tracks on Disc 1:

1.

Rock with the Caveman - Tommy Steele

2.

Baby, She's Gone - Terry Dene

3.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands - Laurie London

4.

Matchbox - Terry Wayne

5.

Start Movin' (In My Direction) - Terry Dene

6.

Your True Love - Terry Wayne

7.

la Dee Dah - Jackie Dennis

8.

Yea, Yea - Vince Eager & The Vagabonds

9.

Whole Lotta Woman - The Most Brothers (Alex & Micki Most)

10.

Pretty Little Pearly - Terry Dene

11.

Slim Jim Tie - Terry Wayne

12.

No More - Vince Eager & The Vagabonds

13.

Riot in Cell Block Number Nine - Wee Willie Harris

14.

Come On, Let's Go - Tommy Steele

15.

Stairway of Love - Terry Dene

16.

This Should Go on Forever - Vince Eager & The Vagabonds

17.

Slippin, 'N' Slidin' - Dickie Pride

18.

Little Cutie - Sally Kelly

19.

Dream Lover - Duffy Power

20.

She's Mine - Terry Wayne

21.

Primrose Lane - Dickie Pride

22.

Please Don't Touch - Johnny Kidd & The Pirates

23.

Brand New Cadillac - Vince Taylor & His Playboys

24.

Hey Miss Fanny - Dean Webb

25.

Frantic - Dickie Pride

Tracks on Disc 2:

1.

Tallahassee Lassie - Tommy Steele

2.

Shakin' All Over - Johnny Kidd & The Pirates

3.

Lonely Blue Boy - Vince Eager & The Vagabonds

4.

Be Mine - Lance Fortune

5.

Image of a Girl - Nelson Keene

6.

(Must You Always) Tease Me - Keith Kelly

7.

Jet Black Machine - Vince Taylor & His Playboys

8.

Ain't Misbehavin' - Tommy Bruce & The Bruisers

9.

Betty Betty (Go Steady with Me) - Dickie Pride

10.

Restless - Johnny Kidd & The Pirates

11.

This Love I Have for You - Lance Fortune

12.

Bloodshot Eyes - Jimmy Justice

13.

Broken Doll - Tommy Bruce & The Bruisers

14.

Ooh-La-La - Keith Kelly

15.

I'll Be Your Hero - Vince Taylor & His Playboys

16.

Sweet Dreams - Dave Sampson & The Hunters

17.

You Got What It Takes - Johnny Kidd & The Pirates

18.

Listen Little Girl - Keith Kelly

19.

Warpaint - The Brook Brothers

20.

Honest I Do - Danny Storm

21.

Please Don't Bring Me Down - Johnny Kidd & The Pirates

22.

Baby Sittin' - Bobby Angelo & The Tuxedos

23.

Ain't Gonna Wash for a Week - The Brook Brothers

24.

True Fine Mama - Howie Casey & The Seniors

25.

When My Little Girl Is Smiling - Jimmy Justice

Enjoy

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