Q - 12/94, p.172
3 Stars - Good - "...For half-crazed, consistently eccentric rock'n'roll, Art Rupe's...Specialty label had few equals during the first golden age. His big property was Little Richard, but [these are] the one-hit wonders, also-rans and never-wases..."
Additional producers: Art Rupe, Harold Battiste, Sonny Bono, Lee Rupe.
Includes liner notes by Billy Vera.
Digitally remastered by Kirk Felton (1994, Fantasy Studios).
Personnel: Art Neville (piano).
Liner Note Author: Billy Vera.
Recording information: 01/20/1956-04/28/1959.
Unknown Contributor Roles: Willie Joe; Willie Joe & His Unitar.
Excellent 25-track compilation featuring '50s sides that appeared on the Specialty label. Highlights include Jerry Byrne's "Lights Out" and "Carry On" (both featuring a young Dr. John on piano), Bob "Froggy" Landers' surreal "Cherokee Dance," Don and Dewey's original take of "Justine," the Pentagons' "It's Spring Again" and Roddy Jackson's "Moose on the Loose." From the label that brought you Little Richard, this is piano-poundin', shack-shakin', borderline-nuts first-generation rock & roll. For once, a compilation that truly reflects its title. ~ Cub Koda
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