​During their fourth Canadian trip, compiler Mark Armstrong and designer and artist Henrique San once again search for recordings by local heroes on labels such as Apex, Canatal, Delta, Sparton and Quality. These are supplemented by imported records that performed extremely well in that country. Again you get 28 songs, all recorded between 1952 and 1963.
Let's start right away with the oldest recording. That's ‘Don't Hang Around Me Anymore’ by Hank Snow, a song that creates a great country atmosphere with the addition of steel guitar. That atmosphere also characterizes 'Party Doll' by Luke Simmons and Jack Turner's 'Everybody's Rockin' But Me’. The Canadian Vanda Jackson, however, may kick off with the rocking 'Ooh Watcha Do!'. More female talent comes later with Penny Candy and the somewhat poppy 'Came On Over'. Small or meaningless titles were common in the 1950s. One of them is ‘Bop-A-Dee, Bop-A-Doo’ by Hall Willis. Willis initially started out as a country artist, but with this pure rockabilly song he was certainly able to reach the same level as his American colleagues. Energetic number! Paul Anka had many hits worldwide. Before he got that far, however, he already made this 'Blau-Wile-Deveest-Fontaine' in 1956, at the age of 15. You can also hear him with 'Late Last Night', recorded 3 years later. And yet Anka had to lose at the time during an amateur singing contest. Sixteen-year-old Bob King won the first price and you can hear him here with 'Rockin' Jukebox'. In the 1960s, R. Dean Taylor scored several hits here. However, the rocking 'At The High School Dance' from 1961 did not reach us. A shame, because it is a formidable number. Marty Hill and Bill Ramal teamed up for the title track 'Red Lips'. In addition to being a singer/songwriter and producer, Hill was also a guitarist. Ramal was a professionally trained saxophonist. The result is an exciting song with beautiful orchestral accompaniment. This also applies to the later 'Mr. Oracle of love". For a rather tearing sax you can go to The Sugar Canes with the instrumental 'Sioux Rock'. Saxophonist was Ray Felder. He also worked with Wynonie Harris, Bull Moose Jackson and James Brown, among others. Also at this volume, a French song should not be missing, Rudy Asselin does that job with 'En Avant Le Rock 'n Roll', on which the accordion is of course also present.
Also worth mentioning are the rhythm & blues of Eugene Church in 'Miami', the famous Dale Hawkins with 'Mrs. Merguitory's Daughter', of course Little Richard and his wildly rocking 'Keep A Knockin'' and the sweet harmony vocals of girl group The Valentines with 'The Sock'.
It has become a tradition that the 'Rockin' Rollin' USA' series features only high quality rockers. We are already curious what the Armstrong/San duo still have in the pipeline.

​Few artists in the genres of rockabilly and rock 'n' roll could score more than locally in the 1950s, the heyday of both genres. Legends such as Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran succeeded. This also applied to Sanford Clark who immortalized his name in rock 'n' roll history with 'The Fool' in 1956. The song also landed him a contract with Dot Records, which made him one of the most successful rockers of his time. Later Clark also made recordings for Ramco, Warner Bros, Project and Trey, among others. 'The Fool' was produced by Lee Hazlewood, who also immediately profiled himself as a producer. It is not surprising that 'The Fool' became a national hit, because the song typifies Clark in a strikingly personal way, which differs from the average rock and roll artists. In 1966 he recorded 'The Fool' again, in an adapted version for the time, for the Ramco label. Of course both versions found their way to this compilation, as well as 'Lonesome For A Letter' the flip side of the original single released in 1956. Song that winks at Elvis. But Sanford had much more to offer. This is immediately apparent from the first track 'Ooo Baby', which he plays as an experienced rocker. And also note the great work of lead guitarist Al Casey. In addition to Sanford's formidable performances, the same Casey shines on every song. 'Modern Romance', 'Usta Be My Baby', 'Love Charms' and 'Lou Be Doo' are just a few of the many gems on this album. Also noteworthy is the then unreleased 'Cross-Eyed Alley Cat'. Unbelievable, because the song is a blast of a rock song. Another great track is the pre-Dean Martin version of the Hazlewood composed 'Houston'. A rarity is also the presence of the two versions of 'A Cheat'. In addition to the original version, you also get the version with 'snare drum overdub'. Clark's blues side floats again in Hazlewood's 'Just Bluesin', as well as in 'It Hurts Me Too'. You can hear that he also had country in his genes on 'Black Jack County Chain'. Humorous sounds more like '(They Call Me) Country'. In addition, you will also find rare recordings that Sanford made for Project, Trey and Warner Bros. Sanford Clark passed away on July 4, 2021 due to Covid. He was 85 years old.
That he can be counted among the historical heroes of rock 'n' roll is clear from this compilation. His masterful voice, the beautiful choice of songs, the extremely competent studio musicians and especially the presence of producer Lee Hazlewood are an undeniable part of this. In addition, there is a 36-page booklet, in which, in addition to beautiful photos, you can learn everything about the person Sanford Clark and the tracks. Super release!

​With 'Lonely Lonely Train' the 'More Boss Black Rockers' series also comes to an end. When you own both the 10 CDs of the 'Boss Black Rockers' series and the complete 'More Boss Black Rockers', you have no less than 560 fantastic songs by black artists, including the 28 gems of volume 10. Let's start right away with the well-known and sublimely rocking 'Hickory Dickory Dock' by Big Boy Myles. Myles is followed by Johnny Acey with "Please Don't Go (Back To Baltimore)" that conveys both blues and gospel. Also beautiful is 'Polly Molly' by The Five Masks, who also provide the rocking rhythm & blues with wonderful harmony vocals. Cool harmony vocals then also characterize 'Forget It' by the vocal group The Larks and certainly 'Sud Buster' by The Spinners. Curtis Knight is best known for his collaboration with Jimi Hendrix. He shows that he could also score vocally on the swinging 'Gotta Have A New Dress' that he recorded for Shell in 1962. If you're looking for a throbbing sax-driven rhythm & blues instrumental, you can't ignoreren King Curtis. Here he presents 'Beach Party' and pay also attention to the performance of the Hammond in addition to the sax. Phil Flowers' ‘You Stole My Heart" is remarkably modulated after the early Elvis. Lee Dorsey was one of New Orleans' most famous artists. ‘Ya Ya’ earned him a worldwide hit. That the man had many more beautiful songs, proves 'Rock'. It is common knowledge that some genres are very close to each other. A good example of this is "I Wanna Do Everything For You" by Brook Benton, which sounds very soulful in addition to rhythm & blues. Another jack-of-all-trades was Wynona Carr. Gospel, rhythm & blues and rock 'n' roll characterized her repertoire. Rock 'n' roll is here the basis for 'Touch And Go'. A hell of an instrumental rocker comes with The Upsetters and their 'Jaywalking'. The band acted as accompaniment for Little Richard on several singles. You can hear him a little later with 'Ain't Nothin' Happening', on which he takes it a bit easier than what we are used to from him. The title track 'Lonely Lonely Train' comes from Sonny Anderson, on which the backing vocals play for train. Wonderful!
There are a lot of bangers galore at this volume. Listing them all would lead us too far, but 'Please, Please Be Mine' by El Pauling & Royal Abbit, including a great piano solo, 'Struttin' and Twistin'' by Roosevelt Grier, 'Turn It Off' by Dean & Jean and The Jarmels with 'She Loves To Dance' are certainly also worth mentioning.
With the rhythm & blues of Jimmy Witherspoon's 'Move Me Baby', not only this volume closes, but also the 'More Boss Black Rockers' series.
We secretly hope that compiler Little Victor will expand on this. Wait and see!

​In America, the 1950s caused a serious upheaval. The growing prosperity, the presence of large car factories and the great distances to be covered made the car extremely successful. This was also the case with young people, because what could be more fun than cruising along the highways, driving into the sunset or enjoying a 'drive-in movie' in a luxurious shiny car. The cars of that time had enormous dimensions, often with immense wings at the back and with 8 cylinder engines, consumption of a liter more or less was not considered. A very different time than with the restrictions currently imposed. The feeling of freedom and the desire for adventure prevailed among the young people. Of course, all this also inspired the music. Artists themselves were often obsessed with the new means of transport and composed songs about it, which provided the whole with a suitable soundtrack.
The German Bear Family now bundled 33 songs recorded between 1950 and 1963, all of which have to do with cars. A large number of the recordings bundled here can be classified as rock 'n' roll and rockabilly, but there is more. The album opens with 'See The U.S.A. In Your Chevrolet' by Dinah Shore. The song served for a promotional spot for Chevrolet in 1950. More female work will follow later by Linda Laurie and 'Soupin' Up Your Motor'.
Classy Gene Vincent is featured twice. The first time with 'Cruisin' and later again with 'Why Don't You People Learn How To Drive'. Hayden Thompson is also no stranger. He rocks with verve through 'Fairlane Rock'. Another notable rock song is Jimmy Carroll's "Big Green Car." The man only made one single, but what kind of one. By the way, Bucky & Premieres also impress with 'Cruisin', rock 'n' roll at the top level.
The car and everything related to it also received the necessary attention in the rhythm & blues. Al Brown & His Tunetoppers show that in their version of the classic 'Route 66', while Clarence 'Bonton' Garlow and his orchestra opt for 'Route 90'. Chuck Willis sends his 'Keep A-Driving' more towards the blues and 'Riding In The Moonlight' by Howlin 'Wolf is also a winner in that genre.
You can listen to instrumental rock 'n' roll via 'Freeway U.S.A.' by The Bonnevilles.
Vocal doo-wop toppers come with The Premiers and 'Jolene', 'The Drive-In' by The Aquatones, The Spaniels with 'Automobiles' and 'Flat Tire' by The Del Vikings.
Beautiful harmony vocals can also be found in the slow 'Tail Light' by Sammy Hagan & The Viscounts and certainly in 'Nine More Miles, The Faster 'Faster' Song' by Georgie Young and The Rockin' Bocs who slowly but surely increase the tempo .
Rather fun is 'Sunday Driving' by actor Jerry Lewis with Billy May and his orchestra.
True to tradition, you will receive all information about the songs and artists in the enclosed booklet.
With 'Destination Freeway' Bear Family adds a beautiful album to the series. Considering the high costs or the impact on the environment, you prefer to leave the car aside, no problem because 'Destination Freeway' provides listening pleasure under all circumstances.

​For our second visit in the Pan American Series 'Rockin' Rollin' USA' we are still staying in Canada. The 28 tracks on 'Teenage Boogie' dating from the period 1956 - 1963 were released on both local labels and were available via import in Canada. The local labels, whose recordings you can hear here, are Artic, Canatal, Sparton, Teen-Age and Tundra.
We start with Canadian local heroes Bob and Lucille. They rock hard in the cheerful 'Eeny-Meeny Miney Moe', song from 1959. They are followed by Keray Regan with 'Vibratin'’, which goes a bit hillbilly with the addition of fiddle. There were plenty of female artists who played rock 'n' roll with verve. Perhaps less known, but Myrna Lorrie was not of lesser quality. She was only 17 when she recorded ‘Hello Baby’. Of a completely different order is 'Arkansas Jane' by The Millionaires, floating on a jungle beat. A rarity is 'The Big Black Jacket' by Marcel St. Jean and The Jitters. The single was only pressed in a limited edition. Fortunately he graces this compilation because it is an excellent rocker. The Novatones provide a good portion of rocking rhythm & blues with 'Mary Lee'. More rocking rhythm & blues will follow later with 'Mean Old Woman' by The Hi-Fives. Bob and Lucille who opened the album, return as The Canadian Sweethearts with 'Freight Train', in which Lucille's voice reminds me of the other Lucille, namely Lucille Starr. French Canadian is featured through Les Trois Clefs and their 'Ah Oui Je L'Aime Tant'. The song contains an unusual but impressive xylophone solo. The Bucks went whistling through life. They even made a nice song with it. Just listen to the bluesy 'The Whistling Stroll'. Covering has been down all times and happened everywhere. The Canadian The Crew Cuts recorded a nice version of Dale Hawkins' 'Susie-Q'. Rocking wildly, supported by an all-scorching sax, Tommy Ambrose and Joe King work their way through 'The End Of The World'. Curtis Lee had a hit with the Phil Spector produced 'Under The Moon Of Love'. Here you get the flip side of that single with 'Beverly Jane', which should certainly not give way to the hit side. Fans of instrumental songs will get their money's worth with 'Rain Maker' by Tony Mystery and The Masquerades, a band led by the English brothers Tony and Chris Albury. And successor 'Watch Your Step' by The Galaxies is also an instrumental 'guitar driven' topper. A touch of Buddy Holly can be heard somewhat in 'I've Got A Feeling' by Larry Lee and The Leesures.
Doo-wop fans will certainly enjoy 'Baby Tell Me (Why, Why, Why) by The Mello Kings, as well as 'Tomorrow' by The Rock-A-Tunes. Wonderful harmony vocals also include 'Little Woman' by The Dukes. Song that, by the way, is introduced by a twangy surf guitar. Rocking with a light pop touch, Frank Rondell and The Chancellers close with 'Your True Love'.
Quality once again adorns this second volume in the 'Rockin' Rollin' USA' series. 28 tracks and all 'killers', you just have to do it. This needs no further explanation.

With volume 41 in the 'That'll Flat...Git It!' series we dive into the archives of the labels Dot and their daughter label Hamilton. The Dot label was also known for their pop covers of rhythm & blues hits from the fifties, but also recorded a lot of good rock 'n' roll and rockabilly. From that offer, compiler Nico Feuerbach selected 37 tracks for this compilation. A number of well-known names such as Leroy Van Dyke, Sanford Clark, Jimmy Newman and Robin Luke can be found here. But also a number of artists who could not generate general fame are discussed.
Rock 'n' roll with both country and blues influences or rousing rockabilly, you will find it all on this album.
And in the 34-page beautifully illustrated booklet you get all the information about the artists and their songs.
The fact that there is still a lot of interesting rock 'n' roll and rockabilly to listen to is certainly a reason to get this album.

​‘The flag does not always cover the load’ is a statement that applies more than once to this new series released by Atomicat. In other words, a nonsensical song title says nothing about the song itself. The 'Wacky-A-Rama' series shows that behind meaningless titles there are enormously beautiful songs. On this first volume, compiler Mark Armstrong gathered 28 tracks that confirm this and Henrique San once again provided an eye-catching packaging. 'Bo-Bo Ska Diddle Daddle' is the first crazy title from Wayne Walker, who starts rocking with it. Wayne is followed by Wink Lewis who was mainly active in the country. By using piano and steel guitar, his rocking 'Zzztt, Zzztt, Zzztt' still has the seeds of country. Johnny Otis' band backs 'Mr. Goggle Eyes' August on 'Oh Ho Doodle Lu', which features co-produced by Otis' band New Orleans rhythm & blues . Wally Hughes' motto was 'May the music always bring you higher' and he fully lives up to that in 'Pug Nose And Pony Tail'. His whistling certainly contributes to that. With Earl Sanger and 'Whoopie Baby', including beautiful performances on fiddle and piano, we go a little more hillbilly. Slightly sultry and jazzy are the undertones of The Gimicks' '(Get Off My Tail You) Sneaky Snail'. In addition to being a songwriter and producer, Choker Campbell was also a talented saxophonist. He gives a nice example of that in the rhythm & blues 'Walking On My Thin Sole Shoes'. Larry and Lorrie made a name for themselves on TV shows in the fifties as The Collins Kids. They are present with the youthful 'Beetle-Bug-Bop' from 1955. Larry's mentor was Joe Maphis, which made Larry a gifted guitarist at a young age. Roy Hogsed provides a swinging boogie, embellished with an accordion solo with 'Let Your Pendulum Swing'. Prefer a portion of cool harmony vocals? Then you can certainly go to the vocal group The Metronomes and 'The Chickie-Goo'. A nice instrumental is 'Buzzzzz' by Jimmy Gordon. The song was co-written by Dave Burgess of The Champs. Girl group The Hollywood Chicks are present with Tossin 'A Ice Cube', a typical song for such groups. Also note the handclaps. They belong to Barry White who made his first professional recording with them in 1962. You may not believe it, but Big Brown and The Gamblers were a Belgian band. Big Brown was singer and especially shouter Roger Sauvenier. Initially the group started as a Dixieland band, but Sauvenier soon converted to rock 'n' roll. He recorded three singles on Palette, of which 'Menin Aéde Théa', which you can listen here, is the third one. Single that is highly sought after by the way. According to the data found, the song would have been sung or rather shouted in Ancient Greek. All in all a highly appreciated rarity! More famous than Brown is Screamin' Jay Hawkins. He was always special, as here in 'Orange Coloured Sky' from 1958. Instrumentally, the album closes with 'First Rhapsody For Knives, Forks And Spoons' by the aptly named Central High School Cafeteria Band and……..knives, forks and spoons were actually used for this song.
With 'Wacky-A-Rama, Vol. 1', the Atomicat label is once again launching a series that certainly has a lot to offer. The tracks, which all date from the period 1954 - 1963, can be classified into rhythm & blues, rock 'n' roll and doo-wop, some of which are very hard to find. Here you get everything perfectly presented in a sublime sound quality.

​The Firebirds are a five-piece band from Leipzig, Germany, who showcase their very personal interpretation of rock 'n' roll from the fifties and sixties on this album. That own interpretation is immediately apparent on opener 'You Don't Like To R 'n' R', including a fat sax solo. Sax who also put successor 'Blinding Lights' on the tracks. Even pop influences do not avoid The Firebirds. Traces of this can be found in 'Sweet Kisses'. Handsome harmony vocals also fit the band like a glove, as the gentlemen show in 'Mama Should Know'. An outlier is certainly the somewhat jazzy and a 'theatre feel' creating 'Boyfriend'. What a song!
Lyrically, The Firebirds also score in a special way. They avoid beaten paths like the plague. They prefer to continue in a narrative way. A wonderful example of this is certainly the quietly swinging 'The Way Love Goes', which is followed by the slow 'Moviestar', to which the gentlemen also add a bit of doo-wop. ‘Mr. Sunshine' goes even further back in time. Here you get more of a 'roaring twenties' feeling, mixed with vocal delights. What a structure that number has. With 'My Guitar' it is a bit of a shock when the band firmly prefers the fifties rock 'n' roll tour. Familiar in pure Firebirds style, 'Area 51' sounds a little later. A wonderful rhythm & blues, which ends with an emotional steel guitar and transitions almost seamlessly into the dreamy 'Down By The Sea'. They end with 'Let The Good Times Roll'. The umpteenth version of the Louis Jordan classic, I hear you say. NO, this quintet composed their own 'Let The Good Times Roll'.
In short we can conclude that The Firebirds are more than just another contemporary rock and roll band. Comparing them to other contemporary bands that keep the rock 'n' roll fire burning is pointless. After all, this group does not stick to the fifties sound that other bands try to approach as much as possible. Is this a disadvantage? Certainly not, although it takes some time to adjust when your ears are used to the rawer sound of fifties rock and roll. However, if you need a special contemporary and certainly innovative sound, then 'Stripes' by The Firebirds is definitely your thing. I'm already won over!

​Rockin' Rollin' USA, Visit 01, Canada, Shhhhhhh Blast Off' is the first release in the new series from Pan American Recordings. The 28 tracks on this album include songs released on major and local labels between 1955 and 1963. Local labels such as Aragon, Apex Français, Barry, Quality and Rodeo may be less known or perhaps not known at all, but they certainly recorded songs that are more than worth listening to. Every state had a local hero. Some stayed that way, but others left their hometowns and moved on. In this series, compiler Mark Armstrong also pays attention to their musical journey. But before we start our journey through the American states, we first focus on Canada. This first volume features records that were produced in Canada as well as those that were imported there.
What can you expect? That's pretty simple. Vocal and instrumental rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and country at the highest level.
Give that volume knob a good turn to the right, because this new series is the umpteenth direct hit. Unbelievable that there are still so many really great songs, of which we didn't even suspect the existence. Thanks to compiler Mark Armstrong for drawing our attention to this and just as much thanks goes to Henrique San who makes the editions visually attractive with his matching artwork.

​With 'Bim Bam Boom', the seventh volume in the 'More Boss Black Rockers' series, compiler Little Victor once again treats us to 28 fantastic songs. Songs that you can classify under both rhythm & blues and 'early' rock 'n' roll. True to tradition, this volume also contains a mix of well-known and lesser-known artists. We take a successful start with Willie King's 'Peg Leg Woman', released in 1956. He may not enjoy the fame that the other 3 Kings received, but that does not alter the fact that it is a beautiful guitar-driven rocking rhythm & blues. And then we're off for over an hour of rocking rhythm & blues and rock 'n' roll. Solo singing or sublime harmony vocals or instrumental, it's all covered on this album.
It goes without saying that volume 7 'Bim Bam Boom' is more than an absolute must.
Volume 8 entitled 'Rock & Roll Baby' is scheduled for April. Volumes 9 and 10, listening to the titles “Hey Doll Baby” and “Lonely Lonely Train” respectively, will be released in May and June. Enjoy it!

​'Audrey', named after the Billy Lehman song of the same name, is already the fifth volume in 'The Rockin' Spot' series. A series that conjures up expertly selected rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and rhythm & blues on your plate. Volume 5 again contains 28 songs, which probably won't tell you much or even nothing at first sight. Until you listen…..and then you know. Buddy Covelle immediately blows your socks off with 'Lorraine' doused in a nice vintage clean sounding guitar. Rocking 'Little Richard style' we continue the chosen path with 'Uncle John' by Wild Child Gipson. And so it goes on......! With ‘Mercy, Mr. Percy 'rhythm & blues singer Varetta Dillard scored a hit. Her 'Promise Mr. Thomas' is also a blast of a rhythm & blues. Vocal group The Valiants, on the other hand, is wildly enthusiastic about 'Frieda, Frieda' and musically express it that way. Saxophonist Preston Love could be heard with his orchestra on many well-known Motown recordings from the 1960s. Here his orchestra backs Beverly Wright on the rhythm & blues 'Kissin' Boogie' while Preston plays a beautiful sax solo. You can enjoy great rockabilly via Jack Scott's 'Geraldine'. An instrumental that also lays down a hypnotic groove is 'Fling' by The Phaetons. Rhythm & blues, rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and beautiful vocal work follow each other in rapid succession.
A fun fact is that Mark Robinson, the performer of 'Pretty Jane' is none other than Lee Hazlewood. On that song you can also hear another legend, namely Duane Eddy on the guitar.
In short, with 'Audrey' the Atomicat label continues the successful series 'The Rockin' Spot'.

The next release that will be discussed in the 'Destination' series, has as its subject a destination where you do not want to end up, namely the prison or 'jail'. In American roots music, such as country, hillbilly and rock 'n' roll, there are many songs that can be placed in this context. In addition to life behind bars, these songs can also deal with gruesome crimes, escapes or remorseful confessions. Examples of this can be found galore on this compilation.
A mix of well-known and lesser-known artists provide formidable thematic country, rock 'n' roll and rockabilly. It's best to stay out of prison, but this album is definitely a winner.

​Following the success of 'Rock 'n' Roll Songs Of Happiness', the Atomicat label launches a new series entitled 'Rockabilly Love'. The first volume 'Servant Of Love', contains 30 tracks in the genres of rock 'n' roll and rockabilly, which also have ‘love’ as their subject. The recordings span six years, namely from 1956 to 1962 and have bop, jive and stroll rhythms. True to tradition, a number of unknown artists also make an appearance on this compilation. Artists whose songs you probably didn't know, but who definitely need to be heard.
'Servant Of Love', the first volume in the 'Rockabilly Love' series raises high expectations for what's to come. You won't find anywhere else better than the unadulterated rock 'n' roll and rockabilly that you get here.

​For the sixth time already, compiler Little Victor aka The Mojo Man delved into the archive of recordings by black artists. Once again we are introduced to 28 tracks that are full of beautiful rhythm & blues. Rhythm & blues that would later be called rock 'n' roll to reach a wider audience. Although rock ‘n’ roll has much, if not all, in common with black rhythm & blues, black performers were rarely credited for this. For that alone, series such as 'Boss Black Rockers' and 'More Boss Black Rockers' are great opportunities to pay tribute to those artists. Artists who were only able to penetrate the mainstream in dribs and drabs, such as Chuck Berry, who is present here with the well-known 'Too Much Monkey Business'. In addition, there were more artists who only gained local fame. Were their songs of lesser quality? No, not at all, but labels only put their energy and promotion into those artists whose records they were almost certain to sell and generate profits. The fact that these recordings were certainly not inferior in quality, this volume also gives a nice picture.
Like all previously released volumes in the 'Boss Black Rockers' and 'More Boss Black Rockers' series, volume six is another one to cherish.

​At the Atomicat label, the machine is running at full speed. Not only were new series added and are still being added, the label also pays enormous attention to the new volumes in the existing series. This is also the case with 'The Rockin' Spot' series, which is on its fourth release with 'Cheryl'. Again 28 tracks that are only too happy to take possession of our playback device and chase rock 'n' roll and rockabilly through our speakers. Songs that saw the light of day between 1955 and 1963 and that lead to surprising discoveries. Those surprises can be found in the recordings of lesser-known artists. Recordings that, for whatever reason, unfortunately continued to float around locally and failed to make it to the mainstream. Fortunately, they are now surfacing on series like this.
Pointing out highlights is impossible, because once again the 28 tracks are real pearls that are full of beautiful echo-drenched vocals, razor-sharp guitars and scorching saxes.
Feel like rocking and rolling yourself into a sweat? Then 'Cheryl' is the ideal soundtrack for this. An absolute must!

​The next artist to be featured in the 'Koko Mojo Songwriter Series' is Lincoln Chase. Chase was born on June 29, 1926 in Harlem, New York. His father was Cuban and his mother was from the West Indies. Lincoln studied piano at the American Academy of Music in New York City. After these studies he started making recordings and composing for fellow artists. However, there is a chance that his name will not immediately ring a bell, but indirectly you have undoubtedly already become acquainted with his compositions. He wrote for Big Maybelle, Chuck Willis and Ruth Brown, among others. Lincoln achieved his first major success as a songwriter with ‘Such A Night’ for The Drifters with lead singer Clyde McPhatter. Song that has been covered many times, as by Johnnie Ray and of course Elvis Presley. In addition to lesser-known artists, greats such as George Benson, Ruth Brown, LaVern Baker, Red Foley and Ray Hamilton also recorded songs by Chase.
Lincoln Chase wasn't just a talented songwriter. He was also extremely versatile as an artist. You can witness this in the songs he recorded under his own name.
This compilation proves Lincoln Chase's tremendous talent, both as an artist and as a songwriter. Chase died on October 6, 1980, barely 54 years old, in Atlanta. Unjustly, his meritorious work was not honored with any award. Don't let this album pass you by!

​The next to be featured in Bear Family's ‘Rocks’ series is pianist Memphis Slim. Slim was born Peter Chatman in 1915 in Memphis. He moved from Memphis to Chicago where he emerged as a well-known singer and pianist in the blues. In the 1960s he moved to Paris. His piano style was based on the barrelhouse style, which resulted in energetic parts on the black and white keys.
The 29 tracks on this compilation are recordings by Bluebird, Miracle, VeeJay, Strand, King, Premium, United and Chess from the period 1942 - 1961. The period in which rhythm & blues was at the origin of the rock ' n roll. That can also be clearly heard on the songs brought together here. In addition to rhythm & blues, blues and even gospel can be heard in dribs and drabs. Memphis Slim always knew how to surround himself with the 'creme de la creme' of musicians. His band included Ernest Cotton and Alex Atkins on saxes and Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy. Matt who, by the way, is also known to the general public through his participation in the movie 'The Blues Brothers'.
In addition to an excellent sound, this album also contains a 36-page color booklet, including liner notes from British rock and roll expert Martin Hawkins.
Memphis Slim died on January 24, 1988 in Paris. He was inducted into The Memphis Music Hall Of Fame and the Blues Foundation.
That Memphis Slim could rock, you get the best proof of that on this collector.
This album simply belongs in the collection of every blues lover and certainly in these of fans of rocking and rolling piano sounds. Recommended!

​Often you don't know too well what gift to give someone for his or her birthday. Well, maybe this compilation can bring some solace. Not only is the album provided with a 'birthday sticker' on which you can write down the name of the giver and receiver, but above all it contains 32 tracks dating from the fifties and early sixties, which quickly shift the birthday party up a gear. Tracks that also contain multiple music genres. Rock 'n' roll, doo-wop, rhythm & blues and country, whether or not in combination, adorn this CD.
It needs no further explanation. 'Happy Birthday, Baby!' is a beautiful theme compilation that shouldn't just be in your playback device on birthdays, by the way.

​Johnny Kidd is the next to appear in the series 'The Brits Are Rocking'. Although he died in 1966 at the age of 30, Johnny Kidd and The Pirates are among the greatest British rockers. In the late 1950s and the following 1960s, many artists tried to build a career on Elvis-based singing. But Kidd wasn't guilty of that. He made himself immortal by naturally developing his own style and with 'Shakin' All Over' he managed to reach the top of British rockers. It is therefore not surprising that other artists were inspired by Johnny. Artists like The Who, The Hollies, Tom Jones and undoubtedly many others openly admitted this. And could David Bowie's pirate look at one point in his career have been a reference to Johnny Kidd?
This compilation contains all the highlights of Johnny Kidd's short but powerful career. Of course 'Shakin' All Over' could not be missed, but there is so much more to enjoy. In addition to the songs he recorded with different line-ups in his Pirates, you also get 'Hurry On Back To Love' / 'I Want That', solo single that Johnny recorded in 1962. The 20 tracks are also supplemented with 14 tracks from six radio performances that Johnny gave for BBC radio. This includes three short conversations Brian Matthew had with Johnny.
This compilation clearly shows that Johnny Kidd could not be compared to anyone. Vocally he sought his own way, which was also expertly supported by his Pirates. His arrangements were also exceptionally original for that period.
One thing is clear and simple, no one rocked like Johnny Kidd. In fantastic sound quality, this compilation is therefore a more than formidable tribute to one of, if not the greatest, British rocker.

In the period before Valentine's Day, the label released the album 'Think Me A Kiss' in 2021. The following year came volume 2 with the name 'Kiss Me' and now Atomicat releases the third volume that bears the name 'Kiss Away', subtitled 'Rock 'n' Roll Songs Of Happiness'. Once again, Mark Armstrong collected 30 tracks that have love as their subject. Love in all its forms. Big love, why fall in love, longing for someone, true love, the pitfalls, the charm to finally be one with someone, these are all subjects that are sung about in both rock and roll and doo-wop, which were recorded from 1954 to 1962.
'Kiss Away' is the soundtrack that will brighten up your Valentine. But just as well, this album is suitable to please your romantic soul 365 days a year.
Brilliant album!

With 'Sure Look Good To Me' we are exactly halfway through the 'More Boss Black Rockers' series. True to tradition, 28 tracks packed with black rhythm & blues and rock 'n' roll. Between opener the rocking and rolling 'Who Ya Gonna Kiss' by Speedo & The Pearls and closing the New Orleans sound by Fats Domino with 'Where Did You Stay Last Night', there is a lot to discover. Rhythm & blues, rock 'n' roll and doo-wop of excellent quality.
Volume 5 in the 'More Boss Black Rockers' series proves once again that a lot of formidable rhythm & blues, doo-wop and rock 'n' roll were recorded by black artists in the fifties and early sixties. We are curiously looking forward to volume 6 in the series, 'Everything's Cool'. It has been announced for February.

​In the 1950s to the mid-1960s, a lot of rock 'n' roll, rockabilly and rhythm & blues were recorded in America. Unfortunately, only a few of those artists managed to achieve worldwide recognition and success. Were those other artists' recordings that bad? Well, no, but usually the major labels put all their money and energy into promoting those few with whom they thought they could make the cash register ring. Many recordings were also made with independent regionally active labels, which made it even more difficult for these artists to break through internationally. The fact that those lesser-known songs certainly don't have to end up in the dark corner is an achievement that the Atomicat label can certainly put on their account with 'The Rockin' Spot' series. The first two volumes, namely 'Juliet' and 'Louise', were recently published and now there is the third volume that has been given the name 'Jeanie'. Like the previous volumes, 'Jeanie' also contains 28 awesome rocking and rolling tracks.
We can only conclude that 'JEANIE', the third volume in 'The Rockin' Spot' series, is another great hit.

​The Atomicat label recently started a new series with 'Jungle-A-Rama' and a new series will soon see the light of day, but that will have to wait a while. The existing series are also very popular and it is therefore logical that new volumes are coming onto the market. You could already read the reviews of the third volumes of 'Bop-A-Rama' and 'Stroll-A-Rama' here. Now it's the turn to 'Jive-A-Rama'. True to tradition, this compilation again contains 30 songs released between 1953 and 1962. With 'Just To Hold My Hand' a beautiful rhythm & blues from 1955 by Paul Perryman we are ready for more than an hour of steamy music. Vocal delights, rocking rhythm & blues, rock 'n' roll and rockabilly follow in a lightning fast way.
It needs no further explanation. You can also summarize this volume in four words, namely NOT TO BE MISSED!

​In the fifties to about the mid-60s, a lot of solid rhythm & blues, blues, rock 'n' roll and rockabilly were recorded in America. Recordings that could not always count on a wide success, but which often deserved it. It is therefore a pity that many of those recordings would never make it to our living room, if the Atomicat label did not exist. A first possibility could have been to randomly put those recordings together on albums, but unfortunately they would not always do justice to them. To avoid this problem and to release these songs in a proper and orderly way, creativity is needed. Creativity to always find new and appropriate perspectives for this. And that is precisely where the Atomicat team succeeds. This is also the case with this new series 'Duet-A-Rama', an album that bundles 28 known and less known and perhaps even forgotten duets. Duets can be one-off, although there are also duos that have a long life.
Whether the genre is rock 'n' roll, rhythm & blues, rockabilly or something a little more country, superior harmony vocals are the glue between them all.
Many of the artists recorded here operated under various names. You can learn all about this in the extensive liner notes from Mark Armstrong.
'Duet-A-Rama' shows surprising duets and since it concerns 'volume 1', there will certainly be a sequel soon. To discover!

​The previously released 10-part series 'Boss Black Rockers' was such a success that the KokoMojo label fortunately added a sequel with 'More Boss Black Rockers'. A sequel that certainly does not compromise on the quality of the associated tracks. After all, the treasury in which compiler Little Victor is grabbing still contains a lot of danceable, formidable and not always known gems.
Powerful vocals, rousing rhythms, vicious guitar sounds and heated saxes, you will find it all on this fourth volume. With 'Sure Look Good To Me' to be released in January, we are already half way through the 'More Boss Black Rockers' series. In any case, we are already looking forward to it!