With this first volume, the Atomicat label launches a new series—one that focuses on the commercial rock 'n' roll that captivated teenagers in the mid-1950s. It is hardly surprising then, that many well-known names appear in this series. To achieve commercial success, top-notch studio musicians were usually hired, especially for recordings made by major labels. However, smaller labels also tried to cash in on the rock 'n' roll craze. Their recordings were often just as professional as those from the major labels, though limited budgets—and the resulting lack of optimal promotion—sometimes kept their success in check.
It is wonderful to see recordings from both major and smaller labels sitting side-by-side so brilliantly in this series. "It’s a rockin’ party, and you’re invited" proclaims the cover, and that is certainly true. The 30 tracks will undoubtedly give you that party feeling. The opening track, ‘Broken Heart’ by the Moonlighters, will get your stiff muscles moving right away. The song also features some impressive, razor-sharp guitar work. It is immediately followed by the delightful ‘Buzz Buzz A Diddle It’ by Freddy Cannon—a song also popularized by the English rockabilly band Matchbox.
Artists influenced one another, perhaps even more so in the past than today. This is certainly true for Tiny Morrie on ‘Bump-Ity Bump’, a track with a sound remarkably similar to Buddy Holly's. That Holly-esque sound also features in Bob Ackoff’ s "Come Dance With Me."
As previously mentioned, not all artists could count on solid promotion. Liberty Records really should have promoted Latino rocker Bob Orrison and his track ‘Sarah Lee’ more heavily. An interesting side note is that the guitar work was performed by Eddie Cochran.
‘You Made A Hit’ is well-known in the rockabilly version by Ray Smith. Here, however, we hear a slower version by Joe Fuller that leans more towards rhythm and blues.
As previously mentioned, record labels pulled out all the stops in pursuit of success. This was certainly the case for Jackie Burns’ ‘Hey Then, There Now’. The song was co-written by Jack Hammer, and the studio musicians involved also worked with Ritchie Valens.
The Crickets continued performing even after Buddy Holly’s death. Here we hear them with ‘Baby My Heart’. Perhaps not immediately recognizable—though no less catchy—is ‘Sad As I Can Be’ by Angie & The Monoco’s, a track featuring a sublime, raw saxophone solo.
Songs often end up gathering dust, frequently undeservedly so. This was the fate of ‘Johnny Valentine’ by Andy Anderson & The Rolling Stones (no, not those Rolling Stones!). Both Delta and Sun Records recorded the song at one point but never released it. Felsted Records did eventually released it with a new arrangement that incorporates elements of country & western. Listen for yourself and decide whether Delta and Sun missed out on a serious hit.
One version of a song that was new to me is Ricky Nelson’s take on ‘My Babe’. While ‘My Babe’ is best known through the version by blues legend Little Walter, Nelson breathes new life into the track, with the guitar brilliantly stepping in to fill the role usually played by the blues harmonica. A great track is undoubtedly the instrumental ‘No Stoppin’ This Boppin’ by The Tune Rockers, featuring formidable saxophone work by Dick Lawrence.
Andy Martin’s ‘Record Hop Tonight’ sounds cheerful, poppy, and full of rock energy. The song also appeared in the 1957 film ‘Jamboree’, which showcased a host of artists, including a very young Frankie Avalon, backed by Rocco and The Saints. To bring things full circle: Andy Martin was the lead singer for Rocco and The Saints, while Frankie Avalon played the trumpet in the band.
Eddie Holland would go on to achieve his greatest success at Motown. Here we hear him on ‘Little Miss Ruby’, a track he recorded for Mercury in 1958.
The Jaye Sisters deliver a delightful dose of girl-group rock ‘n’ roll with ‘Sure Fire Love’, featuring truly fantastic vocal harmonies.
There are also wonderful recordings by the likes of Clyde McPhatter, Alis Lesley, Ronnie Self, and Brook Benton.
This first volume concludes with the romantic ‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool’ by The Heartbeats.
With this opening volume of the ‘Old School Rock ‘n’ Roll’ series, the stage is set for a thoroughly enjoyable new collection. We are already looking forward to the next volumes.

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