Search - Fats Domino :: Greatest Hits: Walking To New Orleans

67 minutes of pure unadulterated rock and roll

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 11/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It had been far too long since I last sat down to enjoy the music of the legendary Antoine "Fats" Domino. The collection that I owned was a 2 LP volume that I had purchased in the late 1970's. It was an anthology badly in need of an update. Happily, Capitol records has issued a bright new digitally remastered 30 track single disc collection entitled "Fats Domino: Greatest Hits/Walking to New Orleans". If you have never owned a Fats Domino collection before then this is definitely the one you should seriously consider.

What impressed me the most about "Fats Domino: Greatest Hits/Walking To New Orleans" is that it features quite a few tunes from the early 1950's. During this period Fats was pretty much a fixture on Billboard's R & B Singles chart. A few of these tunes may be unfamiliar to some listeners but you will really begin to appreciate what a marvelous talent was emerging from way down yonder in New Orleans. Among my personal favorites from this period are "Something's Wrong" from 1953 and the rollicking "All By Myself" which made a big splash on the R & B charts back in 1955. And of course you will find all of Fats Domino's most memorable rock and roll hits as well. Who can ever forget such venerable rock and roll classics as "Ain't That A Shame", "Blueberry Hill", "My Blue Heaven" and "Whole Lotta Loving" to name but a few. I was also extremely pleased to see a number of my other Fats favorites including "I'm Walkin'", "When My Dreamboat Comes Home" and my all-time favorite Domino tune "Wait and See" from the fall of '57.

Fats Domino was one of rock and roll's most prolific artists during the 1950's. More than 5 dozen of his sides made the Billboard Hot 100 and you would be hard pressed to find a bad tune in the bunch. "Greatest Hits/Walking To New Orleans" offers up 30 of the Fat Man's finest Imperial recordings from this decade. These are the original hit recordings you would have heard on the radio. No re-recordings here. This collection also features a thoughtfully laid out 12 page booklet and the remastering job is simply outstanding. On January 23, 1986, Fats Domino was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the museums very first induction dinner. It was a fitting tribute to one of rock and roll's most influential artists. Whether you are an older fan like me looking to replace an outdated vinyl collection or a younger listener looking to sample some outstanding early rock and roll then this disc would certainly be a great choice. Highly recommended!"

The Essential Fats Domino collection

Richard Frost | Monterey, Ca | 08/29/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There have been many greatest hits packages issued for Fats but none come close

to the quality and love associated with this one. You get 30 of his best. The sound

quality is exemplary. The choice of songs is excellent. This collection provides you

with the history of one of rock's major legends. This is a must buy. All the

hits are there from Goin' Home (his first single), Ain't That a Shame (his first big hit),

I'm in Love, My Blue Heaven, the classic Blueberry Hill, Blue Monday, I'm Walkin'

to his last charted single, Let The Four Winds Blow. Great collection that finally

pays proper tribute that he so richly deserves."

Better than great

Edward Rasen Jr. | Maui | 10/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Wow! A greatest hits album that more than fulfills it's title. Thirty tracks on one disc and each a bonafide hit. As you may know, the Fat Man, influenced everyone from Paul McCartney to George Jones and it is easy to understand after listening to this album.



I also own the 4-disc Legendary Imperial Recordings titled "They Call Me the Fat Man," but I prefer the Greatest Hits album because it never stops rockin'. The 4-disc collection has some obscure recordings which are interesting and the booklet is very informative. But, obviously it is many more tracks and therefore not wall-to-wall, foot-tapping music.



I wish the Fat Man was still around, sharing his music in person. There will only be one Fat Man, so grab this album and enjoy. You'll be glad you did. By the way, the first track is "The Fat Man.""