I "git it", Vincent deserved more recognition!
stonehenge7 | Simi Valley, CA. United States | 02/28/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This man and his these blue caps rocked circles around Elvis, bad leg or not! Elvis was deeply loved and rightfully so, but upon spinning this disc one can't help but wonder, where was all the recognition Gene Vincent and his "blue caps" so richly deserved?
"Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps" and his first release ("Blue Jean Bop")are the most high energy, ballsy rockabilly imaginable. Gene's voice is at least equal to Presley and his delivery and range are superior. The songs are strong and Cliff Gallup's guitar work will absolutely pull you into listening to this disc, time after time. It's fresh and gutsy stuff to this day, even if almost a half-century old.
After this one, the band's line-up fell apart and Gallup left. Vincent's stuff there after was not quite as good, and perhaps that is why his popularity did not soar, at least not here in the U.S. Or maybe it was just that he didn't have the "love me tender" looks so many folks say Elvis initially had. It's too bad Amazon doesn't show the excellent cover photo for this one. It's a great pic' of Gene and the Caps and shows he had a very powerful edge and energy about his music "The King" could not match. The artwork throughout is very good and with 17 great tracks, this one plays for a decent 40 minutes. It's music that is just too incredible to be little-known. Git it and git ready to ask yourself how music this good and this original, can also be so obscure."
Greatest rock'n'roll album of all time!
Bop Cat | 06/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Like I said, this is THE greatest R'n'R album ever. Almost every song is a wild,wild rocker. And I mean WILD. This collection of tunes makes Elvis look like Pat Boone. When it was first was released in 1957, it probably sold moderately, but was overlooked. I am pretty sure it has a cult following especially since it has been reissued as an American released CD. Like most Rockabilly music and also Eddie Cochran, Gene is much more appreciated in Europe than in America. If you like real wild rock'n'roll, get this CD right away!! There are also a few bonus tracks on it."
Vintage 50's rock
Darrin Warren | Osburn, Idaho | 08/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps are often only remembered for the 1956 hit "Be Bop a Lula" which is a shame because the musicianship of the Blue Caps produced a superb sound. Gene had some other hits and was much more popular overseas. This is Vincents second album for Capitol from 1957 and sounds better than ever on CD, which also features some bonus tracks. GREAT STUFF!!!!!"