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Beware: There Are More Than One "Gitarzan" CD!

OldieButGoodie | TX | 09/27/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are at least two separate CD's titled "Gitarzan," the original on the Varese label and another on Laserlight (Delta Music.) At one time both were lumped together in one listing. However, when Amazon.com clarified and broke them into two separate listings with proper labels and song listings, the reviews were repeated for both entries, which is confusing. I am adjusting my original review to clarify.



The Varese CD is is the concert album released in 1969 on the Monument label and later on Ray Steven's Barnaby label. It includes the original 11 songs, Yakety Yak, Little Egypt, Mr. Custer, Freddie Feelgood, Sir.Thanks-a-Lot, Gitarzan, Along Came Jones, Alley Oop, Harry the Hairy Ape, Bagpipes-That's My Bag, and Ahab the Arab, plus bonus tracks The Streak, The Moonlight Special, and Bridget the Midget.



This has to be best album Ray recorded--at least in impact. These live versions of some of his previous hits have become as familiar as the originals, and his cover of other acts' hits are as good, or better, as the originals, especially Mr. Custer and Alley Oop. The single Gitarzan reached the top 10, while Along Came Jones made the top 30 in 1969. For some reason, this CD and other re-releases of Along Came Jones have all cut the tag line "never mind!" His popularity from this album, hit singles from it, and his hot night-club act led to his own summer TV series, with regulars Lulu and Mama Cass, and to his number 1 hit, Everything Is Beautiful, in 1970. This CD also includes his number 1 song, The Streak, from 1974.



Although some of the lyrics may have dated references, the songs are as fresh as ever. It would be hard to evaluate Ray without considering this album.



The "Gitarzan" CD, Laserlight 12821 (Delta Music), only has a few of the same songs as the other. I only rate it 3 as opposed to 5 for the Varese.



CAUTION: When ordering, be sure you know the difference between the two CD's and are ordering the one you actually want."