Search - Various Artists :: Rock Is Dead But It Won't Lie Down

Eric K. (SoulfulStuff)
Reviewed on 4/21/2015...

The 24 tracks included on this CD cover a broad range of rock and R&B styles; almost all were hits, some bigger than others. Among the oddest, non-hit selections is Bobby Vee's tribute to Buddy Holly, "Buddy's Song," which comes from an LP Vee recorded in Holly's honor in 1963 (and which was revived by Fleetwood Mac on their 1970 LP "Kiln House"). Also conspicuous in its obscurity is the Allmans-related Hourglass song "Cast Off All My Fears," from a 1967 LP.

After the first two tracks from the 1950s, the rest of the CD is all 1960s except the final track, which is the full 8:25 version of Don McLean's 1971 classic "American Pie." The British Invasion is well-represented with hits by Freddy & The Dreamers, Manfred Mann, Swinging Blue Jeans, Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer & The Dakotas, and the Hollies and Yardbirds. Soul icons Garnet Mimms and Irma Thomas are welcome additions, as is the seldom-heard-today hit "I'm a Happy Man" by the Jive Five, from 1965. Toss in Shirley Bassey's movie hit "Goldfinger" and the early-60s pop by Rick Nelson, Johnny Burnette, and Timi Yuro, and you've got a better-than-average compilation for listeners whose tastes developed during the era represented here. All tracks sound great; all are stereo except tracks 1, 2, and 4.

3 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.

Rick S. (professor1976) from PAWLEYS ISL, SC
Reviewed on 10/13/2007...

Original artists and orginal hits - great cd!