Customer Reviews

Breakin Rocks

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The album cover depicts a battered and bullet-riddled street sign and three weary men on a chain gang. Crack open the cd case and discover within a generous offering of glorious, vibrant rock 'n' roll.

Breakin' Rocks serves up a West Texas stew of faithful but sonically updated versions of Bobby Fuller's 60's classics, a couple of Buddy Holly covers and a sprinkle of well-written new originals.

Bassist Randy Fuller takes the lead on most songs. Back in the 60s, his voice always lent a unique quality to Bobby Fuller Four backing vocals. Today, as lead singer, his voice is distinctive and powerful. I was particularly taken by his heartfelt singing on Another Sad and Lonely Night, which should have gone top ten in 1965 and should today in this new version. On the ballad, New Shade of Blue, Randy's weathered, soulful vocal brings added depth to the lyrics. Elsewhere, Let Her Dance features propulsive drumming, a nifty La Bamba-like guitar solo and has the radio friendly feel of a power pop anthem. Nervous Breakdown is the fiercest rocker here. Randy's roaring vocal and throbbing bass are spot on, as is the dazzling guitar solo. A cover of Bobby Fuller covering Eddie Cochran, Nervous Breakdown is one delicious slice of rock 'n' roll.

There are two especially noteworthy autobiographical originals. It Happened In El Paso recalls the early days of the Bobby Fuller Four as they began to chart with their classic version of I Fought the Law and even echoes its refrain. It's a driving rocker showcasing pumping piano by Larry Knechtel. The colorful lyrics of The Lobby tell us about the most popular music joint across the Rio Grande in Juarez, Mexico.

Breakin' Rocks is a treat for fans of authentic rock 'n' roll, especially of the Bobby Fuller-Buddy Holly-West Texas brand. Three of the members of Bobby Fuller Drive played together as early as 1963, bassist Randy Fuller, guitarist Billy Webb, and drummer Larry Thompson. Their joy and satisfaction in making this compelling music comes through clearly in every note they sing and play.

Sadly Bobby Fuller died in strange circumstances in 1966.
This album is put out by Bobby Fuller Drive, which includes, among others, his brother Randy Fuller.
The collected 14 songs feature several written by the Fuller brothers and members of The Crickets.
There is little wrong with the playing, except these were recorded between 1999 -2003, basically 30 + years since Bobby died.
So, while the tracks are well chosen, it may be for very commited fans due to it not coming from the 1960s.

Normally, I wouldn't give this sort of record a 5 star rating, but since the rating scale is limited to a scale of 1 to 5 stars, the best rating I could give Breakin' Rocks is a measly 5 stars!

Back when I was a teenager, I loved listening to my Bobby Fuller Four albums ("KRLA King of the Wheels" and "I fought the Law") so much that I have extra copies so that one copy could be used for taping.

My record collection even included obscure copies of 45RPM singles of "Magic Touch," and "Love's Made a Fool of You."

As a young bass player, I sharpened my playing chops by learning such songs as "Let Her Dance."

Moving from the past to the present, The Bobby Fuller Drive blasts off where the Bobby Fuller Four left off in 1966 (with the tragic and mysterious death of Bobby Fuller).

Normally, I don't care for the new re-recodings of the old songs, but the old BB4 songs on Breakin' Rocks are all exceptional exceptions!

Breakin' Rocks (along with any future recordings by the Bobby Fuller Drive) belongs in evry BB4 fan's record collection.

The Bobby Fuller Drive blasts off where the Bobby Fuller Four left off...

Oops...I already said that!

I've had this CD now for months and I continue to hear new things each time I listen. This work is so honest and real. You can tell these player's are playing from the heart. Every cut moves me big time. This is so much better than the music that is put out today from the biggies, it's from the soul of this group.

Monte Paul (drummer)