Fool Around [Extra tracks, Import, Original recording remastered]

Rachel Sweet | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 20, 2007)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import, Original recording remastered
• Label: Ztt
• ASIN: B000KZRKMG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #625,006 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

In 1978, during one of his many visits to the US, Stiff founder Dave Robinson met producer/writer Liam Sternberg who introduced him to the thriving alternative music scene in Akron Ohio. Stiff consequently released an Akron compilation (featuring a scratch 'n' sniff sleeve - with the smell of tires, naturally) featuring left-field acts such as The Waitresses, Jane Aire, The Bizarros. The album also featured 16 year-old R&B belter Rachel who impressed Robinson enough to sign her to a long term deal. Fool Around was her debut, a pumping album of good-time country/R&B/new wave - listen to the singing and eat your heart out Joss Stone! This re-release has been digitally remastered and includes four bonus tracks and new sleeve notes. 16 tracks including 'B.A.B.Y.', 'Who Does Lisa Like?' and 'I Go To Pieces'. Stiff. 2007.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars what happened?, May 26, 2007

By 

Cen (of Barbi & Cen) "lost in place" (where pigs fly, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Fool Around (Reis) (Audio CD)

i thought when i saw her on early comedy central, i'd see her forever... and then poof!
a lost treasure. willy deville mixed with brenda lee. had some comps, but this has "truckstop queen"=whowah! nobody has dared to cover this unsung (no pun intended) classic. and "tourist boys". both i've waited for these agonizing 30 long years. "it's so different here" is another amazing unawakened classic that's been previously issued... but there's more, much, much more. where are you rachel when we need you?

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Revisit the glory or see what you missed, June 10, 2007

By 

Larry R. Watts Jr. "pres2go" (Marietta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Fool Around (Reis) (Audio CD)

She wasn't yet old enough to drive but she delivered the goods on this, her debut album. From juke joint ballads to new wave oddities, producer Liam Sternberg provided finely crafted productions to bring out the best that the fifteen year old could offer. Re-workings of Carla Thomas' "B-A-B-Y" and Del Shannon's "I Go To Pieces" are updated beautifully and originals like the chatty "Who Does Lisa Like" and enigmatic "It's So Different Here" are great lost pop records. "Wildwood Saloon" is wonderful truckstop country with a hard edge while the cover of Elvis Costello's "Stranger In The House" is the album's one mis-fire, the singer being simply too young to be convincing. "Cuckoo Clock" and "Girl With a Synthesizer" did not age well but were perfect for the tale end of the seventies. All in all, a great jewel in the odd little crown that was Stiff Records.

The 2006 re-issue sounds better than the 90's era Rhino edition but the latter's inclusion of tracks from "Protect The Innocent", the delightful theme from "Hairspray", and the ghastly Rex Smith duet, "Everlasting Love", keep it essential for Rachel Sweet collectors. This new re-issue includes the otherwise unavailable on cd "Truckstop Queen" and "Tourist Boys".

Now, when will "Protect The Innocent" get the same respectful digital treatment?