Customer Reviews

Golden Rock Hits

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

 

 

About a month after Jerry Lee made his last recording for Sun Records in 08-63, he recut several of his original hits for Mercury/Smash with Mr. Shelby Singleton at the producing helm - interestingly enough, the guy who much later reportedly bought Sam Phillips' back catalogue and reissued Jerry Lee's *original* versions!
Behind-the-scenes data aside, it's what's up front at the mike in late September, 1963, that counts. It's JLL kickin' out those rockin' licks and overcoming "pop" trappings and occasional hoarseness. "Whole Lotta Shakin'" even has background voices, but they're mixed to the back and it's a fun ride. In fact, it recalls his sometimes excerpted c. '64 performance of the tune at his own English TV Special - his voice is deeper, actually more powerful than before. Don't dismiss Sun 102 *too* fast but don't place this one too far down the carousel, either. It's a very representative cut from that period. "Great Balls Of Fire" has the same feel, and the stereo sounds brings out the piano often down in the earlier mixes. The classic Lewis composition "End of The Road", a thumping honky-tonker, is arranged a bit too fast; a slower tempo could have given him a modest hit at the time. It borders on over-production, but it succeeds famously. His first release, "Crazy Arms" is perhaps a bit rushed also. "You Win Again", ofcourse the HW tune, is just right and receives that special Lee Lewis treatment. Folks, I like it better than the Sun side. His wisened, worldly delivery sells it big, baby. "I'll Make It All Up To You" is a country music ballad classic, a Lewis offer which deserves to be placed on any Country or Oldies station playlist.
True, some of the grit is smoothed over for this '63 session, but like Little Richard for Vee Jay and Fats Domino for ABC Paramount, who also traveled to Nashville to recut hits during that time, there were certain artistic demands apparently made and production was looking ahead, not back, and new technology was applied.
Yes, something was lost, but something was gained. It was and still is...a gas!

This is not the gritty honky tonk of the sun sessions, but it's not supposed to be. These are 1963 Nashville remakes that are slicker and tighter than the originals. Actually, they are a precursor to the sound that Lewis would come to use on a regular basis (there must be something he likes about it). The thing that brings these sessions together is Lewis' vocals and piano. It's what HE brings to the party that makes all this work. There is not a bad one in the bunch.

Don't make the mistake of thinking the Killer isn't present here - he definitely is. Breathless is every bit as good as the original, if not better. High School Confidential moves like a newly purchased Cadillac convertible.

My only complaint is that this CD clocks in at a mere 25:15. It's like Thai food. You don't get a lot, but what you get is so good, it leaves you wishing there was more.

This is the perfect bookend to the Sun recordings. I say this one is a sure fire yes.

If you call yourself a Jerry Lee Lewis fan, and you don't already have this cd, buy it today. These are updated versions of 10 of his songs recorded in 1963. I love the new versions, and Breathless, without question, is much better than the original hit, faster and with more intensisty. Same is true for Great Balls, Shakin', and HS Confidential. Don't get me wrong, I like the originals too, but these remakes are a vital part of my collection.

Actually, my mom got this album in 1963 and this is what I grew up listening too before I even knew the original versions, so maybe I'm a little partial.

And be sure to get the 1989 Great Balls of Fire movie soundtrack for some more awesome remakes of his hits.

Jerry Lee Lewis at his best - a raucous rendition of ten favorites great for a party - or whenever you need an emotional lift. Would also be a good choice to exercise to.

Jerry's distinctly passionate singing style combined with his famous wild-man piano playing makes this CD one of my all-time favorites. Nobody - I mean nobody - sings and plays like this man. You gotta love him.

A treasure trove of first recordings. Some of them sound like they were recorded in someone's garage - but don't be put off. All those greatest hits, that he re-recorded time and time again - are here in their original form. A true mix of the rock, rock-a-billy, and country that was his roots. You can even hear a bit of the extended family. (If you are a fan, you will know what I mean.)

I found this recording once. Played it until it was almost worn out, and then someone stole it from me, (along with a car). I then spent 10 years trying to find it again. Here it is in all it's original glory. Listen to the clips - buy it. The Killer lives.

Unfortunately "A Music Fan" who wrote the review above, does not know his music very well. The songs here have be re-recorded. DO NOT BUY THIS -- instead, look for the 18 Original Sun Recordings cd elsewhere on this site. Now that is a 5-star cd!