Customer Reviews

At His Finest-Specialty Rock 'n Roll Years

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
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Easily the best sounding Larry Williams collection around, and the most complete. The mastering is superb. It's hard to understand why so many of these unissued items on Disc 2 never saw release at the time. They are right up there with 'Fannie', 'Moronie' and 'Lizzie'. If you enjoy 50s rock & roll at it's finest, look no further than this 2CD set. It's no wonder John Lennon was a big fan of this guy.

Larry Williams maybe a name you've seen on other artists records such as the Beatles. He wrote some classic tunes such as DIZZY MISS LIZZY, SLOW DOWN and BAD BOY all recorded by the Beatles. His own original versions of those songs however stand strong on their own. It's hard to believe they didn't become big hits before the Beatles released them. If you like straight ahead Late 1950's rock 'n' roll you'll like Larry Williams. His style is a blend of Little Richard, Richie Valens, Jerry Lee Lewis and a combination of many more great artists from that era. This CD is packed full of out-takes in the studio and alternative versions of songs he recorded. Larry Willimas is a rocker, a great musician/songwriter and it's a shame he didn't become a house hold-name like many of his peers did.

Fans of Little Richard will also enjoy Larry Williams' work. Both men were stars at Specialty Records during some of the most vibrant moments in the history of rock and roll music, 'race music' and rhythm and blues. Even white listeners will remember 'Bony Moronie', 'Dizzy Miss Lizzie'and 'Short, Fat Fanny.' Possibly lesser-known numbers include 'Slow Down' and 'Hootchy Koo.' Larry Williams' hits date from 1957 to 1960 so early Rock and Roll was pretty well-developed. Still, Williams' work seems fresh and varied. He was backed by some fine studio musicians (read the interesting booklet included with this set)and, would you believe, his frequent producer at Spcialty Records was...Sonny Bono! This set was based on studio tapes and, for historical interest, some of the by-play between Williams and Sonny is wrapped around the 'take'on a few of the cuts. This 2 CD compilation includes duplications of most of the numbers, organized into 'Original Singles' and 'Original Sessions' CDs. Lots of the material is 'previously unissued' and it is presented to show how Larry Williams recorded and developed his numbers in the studio. Maybe I should give this package 5 stars! Hardcore fans will.

....Of Specialty Records..Art Rupe could pick 'em..!..Don't forget to get a copy of the CD "Jungle Hop" w/Don & Dewey's innovative classics..Hard to believe white bread Sonny Bono was a A & R man for this company..And that label design favored by collectors.."Has it got the squigglie lines on it"..lol

This set of CDs is a super collection of New Orleans rock and roll of the mid to late 50's.

He wasn't as good as Little Richard ,though on the same Speciality label & didn't have the pipes. Some songs in fact have some pitch concerns but.........he did sing some classics like 'Slow Down' and 'Short Fat Fannie'. To mention 3 songs covered by the Beatles. Guess who they were listening to. I never heard his version of "Slow Down" "Bad Boy" or "Dizzie Miss Lizzie" growing up in the 50's. First heard the Beatles versions. Nice to have.

As well as his speciality buddy, Little Richard sharing the same label with Larry Williams, they both should be sharing the same spotlight together in the "hall of fame". It's a shame his life ended so tragically with a single gun shot wound. Their records will live on and on !!