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I Like Ike: Best of

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Ike Turner is probably doomed to be eternally remembered as the wife- beating drug abuser in the classic movie "What's Love Got to do With It?". Part of this reason is that Laurence Fishburne was so damn good that he made the role unforgettable. But Ike's true legacy should be the classic rock and r&b he made with and without Tina. This album spotlights Ike's various musical adventures starting with the #1 r&b hit "Rocket 88", widely regarded as the first rock n' roll record eve made. The song was so popular it spawned a sequel, also included here-"My Real Gone Rocket", both sang by the long forgotten Jackie Brenston. Another classic is the swamp blues of "Hoo-Doo Say", sang by The Sly Fox, aka Eugene Fox. This song would have been perfect for Screamin' Jay Hawkins. There are some classic blues tracks like "Down and Out" and "You're Still My Baby" and Ike's personal anthem {also the title of his autobiography) "Takin' Back My Name". There are also some red hot instrumental grooves like "The New Breed PT. 2" and "Prancing" which showcase Ike's ace guitar playing and shows why his band were called The Kings Of Rythym. This compilation was released by Rhino Records, so you know it's a first rate show from beginning to end with the usual photos and informative liner notes in a 12 page booklet. Throughout, Ike is spotlighted in his glory as a pianist/vocalist/guitarist/bandleader/producer/songwriter! Ike is currently clean and sober and was just nominated for a Grammy recently for his "Here and Now" album. If you are a fan of classic early rock and r&b, then this is an essential edition to you're collection.

Forget about 'Rocket 88', the reason to grab this CD is it's the only place you'll find the rare-as-hens-teeth TUNE TOWN version of 'BOXTOP' from early 1958. 'Boxtop' was recorded twice by Ike, the commonly available on CD second version was also laid down by Ike later that same year (for Cobra Records), however it featured an all male group of performers who don't quite match it with the original version found here. The Tune Town version here is the original and best version of the song. It was recorded in Ike's home in E.St Louis, featuring the historic first appearance on record of future wife Tina Turner, here under her maiden name Annie Mae Bullock, or more precisely as she is billed on the record label itself, "Little Ann".

Despite the fact that this comp doesn't include his great 1950s recordings for Federal (obviously Rhino weren't able to license those here), this is still a great collection. It rightly concentrates on the early years of Ike's recording career when he laid down his best work for a myriad of different labels up to the early 60s. These include three fine instrumentals - 'Prancing' and 'Steel Guitar Rag' both from a 1961 recording session, as well as 'The New Breed Pt 2' a heavy slice of guitar wizardry which made it onto a Sue single in 1965.

Although he lead a troubled life, it certainly didn't stand in the way of Ike Turner stamping his class on hundreds of recording sessions over more than a quarter of a century. This is a fine testament to that career.

The best of Ike Turner/I like Ike: Ike Turner's importance in the development of Rock n Roll is undeniable (although many these days try to ignore it) but as important as his early sides are, they are certainly dated. This CD is one to get if you are a Rock historian, but it is not the most entertaining of albums to hear.