Merseybeat

Frank Lee Sprague | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 18, 2004)
• Original Release Date: August 30, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Wichita Falls Records
• ASIN: B00069E3FS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #403,439 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Gary Glauber; FUFKIN.COM, January 2005

"Frank has forged a collection of primarily original compositions in the exact style of those Mersey originals of long ago."

Product Description

With the release of his newest LP Merseybeat, West Texas rock'n'roll artist Frank Lee Sprague has achieved his goal of contributing something fresh and invigorating to rock ‘n’ roll. Wichita Falls Records is thrilled to be a part of this landmark album, and we have already received an astonishing level of positive feedback from highly esteemed critics and fans around the world. Providing an added bonus to this already essential record are guest appearances from two of rock ‘n’ roll’s most treasured representatives. In 1979 Doug Fieger made history with his #1 hit "My Sharona" and #1 debut album, Get the Knack, when he infused the tired music industry with a sound both exciting and pure fun. His backing vocals lend an uncanny, beautiful quality to Frank’s sublime ballad, "Can’t Stay", track 6 on Merseybeat. For seven decades, rhythm and blues legend, Big Jay McNeely has treated fans to the honking and squealing of his tenor saxophone. Now, along with Frank Lee Sprague, he has recorded the soon-to-be classic "Our Love Is Real", featured at track 13 as the encore to Frank’s new record. Two more bonus tracks follow Big Jay’s mind-blowing performance. Known for his ingenious new arrangements of cover songs, Frank transforms "Her Diamond Ring" into a Merseybeat nugget that would have fitted perfectly on Meet the Beatles. The final bonus track pays double tribute to the Beatles and one of their favorite artists, Little Richard. Frank reworks Richard’s "She’s Got It" into a Paul McCartney style rocker a la "Long Tall Sally". Throughout Merseybeat you’re sure to find your own personal favorites, so get the record spinnin’ and enjoy Wichita Falls’ newest contribution to rock ‘n’ roll!

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MERSEYBEAT HEAVEN, October 19, 2004

By 

Scott S. Springer - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Merseybeat (Audio CD)

Well, here it is. Simply the best album by a contemporary artist in rock & roll for at least the past 20 years. Upon first listening to this album I thought that I had died and gone to Merseybeat heaven--and yes, it's that good. Get ready, because you will be humming these melodies for weeks on end. Frank Lee Sprague has achieved something which very few have attained. He has created music that transends the musical boundaries of the 60's Merseybeat sound. If this album had been released in 1964 or 1965, it would have been hailed as America's answer to The Beatles even though we don't have a river called The Mersey. The amazing trait that stands out is all of the songs encompass the Merseybeat vein but are to their own selves starkly unique which is a godsend to those who love The Beatles, The Searchers, The Swinging Blue Jeans, The Dave Clark Five, Peter & Gordon, well, need I go on. One can instantly tell that these songs have been created with great care. Frank has certainly called on his talent for what "feels" right in relation to each performance. From the opening song of "You're Different" and it's repeated guitar line that sucks you in leading to the guitar solo that blends perfectly within the mold of the tune, you know that you're experiencing something really special. Right after, "My Luck Is Bound To Change" starts in with a melody to kill for and reveals just what a dynamic songwriter Frank really is. By now you are smiling and the realization sets in that there are still 13 songs to go. Believe me, you will be smiling until the last song fades. And then, you will play it again and again and again and again and........well, you get the picture.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love their sound !, February 28, 2005

By 

C. Wilson (SCAPPOOSE, OR USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merseybeat (Audio CD)

They remind me of so many of the groups I grew up loving.
I have reviewed all their other recordings,and will continue to
buy every single recording they will put out.

You can hear a little surf guitar,Everly Brothers,Beatles,Buddy Holley(the correct spelling)they have such a unique sound.
That's what's cool..they have their own sound yet you feel like you have heard them before long ago.

The 50's and 60's music was the best of all time.
Anybody who can do that music justice is waaaay up at the top of my list.

I love em ! MercyBeat is my favorite album thus far !

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Across the river Mersey to Texas, September 22, 2005

By 

stephen (Olympia. WA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Merseybeat (Audio CD)

I've always loved the sounds of the early 60's Merseyside. This album truly inspires the beauty of that particular era with a big dollop of Texas.