Customer Reviews

Rock & Roll

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This CD caught my eye recently. The Collectors Choice 2007 reissue of this 1957 album is well done with sound fidelity excellent from the original recording and bearing the original artwork. From Durham, North Carolina, the liner notes tell of Clyde's early days of singing in churches that blossomed into his work with The Dominos and then The Drifters. The opening track "Without Love (There Is Nothing)" has Clyde's booming vocals. Yes, this music is dated, no question. However, taken on its own terms, it is compelling. It's easy to see Clyde's voice bringing audiences to their feet when he sings, "I conquered the world, but what did I have? Without love, I had nothing at all." "Treasure of Love" is another lovely song that lets me peek at Clyde's gospel roots, "The treasure of love is found on no chart, to find where it is, just look in your heart." The Drifters' doo-wop version of "White Christmas" set the familiar Bing Crosby recording on its head, launching the recording as one of the most often recorded Christmas songs. Ivory Joe Hunter penned "I Make Believe"; Clyde milks the melodramatic breakup track to sublime 50s perfection. The blues-inflected "Warm Your Heart" reads well these 50+ years later with Clyde's vocals urgent and aching, "I want to make you so happy, that's all I'm living for." "The landlord rang my front door bell, I let him ring for a long long spell, I went to the window, peeked through the blind and asked him to tell me what was on his mind," Clyde sings on the delightful 50s rocker "Money Honey." "Whatcha Gonna Do" is another classic track with an addictive melody, "What you gonna say if I hold your hand; Will you look me in the eyes and say I'm your lover man?" The set ends with the delightfully dated 50s rocker "Thirty Days." With tracks like "Such a Night" and "Honey Love," "Rock & Roll" is a wonderful blast from the past. Enjoy!