Customer Reviews

Very Best of

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

 

 

These are not original recordings and there's NO way to know that until the disc is in the CD player. However, I'll still give it 4 stars because they're pretty good anyway.

I don't know whether the 5 stars awarded by another reviewer is due to not being old enough to recall the original Little Richard hits, or simply because that person finds each selection enjoyable on its own merits.

If the latter - well - that's the reviewer's prerogative. If, on the other hand, it's based on the belief that they ARE the original versions, I have to burst his bubble by pointing out they are re-makes.

Like Bill Haley & His Comets, there seems to be a glut on the market of re-done Little Richard stuff which, if that's OK with a buyer, no problem. After all, there are no original versions around of Mozart playing his best pieces [or even re-makes, come to think of it]. But when an outfit tries to pass off a compilation as his best, without informing you they are not the original versions - that's a no-no.

There ARE better Little Richard CDs available and these are suitably reviewed as such.

[Based upon Amazon.com "Sample"]

It appears that this CD was offered with the Leon movie on the star. The only 1950s cut is the overdubbed "Molly" which closes the set.

All were made in 1976 (not 1956!), except for the above-named tune, and two from 1964, one an early attempt at Funk by the Architect, a remake of "The Girl Can't Help It", sounding nothing like the great, driving, titletune to Richard's first movie. It's not bad until the return to the verse after the break..when things get just a little out of whack. In addition, we get the depressing opportunity to hear a great singer, apparently singing while falling asleep.

No such issue with the remake of "Shakin'", in fact we are treated to the scarce long version, which first was released in 1972!. It's Richard prefacing a storming rocker with a few travel reminiscences - no restraint here, as in "The Girl".

This Reviewer noted some down-pitched entries, very welcome, as it is said that the '76ers were sped up!

Little Richard has always been one of my favourites. His songs are timeless classics and this cd has some of his best. Keep Knockin is one of my all time favourites.