1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Screamin' Good Time, June 5, 2007
This review is from: The Whamee 1953-55 (Audio CD)
The first time I'd ever heard of Screamin' Jay Hawkins was in the late 60s when Creedence Clearwater Revival recorded what I consider to be the definitive cover of Hawkins' I Put A Spell On You. Over the years since then, I have seen an occasional reference to him in the music press but never got around to actually hearing him. Then recently, The Whamee was showered with high praise in the English music press so I picked it up immediately on seeing it at a favorite West Coast music store.
I was hooked at first listen. Though Hawkins is often pigeonholed as a bluesman, you'll hear not only blues but also soul and some good quality early rock and roll. And oh yeah, there is lots of Hawkins' trademark screaming and some good humor too!
I found a lot to like in this 70 minute plus compilation. My favorites are I Put A Spell On You, What That Is, In My Front Room, Talk About Me, Even Though, the several instrumentals,I Found My Way To Wine, I Is, Pauline, and the bonus track, Mumbles Blues.
If you already like Screamin' Jay Hawkins or are just curious about him, I think you'll find that The Whamee is a screaming good time. And though not every song is consistently good, and there is some repetition with outtakes and alternative versions, every song is consistently enjoyable.
Try out The Whamee and you'll hear what I mean.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
