Greatest Hits [EXTRA TRACKS] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED]

Stray Cats

Product Details

• Audio CD (January 25, 2000)
• Original Release Date: January 25, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Original recording reissued
• Label: Capitol
• ASIN: B000042OHB
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,657 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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  Music > Rock > Oldies & Retro > Rockabilly

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Rock's punk/new wave boom of the late 1970s and early '80s was a true grassroots movement born largely out of frustration and disgust with the perceived excesses of rock's then status quo. The resulting music was sometimes ironically reactionary, if nothing else, embracing the more direct musical essence of the '50s and '60s. But few took the notion to the extremes of Stray Cats Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom, the most popular rockabilly revival band to ever emerge from, of all places, Long Island. This set documents the Cats' brief heyday and its faithful aping of Carl Perkins, Eddie Cochran, and Gene Vincent. And if his vocal chops sometimes didn't match the quality of his fiery, often inspired guitar licks, musical evangelist Setzer made up for his shortcomings with sheer exuberant devotion to the genre and its godfathers. The hits are all here, along with some revealing album cuts, rarities, and portions of a 1982 live broadcast that display the Cats' considerable live charms. And if this set makes you yearn for some real original '50s rockabilly, nothing would make Setzer and company happier. Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you like Stray Cats, you'll like this CD, December 9, 2000

By A Customer

I bought this CD for the hits, which were good enough, but if you like the "live" sound of a band, you'll really enjoy the live tracks on this CD.

Some music is simply meant to be heard live, and rockabilly is one of them. The energy just makes you want to get up and hit the floor running.

This is a fun CD.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars All Tracks 24-Bit Digitally Remastered!, July 31, 2007

By	Jason W. Bellenger (Byron Center, Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As stated on the back sleeve of the album, all tracks have been 24-Bit Digitally Remastered! And what a difference it makes! I bought this release for the upgraded sound quality alone, taking a chance that I wouldn't be disappointed in the sound since I've had a number of Stray Cats hits on a number of compilations with poor to mediocre sound quality. Tracks like "Stray Cat Strut", "Rock This Town", and "I Won't Stand In Your Way" actually have punch, depth, and clarity! You can really hear that bass for the very first time! I've never heard any of these recordings in this high fidelity prior to this release, so it's like listening to these recordings in a whole new dimension. This 2000 EMI/Capitol 'Greatest Hits' release was remastered by Kevin Bartley at Capitol Mastering.

Additionally, I'm surprised at how well the live tracks sound for a 1982 live recording. They've been mastered very well, and sound crisp and fresh for that time. The performances are flawless as well, sounding as good, if not better, than the actual studio recordings. I never knew these guys were so good live! Usually I'm one to complain about the addition of live recordings on a compilation, but they actually work here.

I give this release 4 stars for the excellent sound and solid tracklisting. Included are all 5 of the band's U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charting hits: "Rock This Town" (#9), "Stray Cat Strut" (#3), "(She's) Sexy + 17" (#5), "I Won't Stand In Your Way" (#35), and "Look At That Cadillac" (#68) in addition to the U.K. Top Five hit, "Runaway Boys". My only complaint is that "I Won't Stand In Your Way" was not presented in it's stunning acappella version as well since the 62 minutes of playing time made room for more tracks.

Nonetheless, if you are looking for all the Stray Cats' hits bundled in one package with excellent sound, add this collection to your cart.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars They'll "Rock This Town"., February 7, 2004

By	H3@+h (VT) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

There's a few "Stray Cats" collections around, but this is one of the better ones. It's not as lengthy as "Runaway Boys:'81-'92", but it's much better than the 10 track Capitol "Best Of". What's essential is here anyway, like "Stray Cat Strut", "Rock This Town", "Rumble In Brighton", and "(She's) Sexy + 17". Everything here though is just good fun rockabilly. It's got a few live tracks too that are pretty cool. My advice, would be to roll up your sleeve, light up a smoke, and put on some "Stray Cats".