Rocks, the long-running series of compilations from Bear Family Records first appeared in 2002. Since then, there have been over 70 entries into the series, each one highlighting the rocking side of a band or artist’s catalogue. This first volume of Bear Family Records Rocks focuses on Rockers and Rhythm ‘n’ Blues from the 1950s. It contains 30 tracks; Is it worth picking up?
I have been reviewing Bear Family Records’ Rocks series since 2019. Through the eclectic selection of artists, I have discovered a large amount of recorded material I was previously unfamiliar with; Even from artists who were favourites.
The album begins with Fats Domino’s Be My Guest, a fitting opening. This album felt like a catch-up session, as I only started listening to and reviewing the series in 2019. It gave me a chance to hear recordings from artists such as Lloyd Price, Arthur Crudup, Smiley Lewis and Louis Prima. I also got to revisit old favourites including Jimmy Reed, Bo Diddley, Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown, Clyde McPhatter and The ‘5’ Royales.
I have many favourites on this album, including one I wasn’t aware of, Slim Harpo’s Don’t Start Cryin’ Now, a fast bluesy number with an infectious groove. There are also familiar tracks including Reelin’ And Rocking, Good Golly Miss Molly, You Can’t Judge A Book By Looking At Its Cover and Three Cool Cats.
Sound Quality
Normally I would mention here about small tape defects and minor sound issues. In this case, Bear Family Records has mostly chosen the cream of the crop to showcase. Some tracks have less-than-ideal sound, but this can be a selling point for this type of material. It wouldn’t be a Rocks compilation without a hot 45 sound somewhere.
A Little Something Extra…
As with every entry in the series, the CD is housed inside a nicely printed digipak. Each photograph printed on the box is as crisp as possible, with only small signs of grain in some images when closely inspected. The included 34-page booklet includes liner notes written by Bill Dahl.
Conclusion
Bear Family Records has assembled a rocking compilation of uptempo numbers which demonstrates why the Rocks series has been successful for so long. As with every addition to the series, it features the popular but also leans into the obscure. If you’re looking for an album that celebrates 1950s Rhythm ‘n’ Blues, Rock ‘n’ Roll and Blues performers, this is for you! When volume 1 is THIS good, I look forward to seeing where this new celebratory run goes next. Bear Family Records Vol. 1 is available to order from Bear Family Records.
Tracklisting:
- Fats Domino – Be My Guest
- Champion Jack Dupree – Nasty Boogie
- Lloyd Price – Where You At?
- Little Richard – Good Golly, Miss Molly
- Jimmy McCracklin – Get Tough
- Arthur Crudup – I’m Gonna Dig Myself a Hole
- Jimmy Reed – She Don’t Want Me No More
- Little Junior Parker – I Wanna Ramble
- Ella Mae Morse – Have Mercy Baby
- Roy Milton – You Got Me Reeling and Rocking
- The Cadillacs – Holy Smoke Baby
- The Midnighters – Henry’s Got Flat Feed (Can’t Dance No More)
- Bo Diddley – You Can’t Judge a Book By The Cover
- Smiley Lewis – Lillie Mae
- The Coasters – Three Cool Cats
- The Platters – Out of My Mind
- Chuck Berry – Reelin’ And Rocking
- Slim Harpo – Don’t Start Cryin’ Now
- Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown – Boogie Uproar
- Clyde McPhatter – Deep Sea Ball
- Piano Red – She’s Dynamite
- Big Joe Turner – Morning, Noon And Night
- The ‘5’ Royales – Monkey Hips And Rice
- The Treniers – Poon-Tang
- Louis Prima – Jump, Jive An’ Wail
- The Drifters – No Sweet Lovin’
- Screamin’ Jay Hawkins – Just Don’t Care
- Amos Milburn – One Scotch, One Bourbon, One Beer
- Shirley & Lee – I Feel Good
- PLUS: The Johnny Otis Show – Good Golly
Bear Family Records Vol 1. Compilation
