In this written review, Jamie Dyer takes a rockin’ trip back to the Rocks series to hear another recent entry. What does he, him-Self, think of it?

Continuing their long-running Rocks series, Bear Family Records has issued another entry, this time focused on the rockin’ recordings of Ronnie Self. This album contains possibly his most well-known song, “Bop-A-Lena”, alongside 32 other tracks. Is this addition to the series worth picking up?

Ronnie Self is perhaps best known as a songwriter, who is behind Brenda Lee hits including “I’m Sorry”, “Sweet Nothin’s”, and “Everybody Loves Me But You”.

My Thoughts

Ronnie Self is a name that I see pop up from time to time in Rockabilly circles, but I can’t say I’ve ever paid much attention. I certainly wasn’t previously aware of his vast contribution to Country music, or that he had worked with Owen Bradley or his brief stints on Columbia and Decca. This demonstrates the beauty of these releases, a world of discovery awaits.

As with other entries in the Rocks series, this album isn’t presented in chronological order. Instead, it gives a mixture that gives an overview of the man’s talent as both an artist and a songwriter. One minute you’re bopping along to “Big Blon’ Baby”, the next the head nods furiously to “Ain’t I A Dandy”.

The album begins with This Must Be The Place” from 1959, a bop with a pleasing spoken word motif. Its a sample of the many 1950s recordings featured here, many of which are beautiful slices of Rockabilly and Rock and Roll; Familiar yet pleasingly fresh.

His most well-known track as a solo artist, Bop-A-Lena, is as fresh as the day it was recorded. His frantic raspy vocals elevate the track, and the same can be said for the catchy “You’re So Right For Me”. He is more versatile than these two tracks would indicate, with nicely measured performances on tracks such as “Three Hearts Later” and “I Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere”.

Self was a prolific songwriter, as evidenced by the many demos on this compilation. The 60s/70s demos differ in genre from his earlier recordings, but it is fascinating to glimpse a mix of future hits and unknown quantities. It was delightful to hear his original take on “Home in My Hand, later to be recorded by Brinsley Schwarz and Dave Edmunds. Self’s full band recordings have such a quality that they could have been released in their own right, “Get Out of My Life” could have been a hit. His later material reminds me of artists such as Sanford Clark and Roger Miller, probably owing to the vocal style employed.

After a few listeners, I’m constantly finding new favourites. My highlights include “Houdini”, “Pretty Bad Blues”, the Roger Miller Soundalike “About Cured” and “Instant Man”. I am sure that as I listen through, more tracks will be added to my list.

A Little Something Extra…

The front cover features a photograph of Self-performing with an acoustic guitar. The image has a lot of definition, with only the strumming hand having motion blur. The CD comes cased in a digipak, as per other Rocks entries, and includes a 36-page book; inside its pages are extensive liner notes by Bill Dahl alongside many rare photos and illustrations. It is an excellent write-up that gives plenty of context and helps illustrate the underrated genius of Ronnie Self. There is also a discography.

Sound Quality

Anyone who has heard anything from Bear Family Records’ Rocks series will know what to expect in terms of sound quality. Some songs sound like they derive from master recordings, others from original 45s. The 1950s recordings have a similar quality to contemporaries from the era, while the 1960s demos have more definition; Especially in the bass area. In the main, these recordings sound amazing considering their age.

Conclusion

I am forever impressed by the quality of the releases in the Rocks series. This is another excellent entry that highlights the talent of Ronnie Self. The 1950s recordings are peak underrated Rockabilly masterpieces, while the demos showcase his songwriting prowess. Come for “Bop-a-Lena”, stay for the rest! His link to indirect link to Country music is evident too from this compilation. If you’re looking to discover Ronnie Self, this is the compilation for you! Ronnie Self Rocks is available from Bear Family Records

Tracklisting

This Must Be The Place
You’re So Right For Me
Home In My Hand
Three Hearts Later
Petrified
The Boss’ Daughter
Bop-A-Lena
Big Town
Houdini
My Own Kick Going
I Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere
Pretty Bad Blues
Wild and Wooly Life
Date Bait
Biggest Dog In Town
Flame Of Love
Big Fool
About Cured?
Rocky Road Blues
Bless My Broken Heart
Ain’t I’m a Dog
Do It Now
Big Blon’ Baby
When He Flies Away
Some Things You Can’t Change
Black Night Blues
Too Many Lovers
Ugly Stick
Ain’t I A Dandy
Instant Man
Get Out Of My Life
Grandma’s Rockin’ (Demo)
Money Honey (Demo)