Search - Billy Fury :: The 40th Anniversary Anthology

Great music from a great singer.

Dr J | Salem, OR United States | 12/22/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Billy Fury was another British Elvis knock-off. But this guy stands above all the others. He was simply very good and it's a mystery that he never made it in the US, although he was huge in Great Britain. He was good-looking and had a golden voice. Unfortunately, Billy's career paralleled Elvis'--early RnR/rockabilly and then mostly bland pop and ballads later on. Interestingly, this guy is really good at both pop and ballads--he's just darned good. But it's when he cuts loose and rocks that Billy is at his best. 'Nothin' Shakin' is a rip-roaring RnR number and the best track on the album. It's too bad Fury was big during the 'dull time' in pop music (after Elvis was in the army and before the Beatles). Had Billy had Scotty Moore, Bill Black, and DJ Fontana as his backing band and Leiber/Stoller given him good material, this guy would have made it here. But he just didn't have the backing band or material to keep it going.

OK, so what's on the CDs? Since his career spanned several eras, you'll get a lot of different types of music: RnR/rockabilly, pop, twist, ballads. And Billy does a great job with all types. There's a little here for everyone. If you like music from the late 50s or early 60s, then this is a set not to be missed. Get it, you'll be glad you did."