Search - Fats Domino :: Fats Domino Jukebox: 20 Greatest Hits

Never Trendy, Always in Style

Kathy Fennessy | 03/23/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If he was never a superstar on par with, say, Elvis Presley, nor has Fats Domino ever really gone out of style. At its best, his music is direct and unpretentious in a way that always sounds fresh. This compilation, part of EMI/Capitol's Crescent City Soul Series, includes all his essential sides, from 1950's "The Fat Man" ("They call me the fat man / because I weigh 200 pounds") to his 1962 take on Hank Williams' "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)." Most every song is a winner, with the possible exception of "Valley of Tears," which would've worked better without the sappy chorus. Domino's voice was appealing enough that he didn't need any kind of back-up to get his message across. "It's You I Love," B-side to the same 1957 single, also incorporates background singers, but less extensively and is all the more successful for it.



Over the years, Domino's music has gotten a new lease on life through TV shows, like "Happy Days" (Ron Howard's Richie Cunningham had a thing for "Blueberry Hill"), and covers, like Cheap Trick's hard rockin'--yet reverential--cover of "Aint That a Shame" on their bestselling 1979 live album, "At Budokan." The CD booklet includes liner notes by John Broven, author of "Rhythm & Blues in New Orleans.""

Hit After Hit After Hit

Brian A. Foster | Castro Valley, CA USA | 01/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You will listen, you will find introspection, you will dance, you will sing inside your heart, you will dance some more. Fats Domino had such an incredible string of hits, you cannot simply describe this album (errr, CD) as anything other than GREAT. The only downside is that a couple of the songs were not of the highest recording quality. Still, what would you expect of such treasures and the technology of the time? A mino trade-off for the collection of music you will get.This album is essential if you are going to round out your collection of American music."

Fats Domino sold these songs without even trying--he was THA

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 06/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fats Domino Jukebox: 20 Greatest Hits the Way You Originally Heard Them has some wonderful hits by the great Fats Domino. This is practically mandatory listening for fans of Fats Domino; and people who like rock and roll music from back in the day will appreciate this album as well. The artwork is also very, very good.



"The Fat Man" starts the CD with Fats singing this one out really great! "The Fat Man" has surface noise but it's a very good tune and it makes a strong beginning for this album. I really like "The Fat Man." "Going To The River" has that classic Fats Domino sound; the piano is used well and the percussion really fits in well as Fats sings this to perfection--and beyond! It's tunes like "Going To The River" that made Fats Domino so very special.



"Ain't That A Shame?" now showcases a much more mature Fats who sings and plays this like the pro he always was! The drums are great and the electric guitars add so much to the musical arrangement. "All By Myself" has a fine early rock and roll melody that's quite catchy and Fats Domino sings this really well. I love that great horn solo, too! "I'm In Love Again" has a fantastic melody and Fats sings this flawlessly. His excellent diction and his uncanny sense of timing enhance his performance and we can easily see that Fats is a founding father of rock and roll. "Blueberry Hill" should lay to rest any doubts that Fats Domino wasn't anything short of a masterful entertainer; I always liked "Blueberry Hill" and Fats' rendition is THE definitive rendition of this classic ballad.



"Blue Monday" is a strong number that Fats delivers with all his might; and listen also for "I'm Walkin'." "I'm Walkin'" highlights Fats' ability to take a rock and roll tune and charge it electrically with his fine performance and style. I'm very impressed; and another highlight of this album is "Whole Lotta Loving." "Whole Lotta Loving" features Fats front and center--right where he belongs! The piano arrangement is very strong and the melody has a great beat for dancing. "I Want To Walk You Home" is another masterpiece from the great Fats Domino; he aces this effortlessly.



"Be My Guest" has another catchy rhythm that makes you want to hear this tune over and over again--and Fats never sounded better! The brass is used to great advantage and Fats never sings a superfluous note. "My Girl Josephine" is a very pretty tune that gets an electric charge to make this a fine early rock and roll ballad; and the CD ends strong with Fats Domino performing "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)." "Jambalaya (On The Bayou)" is another powerful tune and you're bound to enjoy it if this type of music is what you crave.



Overall, this Fats Domino CD is one of the better ones out there without a doubt. It is great for fans of Fats Domino; and it makes the perfect introduction for newcomers to Fats Domino's artistry.

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