Glen Rocks!
Rave On Reviews | Victoria, BC | 09/09/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Bear Family BCD 16671
Digipack with 68 page-book - 56 minutes
Bear Family Records has really out done themselves with the "Rocks" series. It includes Connie Francis, Wanda Jackson, Conway Twitty and Sonny James.
This CD is long overdue. Glen is an incredible rockabilly roots artist. He started doing country-western music, but soon found that he had the elements to do Rock and Roll and Rockabilly. Doesn't take too long to figure out why Glen's ERA label sides are hailed by Rockabilly Fans and many newer rockabilly bands. The feel on the music is so clean cut. Glen was blessed with some of the most talented musicians including Ralph Mooney, Connie' Guybo' Smith, Wynn Stewart, Ernie Freeman, Carol Kaye and the signature guitar work by Gary Lambert.
All the songs have been remastered from the original master tapes. Turn it up and you're right there in the studio. Very nicely done indeed! Most of the original ERA sides have never seen a release to CD, nor in this quality. The selection of Alt takes makes it for very interesting listening as they often tried different tempos or a different feel. Glen's sides on Dore label see the first release to CD. I have a vinyl release on "I'll Never Stop Loving You". The sound on here brings new life to the song. The vocal is one of my personal favourites of Glen's. So many great classic songs on here. It does mention that they will release a follow up with live tracks and more alt versions. I'll be awaiting that release as I did this one.
They have carefully released the essential on this package but the CD "Missouri Rockabilly 1955-1965" on Dave Travis' Stompertime Records is still a highly needed item in your Glen Glenn collection. Many did not see this issue, and I feel many will be missed on the next. The "Glen Glenn Story / Everybody's Movin' Again" on ACE CDCH403 has 14 cuts from 1984 that Bear Family won't release and the first part of the CD has false starts and great alt takes that aren't available anywhere else. If you are a big vinyl fan, again Stompertime Records has a great 10 inch release called "Missouri Rockabilly 1954-1959", some of those songs are only on that release as well. So you as you can see, the new CD is the definitive release. But I wouldn't discard your older reissues by any means.
Glen Rocks includes the best collection of photos, not just for a Glen Glenn release but for almost anyone. Glen has a photo with pretty much everyone from back in the late 1950's including Johnny Cash, Ferlin Husky, Marty Robbins, Carl Smith, Chet Atkins and Elvis Presley backstage in 1956! Also included are many live stage shots and personal photos as well. Liner notes are by Deke Dickerson. He even wrote an extra piece on Glen and Gary's guitars, very informative. The discography is very complete.
This has to be one of the best vintage reissues of the year. If you don't have Glen Glenn in your collection, I'm sure you'd like this. If you are like me and have all Glen's releases to date, this still has so many reasons to include it in your collection. I'm awaiting the second part of this, just as I did this one. Way to go Bear Family! Guaranteed to get "Everybody Movin".
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GLEN GLENN ROCKS
Alan C. Lungstrum | West Covina,, California United States | 12/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"great c.d. with a great book.top of the line."
Track Listings (25) - Disc #1