Search - Mccoys :: Hang on Sloopy: Best of

A True Best of The McCoys

L. David LaForest II | Flushing, MI. | 08/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD offers an excellent sound, I have a similar CD from See For Miles Records that sounds like it was recorded off another CD or even a vinyl source. All the hits and top B sides are here. If you are only familiar with Hang On Sloopy then you have a big surprise in store and a very pleasant one at that. Check out Sorrow (a big hit in GB by The Merseys), Up and Down, Richie Valen's Come On Let's Go and So Good. Some great album cuts like Smokey Joe's Cafe, Gaitor Tails and Monkey Ribs and a great unreleased version of Bald Headed Lena also covered by The Lovin' Spoonful.

These guys are young but are fine musicians, especially Rick Zehringer (later Derringer) on guitar. Their voices are very good and they harmonize nicely. There are 22 cuts and only a couple are weak, the rest are fun 60's rock and roll."

Great tunes from a mighty awesome group

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 04/12/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hang On Sloopy: The Best Of The McCoys gives us twenty-two awesome tracks by The McCoys. The McCoys don't get the recognition that they deserve these days; but maybe that will change with CDs like this one. It's got excellent sound quality and that artwork is very nicely done. The liner notes include an informative essay as well.



The CD starts with an energetic musical introduction entitled "Meet The McCoys." Cool! This is rarely found on albums; and I like the idea. Of course, "Hang On, Sloopy" was one of the biggest hits ever for this excellent group; they perform this with a lot of feeling. The McCoys swing and rock gently to make "Hang On Sloopy" a fine number. I also really like "I Can't Explain It." "I Can't Explain It" has a peppy melody that is infectiously catchy and I think you'll like this tune. The McCoys also do a marvelous cover of a number I first heard sung by Peggy Lee, "Fever." The McCoys give "Fever" an excellent early rock flavor and this all works very well for this ballad. "Sorrow" also has an excellent melody; The McCoys sing and play this to perfection--and beyond! I love it.



"If You Tell A Lie" is very pretty to hear; they do this one up right! "Come On, Let's Go" is also very well done; this rocks harder and the electric guitar work makes this tune a very strong number. "Smokey Joe's Café" by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller has a good early rock and roll flavor to it; this cover works well and The McCoys sure prove they had the chops to sing and play this one faultlessly. "Every Day I Have To Cry" again uses the electric guitars very well; they sing this very well. "(You Make Me Feel) So Good" gets that classic McCoys treatment; terrific!



"Runaway" almost has a Beach Boys-type of sound to it; but without a doubt this is a McCoys treatment and they make this tune hold its weight very well. The sing and play this as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing--but of course we know it really wasn't all that easy. Their talents always carried them through! "Ko Ko" has a great musical arrangement; and listen for The McCoys to outdo even themselves on "Bald Headed Lena." "Bald Headed Lena" has an excellent rock feel to it and they never skip a beat.



"Don't Worry Mother (Your Son's Heart Is Pure)" starts off with a few interesting musical effects and when they begin the main portion of this tune it all takes off like a jet! "Dynamite" has a fine arrangement; and the CD ends well with The McCoys performing "Beat The Clock." "Beat The Clock" uses some creative percussion and it leaves you wanting more!



The McCoys had so much talent they could never truly be forgotten. This is an excellent album of their work and I highly recommend it for fans of this genre of music.

"