The Golden Age of American Rock 'n' Roll Vol.7: Hot 100 Hits 1954-1963 [CD]

Another eclectic--but terrific--collection of soul/pop/doo-wop/rockabilly that made up the pre-British Invasion (1954-1963) American rock and roll landscape. Like the previous volumes, ACE places the emphasis on the rare and obscure. In fact, many of these songs won't be found even in the most avid collector's music library. Of course there are the big hits like Ernie K-Doe's chart-topping "Mother-In-Law," the Monotones' doo-wop classic "Book of Love," Jimmy Clanton's lovely "Just a Dream" and the Miracles' first Motown hit "Shop Around."

But what sets this series apart from the rest, is its ability to rescue forgotten gems from obscurity. You get the Viscounts' haunting instrumental "Harlem Nocturne," which only made it to No. 52 in 1959. [It would be rereleased in 1966 and make the Top 40.] There's the doo-wop harmonies of the Five Keys' minor hit "Ling, Ting, Tong" and the Flares' "Foot Stomping, Part 1." Ritchie Valens' charged "Come On, Let's Go," which barely missed the Top 40 at No. 42. John Lennon cut his teeth on Barret Strong's "Money." Lennon also claims he used the riff from Bobby Parker's "Watch Your Step" for "Day Tripper."

And the 20-page booklet is full of photos and trivia on each of the artists and songs. Did you know that Chuck Willis's 1957 hit "C.C. Rider" was a 1925 hit for Ma Rainey as "See See Rider Blues"? "Sea Cruise" was recorded by Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns and then Smith's vocal was replaced with Frankie Ford's and it sold 30 million copies worldwide.

This is the most consistently solid early rock and roll series available and ACE continues to find strong material for each new volume. Don't be put off by your unfamiliarity with some of these tracks. In many cases I've found myself enjoying them just as much, if not more than the big hits. And where most labels would make this a two-disc set and charge you double the price, this is an amazing bargain. My advice? Buy this while you still can. RECOMMENDED

The Golden Age Of American Rock & Roll, Vol. 7 is a wonderful installment in a fine CD series looking back at great rock and roll music. The sound quality couldn't be better--and how's about that awesome artwork?

The Monotones kick things off with their rather famous hit entitled "Book Of Love." They harmonize very well and the percussion is strong but very useful at marking the major beats to this tune. I really like "Book Of Love." Dale Hawkins also performs his "Susie-Q;" this is one number that jams! "Susie-Q" also features Dale Hawkins singing with all his might and it works--this is another awesome tune. Listen also for Ernie K-Doe to playfully poke fun at the stereotypical mother-in-law with his hit simply called "Mother-In-Law." The melody is very cool and I always enjoyed "Mother-In-Law."

Frankie Ford lends his hands to this album with his tune "Sea Cruise." "Sea Cruise" is a fun, somewhat campy little number that always makes me smile. Frankie never sounded better either! "To Be Loved (Forever)" is a tender, passionate love ballad by The Pentagons; The Pentagons deliver this with great sensitivity and this impresses me a lot. Listen also for Vito & The Salutations to do a mighty fine rendition of "Unchained Melody." "Unchained Melody" is truly a highlight of this fine album.

The Viscounts perform an awesome instrumental called "Harlem Nocturne;" this is beautiful and it will haunt you with its bewitching melody. That's some horn solo on "Harlem Nocturne," too! The Flares also do an outstanding job on "Foot Stomping;" they never miss a beat and this is great music for dancing even today!

"Money (That's What I Want)" is an excellent tune by Barrett Strong; he sings this with a female backup chorus to bolster his performance; and the musical interlude really jams hard! I always enjoyed "Money (That's What I Want);" and this version by Barrett Strong has forever been my very favorite. The Bobbettes also do a fine rendition of "Mr. Lee;" this is yet another 1950s song that I always liked and The Bobbettes do this one up right! The melody is also very well written.

"Hushabye" by The Mystics is a beautiful number that gets a doo wop/rock and roll treatment to enhance the natural beauty of this ballad; and it all holds its own very well. The Miracles sing so well on the original release of "Shop Around;" this was later performed by Captain & Tennille in the 1970s. The album ends well with The Kendall Sisters performing their hit "Yea, Yea." This last tune has an incredible horn solo and it rocks well, too!

This is a must have for fans of early rock and roll. The thirty selections on this fine CD give you so much to enjoy; and that's wonderful. This is also one installment in a CD series that fans may want to explore by purchasing other CDs in this series.

Every recording on this fabulous cd sounds better than they did when they were new. ACE is known for top quality recordings. This cd excells all other oldies packages. This is a must for any collector of early rock'n roll.