CD 192741 YOUNG INDO ROCK

Tracks: Hound Dog / Al Capone (instr.) / Blue Suede Shoes / Great Balls Of Fire / Once (instr.) / Bring It On Home To Me / Jailhouse Rock / Sweet Indonesian Dreams (instr.) / Johnny B. Goode / Black Eyes Rock (instr.) / Tutti Frutti / Carioca (instr.) / Whole Lotta Shakin´ Goin´ On / Love Me / San Antonio Rose (instr.) / Route 66 / Don´t Be Cruel / Java Guitars (instr.)

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CD 192519 ROCKABILLY RULES O.K.

Tracks: Forty Days, Rockabilly Rules O.K., Hot Rock, Whatcha Gonnan Do, Black Slacks, Just Because, Rockabilly Rules O.K., Washmachine Boogie, Unchained Melody, Ghost Riders In The Sky, Baby Let's Play House, Tore Apart, I Sure Miss You, Make Like A Rock & Roll, Sheila, Baby I Don't Care, Black Slacks, Dialogue, That's All Right Mama, Rockin' Daddy, Leroy, What Will Be Done, That's All Right, Geraldine, Pipeline, Bop A Lena, Pile Driver Bop, Tore Up, Red Hot, Rockabilly Guy, My Advice, Goodnight Sweetheart Goodnight

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CD 192543 LOOK OUT!

Tracks: Rockin' Daddy, No Particular Palce To Go, Bo Diddley, C'Mon Everybody, Great Balls Of Fire, Runaway, Hello Jim, My Baby Left Me, Kansas City, Blue Suede Shoes, Hello Josepine, I'm Alone, Rock & Roll Is Good For The Soul, Johnny B. Goode, Rip It Up, Boys, Stand By Me, Lucille, Don't Ha Ha, Wooly Bully, Route 66, Summertime

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CD 192569 LOOK OUT AGAIN

Tracks: Somethin' Else / Daddy's Home / Let's Dance / Rhythm Of The Rain / Hang On Sloopy / Peggy Sue / Little Town Flirt / What'd I Say / These Boots Are Made For Walking / If You Need Me / Little Sister / Needles And Pins / Let's Have A Party / Tell Me How / Hippy Hippy Shake / Lotta Lovin' / She's About A Mover / Shakin' All Over / Travellin' Man / At The Hop / More Than I Can Say

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CD 192547 PLAY THE WARRIOR (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Cruel Train, Screen Wiper, Dayan’s Eyepatch, Way Down Yonder In New Orleans, Room Rocker, The Warrior, Okefenokee, Mango, Road Runner, Schwarze Augen, Memphis, Night Train, Needles & Pins, Gandy Dancer, I’ll Never Stop Loving You, Spanish Gypsy Dance, Foot Tapper, Lovesick Blues, Silly Silly, Pipeline (live 1996)

(from PIPELINE #37 – Autumn 1997)

Thanks to Piet Muys’ notes I can reliably inform you that, on these mostly new recordings, The Black Albino’s consist of two members of the mid-sixties version of the band plus three newcomers. The CD really splits into two segments. the first ten tracks were recorded this year, whilst the other nine were cut during the late seventies and early eighties with the final bonus track being a live 1996 recording of Pipeline. The big surprise for me was that The Black Albino’s reckon themselves to be a Ventures based band. This is obviously quite true listening to the earlier recordings on the latter part of this CD because The Ventures’ arrangements of the tunes are all slavishy followed – with the exception of Gandy Dancer which, dare I suggest, may have been too difficult to replicate. However, it is the new recordings of the band which really interest me, because they sound uncannily as I would have imagined The Shadows to have sounded in the late sixties if they had not become so emasculated, or, indeed, as I wished they sounded today.

The drummer here, Leo Kappé, is as solid as Brian Bennett has alway been, while the three guitarists hold a rhythm so tight that I can’t help but think of The Shads of the early sixties. The originals here, mainly from the pen of lead guitarist Leo Bennink, are startlingly good and he seems to me to sound as Hank might have done if he had not become so utterly captured (and ultimately limited) by his own style. This is a tight, hard, instrumental rock band with old crafts and modern stylings – what could be better?

Surprisingly, two of Freddy Cannon’s old tunes – Way Down Yonder In New Orleans and Okefenokee – come off expecially well, mainly thanks to Kappes’ gutsy drumming. Mango has an irresistible rhythm, a sweet, duetted middle-eight, and a catchy refrain, even if it is based on the similarly constructed I’ll Never Stop Loving You – it’s easily the best of their seventies recordings anyway. Schwarze Augen is better known to us as Dark Eyes and is a good excuse for Bennink to show off his considerable speed and dexterity on lead guitar. Do not be pu off by a little lack of flair in the titling department (I mean, Dayan’s Eyepatch?!!), the first segment of this CD will reward you for months to come. and they had the good taste to round things off with Pipeline too! (Dave Burke)

(from THE VENTURES RESURGENCE #49 – September 1997)

Hoss van Hardeveld, the bass player always had a dream to form a Ventures band, and this new release has lots of Ventures-type music. Also the songs composed by the lead guitarist Leo Bennink are cleverly done. You think they are about to play a familiar tune, but it’s completely different. You need to listen then you will know what I mean! I especially liked The Warrior and Gandy Dancer. My thanks to Hoss for the review copy. (Gerry Woodage)

(from GUITAR & DRUMS #62 – October 1997)

Groupe fondé en 1960 et dissout en 1966. Se reforme en 1996 sous la direction de deux fondateurs: Leo Bennink, le soliste et Leo Kappé, le batteur. Ils nous offrent ce très bon CD, harmonieux, avec un répertoire varié truffé de créations comme Cruel Train, Road Runner, Screen Swiper, Dayan’s Eyepatch, The Warrior, Mango, etc….et de reprises toniques comme Memphis, Night Train, Pipeline, Foot Tapper. Vous pouvez acheter les yeux fermés…et les oreilles grandes ouvertes! (Jean Bachelerie)

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CD 192579 NIGHT SHIFT (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Night-Shift / Soul Serenade / Moa Kowada / Pico Rico / The Invader / Black Jack / The Provider / Czardas / T. Bone Rag / Street-Jumper / Locomotive / Okiwara / The Scrapper / Yantiyaki / Crossroad Fire / Nature Boy / A Night In Spain / Flamingo / Casanova / Stingray (live) / Let's Go (live)

(from GUITAR & DRUMS #82 – October 1999)

Tous les tires sauf les 5 marques sont des compositions de L. Bennink. Les Black Albinos nous offrent un super CD avec une touche tres moderne qui est fort judicieuses. Que dire de plus. Ne perdez pas de temps et achetez ce CD. Les Black Albinos sont de vrais pros fort bien inspires. (Jean Bachelerie)

(from PIPELINE #46 – Winter 1999)

With The Ventures as their inspiration The Black Albino's have a lot more bite and balls than most European guitar bands. For their second Rarity CD they have gone for an almost cpmplete set of original material plus two live tracks. Leo Bennink plays most of the lead guitar but his brother Dihl takes over on three numbers. With Ritch van Gessel also contributing as rhythm guitarist they have a full sound and plenty of options for arrangements. Completing their five man line-up are FBI's big bassman Hoss van Hardeveld and one of the crispest drummers around in Leo Kappe. The steamy atmosphere of Night-Shift makes a fine opener. Despite a strong rhythm guitar and tough lead sound delivering the tune, it's the biting riffs of the intro and betwixt verses that really catch the ear. There are more catchy riffs on the light funk of Soul Serenade and some chunky chords supporting the sustained lead guitar of Moa Kowada. Pico Rico has a great flowing rhythm part plus some phrases out of La Bamba in its Latinesque delivery. The Invader is one big guitar ballad that Shads bands are sure to pick up on while pulsing double electric rhythm guitars push The Invader with its Move It feel. Hard driving guitar melodies are the order of the day, but the lenght of modern albums demands an element of variety which is provided here by T-Bone Rag, a delicate intro to Czardas, and the electronics of Okiwara. Street Jumper and The Scrapper are fuzz-led, the first buzzing along and the second having a heavier arrangement. Yantiyaki is a beefy oriental flavoured ballad - Japanese Pops with menace. Leo Bennink's skill at the Nokie Edwards style of precision picking is apparant on the likes of Crossroad Fire which burns with its light fuzz attack. The band's Ventures influence dominates Nature Boy , you can imagine this tracks on a Wild Again album. There's a solid Ventures Japanese Pops styled number in A Night In Spain and Flamingo could so easily be a Bogle-Wilson-Edwards-Taylor album track from the 60's. Casanova brings the studio tracks to a close with acoustic picking over a big beat. The live tracks are an impressive Stingray a la Shads and Let's Go done Ventures fashion. Impressive. (Alan Taylor)

(from NEW GANDY DANCER #3867 – Winter 1999)

The earlier Rarity outing by The Black Albinos, The Warrior, was a breakthrough for the label (a none-Shadows sounding band with a truiy modern edge) and this continues that analogy. It's a superb album of essentially strong original tracks by lead guitarist Leo Bennink except for puisating arrangements of minor classies like Szardas, Nature Boy, Flamingo, Stingray and Let's Go - the latter two of which are taken from the group's live performances. Flamingo incidentally, benefits from an almost Davie Allan treatment, whereas, and we've said it before, if there are group influences, they are a blend of 60's Ventures with 70's Wishbone Ash plus production excitement of the 90's. What Leo and the boys have done is the popular technique of starting the numbers with a sixties guitar sound and arrangements to begin with and add those with a sixties guitar sound from today. So many good things happening here, it's just one of the best guitar albums everto come out of central Europe.
**** (Davy Peckett)

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CD 192620 THE BOGEYMAN (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Guitar Mania / The Dancing Torero / Inner City / Bronzy Brown / Princess And Monkey / The Bogeyman / Tropical Samba / Nyoman Sunadi / Space Shuffle Boogie / Tico Tico / The Hug / Rin Tin Tin / Nitty Gritty / Journey To The Sixties / Summer Breeze / Rambo / Flamingo Wings / Pina Colada / 124 Spider / A Creep In The Deep

(from PIPELINE #49 – Autumn 2000)

This is The Black Albinos' third CD and the band has earned a solid reputation as a lean, high quality unit. The standard of musicianship is very high, as you might expect with guys who have been toiling at their craft since the late fifties and early sixties. The band have worked hard at creating their own sound, perhaps originally indebted to The Ventures but now their style is very much their own - modern yet at the same time faithful to the past too.
For me the third CD really comes alive with "Bronzy Brown", a dirty, let's get down and funk it up boogie, which even owes just a little something to The Rolling Stones in spirit. Even dirtier in tone and style is the grungy sounding "Rambo" which uses fuzzed up guitar and could almost be Jimi Hendrix! Cooling things down a little, tracks like "Flamingo Wings", "Princess And The Monkey", "The Dancing Torero" and "Summer Breeze" illustrate the band's impressive knack for combining a plaintive melody with a sensitive performance.
Much of the credit must go to lead guitarist Leo Bennink who has written nearly all of the material here. There really is so much to savour: the title track with its chilling feel and affectionate nod to The Ventures' "The Fugitive"; a splash of American rhumba with "Tropical Samba" and "Tico Tico"; "Rin Tin Tin" with its dexterous fingerpicked touches; "Nitty Gritty" for its compelling rhythm guitar and crisp, precise drums from leo Kappe; "Journey To The Sixties" for its twin lead and multi-guitared climax; "A Creep In The Deep" for its agressive, fuzzy lead and Hoss Hardeveld's everbusy bass - in fact Hoss plays a vital role througout the entire CD. Credit too to Leo's brother and fellow guitarist Dihl Bennink who takes the lead role in "Tico Tico" and "124 Spider", as well as rhythm guitarist Ritch Gessel.
Together they have created a first class CD with a wealth of original material which grows in stature with every play. (Dave Burke)

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CD 192662 ROCKIN' RABBIT (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: New Orleans / Jazz Buster / Carrots And Onions / Hazuki / Fireside / Juke Box / Big Noise Of The Jungle / Stretching Out / Bandenera / Splish Splash / The Moon Of Shailalima / Tango Django / Sunday (Freedom) / Strattin' / Shadow Catcher / Shango / Siciliano / Rockin' Rabbit / Frenesi / Tonkodop / Shanice

(from PIPELINE #53 - Autumn 2001)

Wow, what an opener! The Ventures' blast through U S Bonds' legendary New Orleans has always been a personal favourite and here The Black Albinos tear through the number like a hot Harley through clogged traffic! Set against Leo Kappe's pounding drums we have an arsenal of guitars, fuzzed and unfuzzed, distorted and undistorted, while Hoss Hardeveld's bass powers the cut along with ruthless determination. Phew! In absolute contrast the following track, Jazz Buster, is a low-key, cool delight. All shades, fluid jazz runs, relaxed percussion and a late-night groove that chills. Next out of the box is Carrots And Onions, a spirited down-home romp through what is Little Richard's Lucille in all but name. Hazuki is an excellent original from the pen of guitarist Leo Bennink, a deep, dark theme twanged in the lower register, moodily joined by a second higher-pitched guitar later, the two combine to suggest at first a subtle sadness but, then, a growing strength that builds up to a powerful climax between the two surging guitars, finally joined by a third soloing wildly. An exceptional performance and composition. Fireside owes something of a debt to Back Home by The Shadows, as does Stretching Out which is closely modeled on Driftin' - but neither are exact copies - it's more like seeing a signpost and going in that direction but then ending up somewhere else which is slightly new and just as good! Talking of managing difficult feats, there's also a version of Sandy Nelson's Big Noise From The Jungle which dispenses with both the original's sax and drum solos yet still retains the feel and character of Nelson's classic jungle epic. Bandenera - from the pens of the brothers Bennink, Leo and Dihl - is an intriguing little number that seems to circle around its own melody, forever spiraling off this way and that while spinning an hypnotic web around the listener. A great rockin' version of Bobby Darin's Splish Splash returns us to simple dancing mode and it's difficult not to join in on air guitar or jump around the room a little! Dancing - aah, there's also the wittily titled Tango Django which is, in fact, a real tango so here's another good reason to take up those dancing lessons you've been thinking about - although I doubt you'll have tangoed to anything quite as good as this before. In a similarly exotic mood is Frenesi, another Latin-ish number from the writer of Perfidia which displays much of the appeal and charm of its better known cousin. Strattin' is based on the early Rolling Stones sound and is a dead ringer for their It's All Over Now, it's dirty, and very definitely very groovy. The CD ends with another terrific original from Leo Bennink titled Shanice. Leo Kappe delivers a crisply executed march on the snare while the band pounds out a solid stomping beat filled out with piano and a restrained fuzztone guitar which provides a counterpoint to the main melody which is memorably powerful and melodic. A knockout track! It all adds up to another cracking CD from The Black Albinos - a great sound, expertly performed, and crammed full with excellent tracks - it's their best yet!           Dave Burke

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CD 192697 EL CHOLICO

Tracks: Driving Guitars / Obsession / Ghetto Blaster / Adios / Rarity Break / The Sting / My Prayer / El Cholico / Rap City / Eboney / Panhandle Rag / The Wick Wicker Cha Cha / Caravan / Rincon / Innovation / It's Party Time / Anitra's Dance / Rio Bravo / Walk Don't Run (live) / Bolero Gonzales / Red Cloud / Spanish Fly / Pin Up Girl

(from PIPELINE #57 - Autumn 2002)

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CD 192456 THE STORY OF ... THE BLACK ARROWS

Tracks: Eddie Denver: Forty Days (v), Tough Enough (v), Say Mama (v), Donna (v), Mean Woman Blues (v), I Rock My Love Asleep (v), Ieder Meisje (v), Ik Ben Zo Alleen (v), Nynke Hartstra & Frits Darlang: Walk On By (v), We Went Together (v), The Black Arrows: The Big Adventure, Ballad Of A Soldier, Gandy Dancer, Mr. Moto, Johnny Guitar, Midnight Blues, Hernando's Hideaway, Jumbo, Slave Girl, September Song, Rococo, Tulip Fields, Little Lonely Train, Lady Of Spain, World Of Fire, Wonderland By Night, Erik van Eldik & Shakin' Hearts: My Bonnie (v), My Old Kentucky Home (v)

(from PIPELINE #17 - Spring 1993)

Don't be put off by the opening barrage of vocals; there are 12 in all it's true, but that still leaves 16 genuine sixties guitar instrumentals to enjoy. Dutch Indo rock group The Black Arrows first recorded with Eddie Denver as a Cliff & Shads act but soon got their own deal. They even had an album out in 1963 and it is well represented here. As usual with Indo rock groups the emphasis is very much on lead guitar. It is high in the mix and, although the bass and drums support it well, you'd be hard pressed to spot that the group had not one but two further guitarists. The absence of obvious instrumental covers is a big plus as far as this set goes. Mr.Moto would be top of the list I guess but this version, a single release, unusually features orchestral support. This complements the guitar nicely for a fuller sound, although it's flip Gandy Dancer also benefits from a much stronger rhythm guitar. These two Ventures covers made an excellent follow up to their first instrumental single, the film theme "The Big Adventure". If I read Piet Muys' Dutch sleeve notes correctly, its flip Ballad Of A Soldier featured in the live act of The Dakotas. Melodically it certainly fits the bill, and World Of Fire has similar qualities. All credit to The Black Arrows for producing a jazzy ballad in Midnight Blues which bears no resemblance to either Midnight or Nivram! They also instil new life into Hernando's Hideaway although, like several of the LP tracks. the sound quality has touches of distortion. This is due in the main to primitive recording conditions, but it does add an air of authenticity. Slave Girl is a great Santo & Johnny cover and, although a couple of tracks have rather simplistic melodies, i was pleasantly surprised by this release. one for the collector but also guaranteed to entertain. (Alan Taylor)

Check the following review as well:
http://www.spies.com/~reverb/reviews/b/black2987.html  

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CD 192468 THE BLACK BANDITS (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Rhapsody In Rock, Ja-Da, Geisha, Wild Geese, Carioca, San Antonio Rose, Pizzicato Twist, The Savage, Melody in F, Caravan, Theme From Shane, Tales Of A Raggy Tramline, Wien Wien Nur Du Allein, Little Robin, Twist In Rome, Guitar Boogie, My Babe (v), Rockin' Robin (v)

(from PIPELINE #19 - Summer 1993)

The Bandits and The Black Devils were both active in the north of Holland during the early 60s where their paths inevitably crossed. It was a successful reunion of The Black Devils in 1983 which led to this instrumental venture under the combined name of The Black Bandits. The line-up features one Bandit and three Devils (in the usual lead/rhythm/bass/drums formation) for the first 12 tracks which were recorded in 1983 and eventually released on the Rocker label album, Rhapsody In Rock, in 1985. The remaining tracks hail from 1987 and feature new personnel on bass and drums. Five of these six titles appeared on the Re-Union album The Rockin' Sounds Of The 60s, Guitar Boogie being the previously unreleased item. I have to say that I was mightily impressed by the skill of Leo Kerseboom on lead guitar right from the outset. With his obvious feel for the rock instrumental style, you can sit back and enjoy the music safe in the knowledge that there will be no foul-ups or wonky arrangements. The rhythm section is really tight too, so it all adds up to a solid foundation on which to lay the melodies. Guitar Boogie is extremely powerfull with pounding drums, strident bass and a flowing rhythm, certainly the best of the later instrumental tracks which are otherwise all tradidional melodies. Of these three, only Twist In Rome rises above the banal and the group lift it higher in the enjoyability stakes with their attacking style. Playing the first 12 tracks had me wondering how the LP had attracted so little attention when first released. I guess the titles don't look to inspiring, but you certainly can't say that about their performance. The least you can say about any of the tracks is that they're fun. Two or three are little more than that, but stirring performances of the likes of Melody In F, Rhapsody In Rock and Caravan make for rewarding listening. Taken at speed Wild Geese loses some of its inherent drama but gains in the foot-tapping stakes. The three Shadows covers are superb, and it's not often you can say that. a warm and full sound is brought to Tales Of A Raggy Tramline whilst The Savage is mastered brilliantly, the guitar sound on both neatly capturing those exciting tones of yesteryear. Then there is Shane, where you can luxuriate in the richness of it all and yet still enjoy the simplicity of the piece. Without being startlingly original, The Black Bandits will come as a pleasant surprise to those prepared to risk the track list. Nice one Rarity. (Alan Taylor)

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CD 192454 THE BLACK DEVILS

Tracks: Please Return, Be Bop A Lula, 18 Yellow Roses, Whistle Dance (instr.), Dear One, Dream Lover, Travellin' Light, Happy Tune (instr.), That'll Be The Day, Heartbeat, Donna, Summer Melody (instr.), What Do You Want To Make Those Eyes At Me For, Peggy Sue Got Married, Over The Rainbow, Indonesian Memories (instr.), Dear One (Dutch version) First demo recordings: True Fine Suzie, Jumpin' On A Saturday Night, Jump Up Again, Please Return

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CD 192533 ROCKIN' RAMONA

Tracks: Brush Those Tears, Lonely Cissy, Ready To Rock, Gone Gone Away, Twist In The Mood, Jenny Jenny, Opera Twist, Far Away Places, Don't Blame Me, I Want To Love You, Twistin' Con Los Indonesios, Una Chica Formal, I Know You, Ole Cordobes, Terang Boelan, Wello Wello Wap, Mojo Workout, Sick And Tired, Can You Hear Me, Twistin' Con Los Indonesios, Rockin' Ramona, Brush Those Tears (sung by Andy Tielman)

CD 192559 LIVE AT THE LOCOMOTION

Tracks: Introduction, Black Eyes Rock (instr.), Mean Woman Blues, 1000 Miles Away From Home, Too Much Monkey Business, The Black Dynamites Performance, Flamingo, My Prayer, Caravan Drum Show (instr.), Uncle Satchmo's Lullaby, La Rosita (instr.), Giddy Up A Ding Dong, I Want To Love You, Johnny B. Goode, Danny Boy, Ole Sio

CD 192564 LIVE ON STAGE

Tracks: Introduction, Oakie From Muskogee, Don't Be Cruel, Lucille, Tears On My Pillow, Kansas City, Sepanjang Jalan, La Playa (instr.), Hound Dog, Aku Jatoh Cinta Pedamu, Little Sister, Roll Over Beethoven, San Antonio Rose (instr.), Please Release Me, Take These Chains From My Heart/Send Me The Pillow, It's All Over Now, Island In The Sun, Aloha Oe (instr.)

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CD 192565 INDO ROCK (single-CD)

Tracks: La Rosita (instr.), La Hora (instr.), Surfin' Gypsy (instr.), Vaya Con Dios (instr.), Labios Afortunado (Lucky Lips), Por Ese Amor (Sweets For My Sweet), Aquella Rosa (Spanish Harlem), Twist Amor (Twist And Shout)

(from PIPELINE #43 - Spring 1999)

This Dutch Indo band worked their way around Europe in the 60's and it was in Spain they recorded and released two EP's on RCA in 1963. All eight tracks are included here and the four instrumentals are as good an advert for the Dutch Indo style as you could wish for. My preference is for extra attack and the first three numbers provide that, only Vaya Con Dios exhibiting the more common "sleepy ballad" approach. A particular favourite here is the striking Surfin' Gipsy, a number that deserves inclusion in a few more set lists. The vocals are local language versions of pop hits of the day, respectively: Lucky Lips, Sweets For My Sweet, Spanish Harlem and Twist And Shout. Lead guitarist Max Tahalele is currently recording a new instrumental CD for Rarity so look out for more Black Magic real soon !
(Alan Taylor)

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Tracks: BLACKOUT: Crazy Over You / Honey Hush / Blanket Of Sorrow / Blue Moon Of Kentucky / All I Can Do Is Cry / Big Sandy / Matchbox / Blackout / Got To Get Away / Appetite For Love / Lonesome Hound / Love Cave / Stop That Clock / Another Lie / London Girls / Up A Lazy River // LOADED GUN: Long White Cadillac / Relentless / Denise / But Then / Goldmine / Take And Give / Please Don´t Ever Ask

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CD 192511 THE EARLY YEARS

Tracks: Little Christine (v), Footsteps (v), Texas Rider, Shamash, Guitar Boogie Twist, Lientje (v), Eh! Teenagers Eh! (v), Accordeon Twist, Fujiyama, Hawaii Jungle, Chichikoteek, Rancho melody, Felicidad, Creole Boogie, Valse Chinoise, Spotty, Lili Ann, Fast Race, Spanish Serenade, Jailer Bring Me Water, Don't Throw Your Love Away, Blanca Jenka, Guitar For Jenka, Kanake, This Diamond Ring, Rita, Ay Ay Ay (v), Sylvie Cherie (v) Dick Todd & The Rangers: Yel Blues, Riot In Room Rock

(from PIPELINE #31 - Summer 1996)

Burt started out singing rock & roll but there was no keeping his guitar talent down and 1960 saw the release of his classic Texas Rider. Strangely it still seems to be something of a hidden gem, its only UK release was on the obscure Zodiac label and it has made few reappearances or cover versions since then. With its lovely rhythm enhanced by cymbal and snare, the evocative melody is laid deliciously over the top like cream on coffee. Shamash was its B-side, a low down medium paced rocker reminiscent of The Cousins' Boudha, it too has a reputation amongst 60s collectors. Whilst there is nothing to match Texas Rider on the rest of this collection, there are plenty of solid instrumental to enjoy. Guitar Boogie Twist is out of Arthur Smith boogie book but I have to admit that the Accordeon Twist is not my style. An exotic steel sound decorates the melodic Fujiyama and bouncy Hawai Jungle, vocal chorus reciting the title on Chichikoteek. There's more Hawaiian flavour on Rancho Melody and Felicidad, accordeon returns for a rock around the Creole Boogie. Valse Chinoise is suitably Eastern-styled and Spotty is another boogie. Out of nowhere comes a very Tornados-sounding Fast Race, aptly titled with frantically rolling drums it has organ breaks and a Meeky melody. Tasty. As is Spanish Serenade, introduced with a Flamenco flourish it has a proud guitar melody and slightly incongruous organ fills. Jailer Bring Me Water is thankfully brief at under two minutes, The Searchers' Don't Throw Your Love Away is equally surprising as an instrumental but far more successful. The Jenka loses me I'm afraid and the jolly Kanake is a little leightweight, but This Diamond Ring makes a great instrumental. I'd like to hear a current band having a go at this one. Rita is another good Spanish piece, Rita the Senorita perhaps? Two tracks from Dick Todd & The Rangers finsh off the CD, the steeled boogie Yel Blues and a fine dirty rockin' Riot In Room Rock. Essential for Texas Rider and Shamash, this CD is a collector's delight and is likely to be followed vy Vol.2 soon. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192534 ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL vol. 1

Tracks: Baby I Don't Care, One Night, His Latest Flame, Fame And Fortune, Need Your Love Tonight, Such A Night, All Shook Up, Do You Know Who I Am, A Fool Such As I, The Girl Of My Best Friend, It Feels So Right, A Mess Of Blues, J'Suis Mordu, Le Penitencier, Fume Cette Cigarette, Ces't Un Rocker, C'est Pas Serieux, Comme Un Fou, Rien Que Huit Jours, Long Tall Sally, L'idole Des Jeunes, Lucille, Trois En Amour, Les Guitares Jouent, Tom Dooley, Tumbling Tumbleweeds, Country Banjo

CD 192535 ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL vol. 2

Tracks: High Heel Sneakers, Bring In Back Home To Me, True Fine Mama, Runaway, Blue Moon Of Kentucky, That's Right, So Long, Rave On, Heartbreak Hotel, Matchbox, Judy In Disguise, Jackson, Cotton Fields, Travellin' Light, I Got A Woman, High School Confidential, Shakin' All Over, Don't Leave Me Now, I Got Stung, Hound Dog, Breathless, Blue Moon, Money Honey, Memphis Tennessee, Rock & Roll Music, Dance With The Guitar Man

CD 192536 ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL vol. 3

Tracks: Rockin' Party, Wape Up, You'll Be True, She Only Wants Me, Charming Billy, With You, Rockabilly Music, Rockin' Fingertips, Big Fat Lizzy, Ohh! Daisy, Spinning Rock Boogie (instr.), Rockabilly Willy, I've Been Away Too Long, Rockin' Machine, Sancta Maria, Swingin' Jimmy, Short Cicuit, Shakin' Overdose, I Have A Yearning, Push Our Music, Buddy's Blue Guitar, Rock & Roll Generation, I'll Always Stay, Classic Rock & Roll

CD 192537 ROCK & ROLL REVIVAL vol. 4 - INSTRUMENTAL (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Moscow Guitar, The Cossack, Surfin' U.S.S.R., From Russia With Love, Midnight In Moscow, Katjusha, Wolga Guitar, Sadko, Troika, Babouchkine, Caviare & Chips, Our Man In Siberia, Partisans, Kalinka, Honky Tonk, Albatross, Shadoogie, Midnight, Amapola, Joking Guitars (Laughing Guitars), Peter Gunn, Five Hundred Miles, Ipcress File, Romanza, Big Guitar, Easy Rider (Texas Rider), Riders In The Sky

Tracks: Magic Guitar, That's Real Rock & Roll Again, Computer Blues, Little Fellow, Texas Fun, Stay On The Route, Reveille Rock, Livin' With Nostalgia, Love Baby Love, Ram-Bunk-Shush, You're My Only Love, You My Friend, Guitar On The Rock, Travellin' Star, Mathilda, Go West, Girl's Attraction, Phone Me, Crazy About Me, Move Your Boots, Good As Gold, Africa

(from PIPELINE #40 - Summer 1998)

Burt has a rock & roll history that goes right back to his Elvis roots, yet it is his guitar playing that is most famous for internationally. He was recording rock instrumentals in the 60's, in the late 70's revival, and now again in the 90's. And he's a mighty skilfull player too. The sound on these new recordings is clean and true, the melodies mostly lightwight and jolly. Burt specified the musicians he needed (rhythm, bass and drums), laid out the charts for the session, and completed the lot virtually in one take. Not that you'd notice, it all seems highly practised and polished with not a note out of place. Apart from his guitar and the rhythm section, Burt plays all the other instruments such as the accordeon on Little Fellow, You My Friend and Phone Me. I guess it's him whistling too on Go West. For variety there's a touch of country on Texas Fun, some Hurricane fun on Reveille Rock and some Ventures rock on Ram-Bunk-Shush with its chunky backing. My favourite is the sprightly Love Baby Love, and Burt spices up Africa with a neat arrangement. One of the many originals that I'm sure we'll see covered is Livin' With Nostalgia, a guitar ballad the Shads bands will be Hankering after. Magic Guitars won't set your speakers on fire, but it is easy on the ears without being too mor. (Alan Taylor)

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CD 192580 LOOK AT US

Tracks: Ain't That A Shame / Bony Moronie / Last Date (instr.) / Don't Come Crying To Me / Lisa Jane / Midnight (instr.) / Excuse Me / Shame, Shame, Shame / Golden Earrings (instr.) / Look At Us / Send Me Some Lovin' / Donauwellen (instr.) / Nobody Loves You When You're Down And Out / All You Ever Do Is Bring Me Down / Wasted Days And Wasted Nights / Storms Never Last / Lawdy Miss Clawdy / Ginchy (instr.) / Seledang Sutra / Say Hello

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CD 192556 BEYOND THE REEF

Tracks: Red Sails In The Sunset / One More Last Chance / Makes No Fifference / Quartermaster's Stores (instr.) / In The Real World / She's Got The Rhythm / Refull In Love / Ostentation (instr.) / There Goes My Love / Tears On My Pillow / When My Dreamboat Comes Home / Beyond The Reef (instr.) / Take These Chains From My Heart / Neon Moon / There Goes My Heart / The Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt (instr.) / Oleh Sio / Good Golly Miss Molly / Three Words, Two Hearts / Early Bird (instr.)

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CD 192492 FOREVER IN DREAMS

Tracks: Blue Explosion Expresse (instr.), Rocking In The Street, Swing It Up, This Time, Washmachine Boogie, Johnny B. Goode, Teen Scene (instr.), Be Bop A Lula, Sea Cruise, C'Mon Everybody, Dynamite, Jumpin' On A Saturday Night, Black Swan, Rocky Road Blues, Rave On, Come On Let's Go, Jeanie Jeanie Jeanie, Please Don't Touch, Bongo Blues (instr.), She's The One To Blame, Apron Strings, Tallahassee Lassie, Brush Those Tears, Brown-Eyed Handsome Man, Forever In Dreams (instr.)

Tracks: I Talk To The Trees, Dark Man, Die Gitarre Und Das Meer, Utopia, Spleen, Terang Boelan, Dakota, The Lonely Beach, Zot, My Happiness, Shindig, Little Red Beaver, Lonesome Moonride, Blue Explosion Expresse #2, Las Calanques De Pina, Mexican Bodega, Rocco, Johnny Guitar, Blue Cloud In The Sky, Man Of Mystery

(from PIPELINE #31 - Spring 1996)

There's such a wealth of shadows-inspired instrumental music coming out these days that even the most dedicated enthusiast must have to pick and choose rather than buy everything. The danger is that punters may miss out on a decent release because the band may be unfamiliar or the titles misleadingly uninspiring. Whatever impression Blue Explosion or the track list here creates, it is my mission to advise you that they are a class act. Their Shadows influence comes via numerous European groups and it is this streak of gold that they have mined for the titles on this, their first all instrumental album. There are just the two direct Shads covers in Shindig and Man Of Mystery, both presented with uncanny accuracy. Dakota is modelled on the Jumping Jewels guitar version and is all the better for it. There are just a few covers of revival RI numbers and wise choices they are too. Paul Selier's Little Red Beaver is a bright little rocker from his excellent 1981 DSR LP Six String Shooter, whilst the rhythmic ballad Lonesome Moonride was one of the best from 80s act The Moonriders. Rocco is a galloping driver from the repertoire of top Austrian band The Hubbubs and there just had to be one Lenny clerwall number, here it's the evocative medium pacer Mexican Bodega from the first 1961 album.All are handled with great aplomb and make for excellent listening. The bulk of the remainder are covers of 60s Euro hits. most UK fans will be unware of the majority of these and so can llok forward to some exciting discoveries. The best example is probably Dark Man from Norwegian group The Flames, it is a real gem and Blue Explosion capture the feel beautifully. Spleen is a super Shads styled ballad originating from Switzerland, Zot a tasty snare driven, echo laden Shads inspired piece from Australia. and so it goes on, these guys obviously have an ace collector in their midst! Johnny Guitar has been around a bit, but this version is a match for any. For me, the Indo corn of Die Gitarre Und Das Meer, Terang Boelan and My Happiness are the only weak spots. 17 out of 20 ain't bad so mark this one down all you Shads and Euro fans. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192566 ROCK & ROLL FOREVER

Tracks: The Cruel Sea (instr.), Two Guitars (instr.), Ubangi Stomp, Crazy Baby, Jezebel, Right Behind You Baby, Dark Eyes Beat (instr.), Mirananda (instr.), Stood Up, I'm A Moody Guy, Bopalena, Don't Knock Upon My Door, The Breeze And I (instr.), The Swingin' Creeper (instr.), You Left Me Crying, Break Up, Mean Little Mama, Lotta Lovin', Red Hot Navigator (instr.), Lonely Blue Boy, Tear It Up, Waitin' In School, The End - Sleepwalk

(from PIPELINE #42 - New Year 1999)

Blue Explosion first featured in Pipeline 26 with a similarity balance vocal and instrumental set and then released an all instro CD which covered in Pipeline 31. This time we get eight instrumentals amongst 16 vocals, plus Sleepwalk as an extended break in The End. The Cruel Sea is a suitable bright and breezy opener, I like the tight drumming on this. Finnish fave Two Guitars is next and it flows with typical melodic majesty, as does that other 60's classic: the rocked up Dark Eyes Beat. Mirananda is the first of the two sourced from fellow Dutchman The Treble Spankers. Here there's a great balance of sounds from the lead, rhythm and bass guitars on a good tune that's well arranged and fully worth its three minute slot. The next pair of instrumentals match The Breeze And I with The Swinging Creeper. It's not really Europe vs. the USA, however, as this version of The Breeze And I is The Krontjong Devils' surfed-up three-guitar arrangement, albeit without reverb. This doesn't really work for me as the flow is lost with the tempo changes. The arrival of The Swinging Creeper doesn't help as, despite the precision drumming, you get the feeling that the guitars, and the bass in particular, are only just able to keep up. The second Treble Spankers cover is Red Hot Navigator which does work a treat with its insistent bass pattern and moody lead. Very tasty indeed. Paired with it is Danny Amis' Wrong Planet, a successful Euro translation of The Los Straitjackets number. If you're tempted, I can add that the vocals are stirring rockers sung convincingly in English. The singer delivers them in a great rockin' style to complete an all round entertaining album. (Alan Taylor)

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Tracks: Say / Pistoleros / Enchantment / Raining In My Heart / Melancholie / Into The Shadows / The Storm / 1861 / Petite Fleur / Lonely River / Shadowland / Emiko / Blue Star / Man From Nowehere / Maroubra / The Stranger / In A Persian Market / The Lost City / Some Are Lonely / Ten Seconds To Heaven

(from PIPELINE #60 - Summer 2003)

Blue Explosion have done it again. Their first all-instrumental set, The Instrumental Side Of Blue Explosion, received a rave review in Pipeline 31, not least for its great selection of unusual instro tracks. With new lead guitarist Marcel van Delft on board, bassist and leader Riny Wolfs has fulfilled his dream a second time with their fourth CD, a second all-instrumental album. Marcel is one hot guitarist so the more familiar titles are in good hands, tastefully delivered with style and flair. There are some Shads tracks, but The Lost City is probably the most copied of the bunch. Not many have mastered The Stranger in the way that Blue Explosion do and the Cliff Richard composition Some Are Lonely is an unusual choice, like 1861 and Blue Star it is also exquisitely delivered.
Just two tracks have American roots, and one is a particularly inspired selection. Enchantment is a beautiful mid-tempo Chris Barfield ballad from The Huntingdon Cads that is full of emotive treble string melody. The other is Stranger (In Paradise) aka Ten Seconds To Heaven from The Ventures catalogue via The Charades. There are some tasty slides on this which run right across the stereo soundstage. From the UK come The Storm and Petite Fleur, I wasn't surprised to enjoy The Storm but this reading of Sidney Bechet's Petite Fleur took me by surprise. Raining In My Heart comes via The Rapiers as does Colin Pryce-Jones' lovely ballad Shadowland from their Return Of The Rapiers album. Another great guitar ballad is Maroubra, sourced from the B-side of a single by Australian '60s group The Midnighters.
You can't keep the Finns out of it for long these days, and the opening beat ballad Say comes from The First. From The Mustangs comes the similarly paced and similarly tasty Lonely River, a description which also fits Emiko written by Mustangs guitarist Matti Luhtala. In A Persian Market has been around a bit but this slow, smooth version was inspired by Finland's The Quiets while Man From Nowhere was by The Shanons featuring Hannu Kononen and Marko Rahikainen of The Charades. Norway's The Beatniks are the source for another mid to slow tempo piece Into The Shadows and Melancholie, with its bouzouki lilt, comes from '60s German act Jeff Jackson & His Explorers.
Joining The Storm and Ten Seconds To Heaven in the excitement stakes is the classy Pistoleros from '60s Swedes The Shanes. But the emphasis on this very fine set is on classy mid-tempo rhythmic melodies delivered with a great deal of feeling (Alan Taylor)

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CD 192527 SCHOOL OF ROCK & ROLL

Tracks: School Of Rock & Roll, Baby Sittin', Matchbox, Hurricane Rock (instr.), Johnny On His Strings (instr.), Brush Those Tears, Born To Lose, Shakin' All Over, Loempia (instr.), Theme From Limelight (instr.), I Need Your Love Tonight, Mean Woman Blues, Jumpin' On A Saturday Night, Yellow Jacket (instr.), Running Gypsy (instr.), Apron Strings, When It's Springtime In The Rockies, My Bonnie, Snoertje Van Bloedrode Kralen (instr.), Exodus (instr.), Mona Lisa, Are You Still Crazy ?, Little Sister, Ajoen Ajoen (instr.), Sari Nande (jnstr.)

(from PIPELINE #35 - Spring 1997)

The 10 instrumentals are paired up and distributed evenly emongst the rock & roll vocals so that there are three vocals in between each pair of instrumentals. Lead guitarist Rob Manders was inspired by the late BART STRIK of The Explosion Rockets so it is fitting that the first instrumental is a cover of his Hurricane Rock. Things continue in rockin'style for Electric Johnny's Johnny On His Strings and the coupling joins another spirited beater Loempia with a twang through Charlie Chaplin's Limelight. Yellow Jacket is straight out of The Ventures' book and Running Gypsy a bouncy Bart Strik piece. Exodus gets a fine flowing treatment and the instrumentals close with a clutch of Dutch Indo favourites done in more of a conventional RI style. There may not be enough here to attract the average instrumental buyer, but fans of the band's live shows should be well satisfied. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192591 THE BLUE MOON ROCKERS VOL. 2

Tracks: My Baby Is Number One / Please Mama Please / Little Lou / New Explosion (instr.) / Granada (instr.) / Granny Went Rockin' / Rockin' Love / Boppin' And Shakin' / Vilja Oh Vilja (instr.) / Gipsy Rock (instr.) / Blue Swingin' Mama / I Forgot To Remember To Forget / Slow Down / Darktown Strutters Ball (instr.) / The Third Man (instr.) / Poor Unlucky Me / When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again / Do You Love Me Anymore / Gringo (instr.) / Gitarren Spielt Auf (instr.)

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CD 192448 PLAY BUDDY HOLLY (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Tribute To Buddy Holly, Rave On, True Love Ways, Blues Days-Black Nights, That's What They Say, Wishing, Oh Boy, Everyday, It Doesn't Matter Anymore, Think It Over, I'm Looking For Someone To Love, Learning The Game, Maybe Baby, Peggy Sue, Take Your Time, Tell Me How, Heartbeat, Listen To Me, Peggy Sue Got Married, You're The One, Crying Waiting Hoping, Well All Right, What To Do, Rock Around With Ollie Vee, Love Is Strange, Lonesome Tears, Modern Don Juan, Dearest

(from PIPELINE #19 - Summer 1993)

The Blue Stars from Denmark were one of the better European guitar groups to emerge in the late seventies/ early eighties. They were certainly favourites of mine with their flowing style and smooth sound. Because of that I would love to be able to say that this is a wonderful album containing great versions of great songs, but I can't. The sad fact is that I find computerised drumming, such as can be found here, totally distracting, the only way to programme a drummer is with a pint of beer. If you can cope with the drums then you'll enjoy these guitar interpretations of Holly's best. For my money only two tracks bear listening, the wash of guitars over Listen To Me and the beautifully simple Learning The Game which has minimal percussion. The two remaining Blue Stars, guitarists Ole Vinter and Jens Nielsen, deserve better. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192463 IN HOLLAND (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: 1961, 3:10 To Yuma, The Girls Of Copenhagen, Gunfight Saloon, Some People, Mr.Guitar, Skyline, The Blue Stars Theme, Summernight Dreams, All The Little Birds, Western Guitar, Pepe, Beautiful Dreamer, Polaris, The Happy Cowboy, Andalucia, Alone, Alley Cat, Lundenburg Rock, Big Boy, Nevada, Tiger Milk, Caviare & Chips, Blue Dream, Mark Of Zorro, The Last Jim, The Missing Link, Desafinado

(from PIPELINE #17 - Spring 1993)

Between 1980 and 1984 The Blue Stars recorded three albums for DSR, the label that spearheaded the rock instrumental revival in Europe. To my mind their smoothly flowing style and rich guitar sound made them the top act on DSR, their first two albums For Guitarfreaks Only and Strictly Instrumental would make an excellent CD. Their final effort, The Blue Stars Third Album, was one of DSR's last LPs and was harder to find on its release in 1984. It's good news then that the first 14 tracks here comprise that album, the remainder also dating from the group's DSR days. Recorded on two track machinery with no overdubs, their performances retain a warmth and personal feel, they must have been a great live act and it's a shame they split up in the late eighties. The CD sound is good although 40 seconds into Alone a few notes appear to have been lost to some digital gremlin and the toms are tometimes slightly loud. The music is The Blue Stars' usual mix of originals and lesser known sixties covers which blend happily together. From The Blue Stars Third Album I particularly enjoyed their reading of The Five Lords' 3:10 To Yuma, Some People with no vocals, Mr.Guitar (more Shadows than Weedon), the exquisite ballad Summernight Dreams and the bass-led Polaris from The Boys. Of the newly released material Andalucia sparkles as ever, Big Boy is an unusual but successful Shadows cover and Lenny Clerwall's melodic Mark Of Zorro flows beautifully. If you like your melodies delivered in style with a rich sound and plenty of thythm then Holland is for you. (Alan Taylor)

(from NEW GANDY DANCER #40 - August 1994)

This is The Blue Stars third album plus all the oddments, outtakes and B sides plus 14 added tracks. The sound is what you expected of The Blue Stars - rich & mellow with lovely versions of Mark Of Zorro, Caviare & Chips and Desafinado. A word of warning though, there must have been a fault in the masters as the track Alone has a jump on it. Brilliant CD though with not a duff track in sight. Highly recommended. (Don Frew)

Tracks: Back Home, My Bonnie, Apache, Sleepwalk, Ghost Riders In The Sky, Cape Kennedy, Diamonds, Blue Stars Boogie, Long John Silver, Gimme That Jive, The Rockin' Grinder, Rebel Rouser, Hawaii Tattoo, Theme From Maverick, By The Light Of the Silvery Moon, South Of The Border, Besame Mucho, Sail On Silvery Moon, Tina, Round And Round, Theme For Young Lovers, The Frightened City, Listen To My Heart, Walk Don't Run, Peace Pipe, Spanish Eyes, Dance On, Johnny Guitar

(from PIPELINE #22 - Spring 1994)

The Blue Stars brought a touch of class to the instrumental revival scene of the early 80s. Following the instrumental drought of the 70s, it was common practice for the new bands to serve up a diet of cover versions. Hence the plethora of familiar titles on this collection of mainly unreleased recordings. I say mainly because the final 9 tracks did get put out on a cassette in 1983 as by The Rockin' Starfighters. The first 8 tracks represent their very first recordings whist those sandwiched in between are taken from rehearsals during 1980-82. It was their smooth sound and accomplished playing that marked The Blue Stars out from the crowd; you could rely on a polished, warm performance from them. So how do these recordings, many not originally intented for release, stand up to digital scrutiny? Very well as it happens. Unlike today, when multi-track wizardry enables the humblest of performers to cobble together a near perfect "take", early sisxties sessions were little more than live performances. Hence the minor imperfections and errors that characterised many a hit record. Thus also the very occasional mistake that creeps in here hints at a bygone age. It does not distract the attention or detract from the enjoyment of a worthwhile release. Welcome The Blue Stares into your living room for a live performance, you'll enjoy it. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192531 BACK AGAIN (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: It's A Man's World, Five Hundred Miles, That's Life, Dream Of The West, High Noon, Adventures In Paradise, Diana, Spanish Harlem, Will You Love Me Tommorrow, Nice And Easy, The Bandit, Riding Cossack, Sleepwalk, Oh Lonesome Me, Runaway, North To Alaska, Wolga Lied, In The Persian Market, Tina, Red River Rock, Greensleeves, Evening Glow, To Lys Pa Et Bord, You Only Live Twice, Susanne Birgitte & Hanne, And I Love Her

(from PIPELINE #35 - Spring 1997)

From the same sessions that produced the recent Japanese Blue Stars CD "Unreleased" come these 26 guitar instrumentals. As with their renowned DSR LPs of some 15 years ago, The Blue Stars bring a touch of class to the Shads-inspired European tw0-guitar, bass and drums scene. these are all 90s recordings with the line-up of Jens Nielsen on lead guitar, Ole Vinter bass, Tom vinter rhythm, and Paul Rasmussen drums. They manage to add the benefits of modern recording technology without corrupting their feel for the 60s style. Though this may be another collection of outtakes, any fluffs are very few and far between; the classy playing shines through courtesy of their wonderful rich sound and that Blue Star style. There's hardly a duff number to be found, they manage to make a decent instrumental out of such unlikely material as 500 Miles and Oh Lonesome Me. Here is a CD that you can play right through without reaching for the skip button on your remote control. Running through it I'll pick out a few personal favourites but I'm sure others will find their own amonst the many highlights. It's A Man's World is a super copy of The Shads' B-side which captures the feel of this great melody perfectly. Dream Of The West adds a richness of sound to The Outlaws' original, Adventures In Paradise and Spanish Harlem are fine treatments of great ballads and The Bandit is a neat instrumental version of the vocal from Out Of The Shadows. Riding Cossack has always been a favourite Euro instro of mine and The Blue Stars don't disappoint, they lay down a great Sleepwalk too. In A Persian Market benefits from an unusually slow treatment and John Barry's You Only Live Twice is beautifully expressive. This album will delight early Shads fans and Euro guitar freaks alike. (Alan Taylor)

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CD 192609 THE MEMPHIS BOPPER

Tracks: I'm Satisfied / A Booger's Gonna Getcha / Won't You Ride In My Little Red Wagon / Behave, Be Quiet Or Be Gone / Knock Kneed Nellie / I Got A Hole In My Pirogue / Standing In The Station / Old Country Rock / Your Woman May Have Been, But She Said Her Last Goodbye / Have You Heard The Gossip / Feel Like I'm Catching The Blues / Keep Playing That Music / This Cold War With You / Don't Tear Me Up / Sweet Marie / Ice Cold Baby / Tank Town Boogie / Boppin' Bonnie / Gambling Man / Night Train To Memphis / Lonely Heart / Let's Take The Long Way Tonight Tonight / Your Consience / Blue Suede Shoes / One Way Ticket / No. 9 Train / Long Tall Sally / Fool About You / Tore Up / You'll Never Be A Stranger To Me

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Tracks: Bang Bang / Midnight Shift / Home Town Rockin´ / Mean Eyed Cat / Ride On / Bottle To The Baby / Boppin´ The Blues / If House Is Rockin´ / Hillbilly Boozers / Rock Around With / One Hand Loose / Please Mama Please / Slip, Slip Slippin´ In / You Made A Hi / Draggin´ / I´ve Been Everywhere / Hot Rod Race / Too Hot To Handle / The Race Is On / Kaw-Liga / Bip A Little, Bop A Lot / Lady Luck / Cherokee Boogie / Claudette

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CD 192545 OLD TIMES

Tracks: It's A Sin, Singing The Blues, Louisiana Girl, Stranger Things, San Antonio Rose, Down Where The Trade Winds Blow, Fools Like Me, Wasted Days And Wasted Nights, Knee Deep In The Blues, Fraulein, Deep Water, Jailhouse Rock, There's A Heartache Following Me, Houston, I Forgot To Remember To Forget, Is It Love, Room Full Of Roses, It's Driving Me Crazy, The Moment I Lost You, Don't Be Cruel, Whiskey Heaven, There! I've Said It Again

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CD 192539 INSTRUMENTAL

Tracks: Wonderful Dream, Just For Jerry, Rockin', Song Of Delilah, Sukiyaki, Moonlight, Tales Of A Raggy Tramline, Dream Of Glory, Besame Mucho, Rendezvous '62, Storm Rider, La Comparsa, Driftin', Summertime, Gypsy Woman, Just Like A Shadow, Spanish Eyes, Last Date, Blackstreet Rock, The First One, Second Street, La Longue March, All I Have To Do Is Dream, Beautiful Heart

(from PIPELINE #36 - Summer 1997)

With the chances of any more releases by 1961 looking ever more remote, those who longed for more recordings in the early Shadows style seemed to be in for a bleak time. And then along came The Boys. Their CD with vocalist Danny Davis was promising (see Pipeline #30) but this first all-instrumental set is simply brilliant. Johnny D'Hont's guitar sound is quite superb, a Strat through an AC30 has never sounded better, and hisa technique allows plenty of expression into his playing. In support, the other Boys provide just the right 602 feel. José on rhythm mainly uses an acoustic in the studio to help generate a full sound, Willy is a great technician on bass but also knows when to keep it simple, and André has kept his 602 drum style intact to complete a wonderful rhythm section. But all this would be nothing without the right material. The two Shadows covers provide a reference point but it's the choice and wide range of sources used for the 22 tracks that help this CD stand head and shoulders above the competition. For a start there are five contributions from johnny which shows a good grasp of the genre. Wonderful Dream has a proud lead line over a strong rhythm reminiscent of Frightened City and is, like many others here, beautifully arranged. The title of Moonlight might imply a rip-off of Midnight, but it isn't. It is an emotive guitar ballad, however, and, as with Johnny's Summertime, numerous influences are melded to create an outstanding original piece. His jaunty The First One, with the feel of a Western theme, is a re-recording of the number used on the earlier CD. There are 4 Lenny Clerwall compositions, all of them right out of his top drawer. Dream Of Glory, Gypsy Woman, Second Street, Beautiful Heart, need I say more? Another contemporary source is Paul Selier of Dutch group The Classics who supplies the equally classy ballad Rendezvous '62 from their Rarity CD Foolin' Around. And then there's the vintage material. >From the UK comes a lovely Just For Jerry (The Fentones), from Belgium the delightfully wistful Song Of Delilah (The Jokers), from Germany the exciting Stormrider (Ricky King), from The Netherlands a moving rendition of La Comparsa (De Maskers), and from France the proud theme La Longue Marche (Les Champions). There are a handful of internationally known titles in Sukiyaki where The Boys triumph in avoiding the corn factor, Besame Mucho with its richly rhythmic treatment, Last Date which is heavily Spotnicks influenced and all the better for it, and finally a sensitive All I Have To Do Is Dream. Instrumental by The Boys is as fine an example of The Shadows influenced European style as you will find anywhere. If you collect such CDs you'll be delighted by this. If you don't, then make sure this is the one that you do buy, it's simply a great guitar instrumental album. (Alan Taylor)

CD 192558 vol. 2 - IN LONDON (fully instrumental CD)

Tracks: Shawschank Redemption, Piccadilly, The Lost City, Johnny Guitar, My Boots, La Rosita, Dance On, Way Back Home, The Frightened City, Listen To My Heart, Stampede, Old Faithful, In Your Blue Eyes, Kon-Tiki, Silver Beach, Riders In The Sky, Theme From Shane, The Box, The Old Time, The Rise And Fall Of Flingel Bunt

(from PIPELINE #40 - Summer 1998)

Launched to coincide with their succesful appearance at Pipeline '98, the second all-instrumental CD from The Boys indicates the Belgian band's musical influences as clearly as did his predecessor. The track listing shows a clear preference for The Shadows and The Spotnicks. Rest assured though, The Boys are no mere copyists and have the courage to start the CD with an original, albeit from the prolific pen of Lenny Clerwall. It's one of two compositions written especially for this album, and joined by a third Clerwall number in the shape of My Boots. The Boys are wise enough to include familiair tracks to provide a reference point for the prospective purchaser, so we have six Shadows tracks and five Spotnicks tunes. A few less common covers, including the Ricky King number Silver Beach, add variety, and Johnny D'Hondt's three compositions - Piccadilly, The Box and The Old Time fare well in such illustrious company, capturing both the sound and the style of the 60's. What more can you say ? When Alan Taylor reviewed The Boys' Instrumental CD in issue 36, he praised their sound. Johnny's authentic lead sound is complemented by crisp - often acoustic - rhythm guitar, clear and unfussy bass lines and appropriate drumming. Alan also praised the band's choice of material, so often the key to the success or failure of a CD. Everything said about that album applies here. The Boys made some new friends with their appearance in London on Easter Sunday. New and old friends are invited to renew the acquintance through this CD. You will not be disappointed. (George Geddes)

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CD 192732 FOREVER YOUNG

Tracks: Who Do You Love / For What It´s Worth / Eve Of Destruction / Having A Party / Russian Spy And I / It´s My Life / Egyptian Raggae (instr.) / These Arms Of Mine / This Ol´ House / It´s All Over Now Baby Blue / Polk Salad Annie / You´re No Good / Love Is Strange / Genie With The Light Brown lamp (instr.) / Whiskey In The Jar / 19th Nervous Breakdown / Forever Young / Love Potion Number Nine / Blue Turns To Grey / Blue Dream (instr.)

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