Juke Box Jive: Essential Rock 'n' Roll

Liner Note Author: Ian McCann.
Rock & roll didn't come out of nowhere, although for many, it probably seemed that way. An energetic mixture of country swing, jump blues, R&B, boogie-woogie, honky tonk, and the kitchen sink delivered with gospel fervor and a whole lot of teenage attitude, early rock & roll was in love with cars, motion, and dancing up a storm on a Saturday night, and it generated electricity as much as it fed off of it. This two-disc set collects several of the opening jolts of the rock & roll radio revolution, including classics like Chuck Berry's "Maybelline," Duane Eddy's "Rebel Rouser," Carl Perkins' "Matchbox," Little Richard's "Lucille," Fats Domino's "Ain't That a Shame," and a whole host of other period sides. The end result is a concise little '50s dance party in a box, but it's also a bouncing and joyous beginning to the rock & roll street party that would unwind and roar over the next four decades or so. ~ Steve Leggett