And here we are at the end of 1957 and I find it rather interesting that on this musical odyssey that I have now encountered an openly gay singer, when it was still technically illegal, before I listen to an album where a woman is the singer. There’s no real point to this observation, it’s just something that I found to be of particular interest.Here’s Little Richard starts off with Tutti Frutti, a song that is still residing in recent memory due to the Elvis Presley cover on his eponymous debut. Again an interesting idea that the cover appeared on an album released a full calendar year before original artist‘s debut. The extra year being worth the wait with Little Richard’s spirited version running rings around the Elvis version.
The title itself is like a declaration of intent ushering in a new wave of musical ideal. I mean, let’s face it, there had not really been anything like Little Richard before as illustrated by the abundance of jazz and crooning. Rock & Roll had only just begun to cut it’s first teeth with the release of this and The ‘Chirping’ Crickets. However when it comes to overall impact and listening pleasure there is no real competition. Little Richard all the way people.
Tracks such as Tutti Frutti, Baby, Ready Teddy and Slippin’ & Slidin’ (Peepin’ & Hidin’) and boisterously energetic tracks which reap more and more rewards on a repeat listen. I will also not deny that at one point during Long Tall Sally I found myself dancing over to the kitchen to get myself a drink.
A truly amazing debut that is not yet available on Spotify unless you cobble together the tracks which I have done for anyone who wants to have a listen. By anyone I mean everyone. He has too amazing and unusual a voice to be ignored peeps.
8.5/10 Fab Four:
Tutti Frutti
Ready Teddy
Slippin’ & Slidin’ (Peepin’ & Hidin’)
Jenny, Jenny
Link to playlist
No comments:
Post a Comment