Intervention Records releases a vibrant 45r.p.m. 180-gram vinyl of Carl Perkins’ Sun Records catalog.
Carl Perkins – Dance Album Of Carl Perkins – Sun Record Company LP-225 (1958)/Intervention Records IR-038 (2026) 180-gram 45 r.p.m. mono vinyl, 31:04 *****:
(Carl Perkins – guitar, vocals; plus many others)
The rockabilly phenomenon began at Sun Records. The rock and roll crossover stars included. Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. Perhaps the most notable of the Memphis-based rockabilly artists was Carl Perkins. “The King Of Rockabilly” wrote hit songs like “Blue Suede Shoes”, “Honey Don’t”, “Matchbox” and “Everybody’s Tryin’ To Be My Baby”. These became part of the commercial music scene, covered by artists like The Beatles (maybe the biggest disciples), Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Johnny Cash and Eric Clapton. Perkins was highly regarded for his nimble guitar techniques consisted of finger picking, arpeggios, open stringing, note-bending and cross picking.
Intervention Records has released a 180-gram 45 r.p.m. mono vinyl of the 1958 album, Dance Album Of Carl Perkins. This was a compilation of singles and B-sides (with 10 original compositions). These 12 tracks, logging in at approximately 31 minutes is a quintessential look at rockabilly and the legacy of Perkins. Side A opens with the eternal rock and roll classic, “Blue Suede Shoes”. This swinging jam has youthful energy (“Go Cat!), country blues power and nimble guitar licks. Perkins has deep country roots. “Movie Magg” has subtle touches like harmonic guitar notation and a slight nod to traditional “yodel” singers. In an expansive arrangement, “Sure To Fall” has flowing tempo, ragged harmonizing and jangling guitars that frame Perkins’ emotional vocal delivery. His intermingling of blues and contemporary idioms is prevalent on “Gone, Gone, Gone”. It becomes a personal signature and will get anyone up dancing at a roadhouse. Another popular single, “Honey Don’t” is a breezy hook-filled jam that stands the test of time. The subject of angst-ridden love and rock and roll is a natural fit for the crisp instrumentation and vocals.
There is an element of good vibes in these cuts. Perkins steps up for his home state in “Tennessee”, name dropping Eddy Arnold, Red Foley and the first atomic blonde. But the reaL focus is playing in “the hillbilly way”. Humor abounds on “The Right String/Wrong YoYo”, as Perkins puts a lot of energy into the finger picking and yowling vocals. Another often-covered single, “Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby” is translated to a bluesy shuffle with punctuated instrumentals and vocals. Another rollicking blues jam is “Matchbox”, utilizing propulsive rhythm and plenty of rebellious attitude. There is a change in musical direction on “Your True Love”. This feels like a country version of doo wop with soulful back up vocals. The finale, “Boppin’ The Blues” is pure rockabilly and swings like r & b.
This re-mastered vinyl of Dance Album Of Carl Perkins is an excellent addition to any rock and roll collection. Using original 1/4’ analog tapes (in a three-step process) from Sun Records, the mix (Kevin Gray/CoHEARent Audio) is crystalline and potent with detailed attention to Perkins’ guitar and fluid vocals. While the sound is augmented from the 1950’s studio aesthetics, it is not overproduced and never interferes with the straight ahead dynamics. This pressing (Gotta Groove Records) is pristine with little surface noise or tonal distortion.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Dance Album Of Carl Perkins – Intervention Records
Side A:
Blue Suede Shoes; Movie Magg; Sure To Fall; Gone, Gone, Gone; Honey Don’t; Only You
Side B:
Tennessee; Wrong YoYo; Everybody’s Tryin’ To Be My Baby; Matchbox; Your True Love; Boppin’ The Blues.
