The Beach Boys – Surfin’ U.S.A. / Surfer Girl (1963) {1989, MFSL, Remastered}

The Beach Boys - Surfin' U.S.A. / Surfer Girl (1963) {1989, MFSL, Remastered}

The Beach Boys – Surfin’ U.S.A. / Surfer Girl (1963) {1989, MFSL, Remastered}
EAC Rip | FLAC Tracks + Cue + Log | Full Scans Included
Total Size: 316 MB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: MFSL UltraDisc | Japan | Cat#: UDCD 521 | Genre: Rock & Roll, Surf Rock

The real breakthrough, as Brian Wilson asserts himself in the studio as both songwriter and arranger on a set of material that was much stronger than Surfin’ Safari. Besides the hit title track and its popular drag-racing flip side (“Shut Down”), this has a lovely, heartbreaking ballad (“Lonely Sea”) and a couple of strong Brian Wilson originals (“The Noble Surfer” and “Farmer’s Daughter”). Continue reading “The Beach Boys – Surfin’ U.S.A. / Surfer Girl (1963) {1989, MFSL, Remastered}”

John Mellencamp – John Mellencamp 1978-2012 (2013) [19CDs Box Set]

John Mellencamp - John Mellencamp 1978-2012 (2013) [19CDs Box Set]

John Mellencamp – John Mellencamp 1978-2012 (2013) [19CDs Box Set]
EAC Rip | 19xCD | FLAC Image + Cue + Log | Full Scans Included
Total Size: 6.76 GB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Mercury / Universal | USA | Cat#: B0019508-02 | Genre: Pop Rock, Rock & Roll, Heartland Rock

First off, this 19-disc box is not a complete recorded works of John Mellencamp. It excises his earliest years as Johnny Cougar — a Main Man-inspired moniker that resulted in three albums he’s disowned, but which really aren’t that bad at all — beginning the story with 1979’s John Cougar, the album where he truncated his name and toughened up his sound. It still took him a while until he scored a real breakthrough, and it arrived when he tightened up his attack with the assistance of producer Don Gehman and came up with the often-excellent American Fool Continue reading “John Mellencamp – John Mellencamp 1978-2012 (2013) [19CDs Box Set]”

Various Artists – Ultimate Rock ‘N’ Roll Love Songs (2015) {3CD-Set}

Various Artists - Ultimate Rock 'N' Roll Love Songs (2015) {3CD-Set}

Various Artists – Ultimate Rock ‘N’ Roll Love Songs (2015) {3CD-Set}
EAC Rip | 3xCD | FLAC Image + Cue + Log | Full Scans Included
Total Size: 0.99 GB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Oner Day Music | EU | Cat#: DAY3CD081 | Genre: Rockabilly, Rock & Roll, Oldies

Lovers can often be tongue-tied when attempting to express their feelings. Luckily, generations of songwriters have provided ready-made examples of what to say or sing when affairs of the heart have us at a loss for words. With three discs full of timeless rock’n’roll love songs, there is sure to be a ‘special song’ here in this compilation for everyone to enjoy. Truly, this is the soundtrack of our lives. Continue reading “Various Artists – Ultimate Rock ‘N’ Roll Love Songs (2015) {3CD-Set}”

Little Richard – King of Rock and Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings (2004) [3CD-Set]

Little Richard - King of Rock and Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings (2004) [3CD-Set]

Little Richard – King of Rock and Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings (2004) [3CD-Set]
EAC Rip | 3xCD | FLAC Tracks + Cue + Log | Full Scans Included
Total Size: 1.24 GB (CDs) + 193 MB (Scans) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Rhino Handmade | USA | Cat#: RHM2 7888 | Genre: Rock & Roll, Funk

Little Richard was not the only original rock & roller to attempt a comeback in the late ’60s and early ’70s, but he may have been the one to take the greatest musical risks. Fats Domino merely updated his sound (albeit in a charming fashion), Jerry Lee Lewis refashioned himself as a hardcore country singer, and Chuck Berry pandered with “My Ding-A-Ling,” but Little Richard pushed himself on his three albums for Reprise, all of which were collected — along with his contributions to Quincy Jones’ 1972 Dollar$ soundtrack album, non-LP singles, session outtakes, and a complete unreleased Continue reading “Little Richard – King of Rock and Roll: The Complete Reprise Recordings (2004) [3CD-Set]”

Elvis Presley – The Complete 1954-62 U.S.A Singles (2015) {4CD Set}

Elvis Presley - The Complete 1954-62 U.S.A Singles (2015) {4CD Set}

Elvis Presley – The Complete 1954-62 U.S.A Singles (2015) {4CD Set}
EAC Rip | 4xCD | FLAC Image + Cue + Log | Full Scans @400 dpi, JPG, Included
Total Size: 1.15 GB (CDs) + 30.2 MB (Scans) | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Valentine Records | UK | Cat#: 47772 | Genre: Rockabilly, Rock & Roll

Limited-edition 4 CD set comprising the complete Presley singles and EPs released in the USA up to 1962 presented in the order in which they were issued. This edition comes with a comprehensive booklet full of discographical information, rare photos and memorabilia. Eight tracks have been added as a bonus making 100 songs recorded by Elvis in his prime. Continue reading “Elvis Presley – The Complete 1954-62 U.S.A Singles (2015) {4CD Set}”

The Brian Setzer Orchestra – The Best of Collection: Christmas Rocks! (2008)

The Brian Setzer Orchestra - The Best of Collection: Christmas Rocks! (2008)

The Brian Setzer Orchestra – The Best of Collection: Christmas Rocks! (2008)
EAC Rip | FLAC Image + Cue + Log | Full Scans @600 dpi, JPG, Included
Total Size: 495 MB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Surdog Records | USA | Cat#: 2-512780 | Genre: Rockabilly, Xmas

Brian Setzer released Boogie Woogie Christmas in 2002 and the live DVD Christmas Extravaganza in 2005, the same year as his second Christmas LP, Dig That Crazy Christmas — that’s a lot of holiday music in a short span of time and it’s all condensed on two 2008 compilations, Christmas Rocks! The Best Of Collection and The Ultimate Christmas Collection. Continue reading “The Brian Setzer Orchestra – The Best of Collection: Christmas Rocks! (2008)”

Jerry Lee Lewis – Rock & Roll Time (2014)

Jerry Lee Lewis - Rock & Roll Time (2014)

Jerry Lee Lewis – Rock & Roll Time (2014)
EAC Rip | FLAC Image + Cue + Log | Full Scans @300 dpi, PNG, Included
Total Size: 269 MB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Vanguard | Cat#: 78334-2 | Genre: Rock & Roll

There’s a different feel to 2014’s Rock & Roll Time, the third album Jerry Lee Lewis has made with benefactor and producer Steve Bing. Once again, superstar drummer Jim Keltner co-produces (he sat out 2010’s Mean Old Man), and the pair bring the Killer back where he belongs right at Sun Studios. In case anybody missed the point, Jerry Lee is placed directly in front of the old Sun building itself on the cover of Rock & Roll Time, underscoring a point the music makes perfectly plain: Jerry Lee is once again singing some of that old-time rock & roll Continue reading “Jerry Lee Lewis – Rock & Roll Time (2014)”

Little Richard – Just About As Good As It Gets! (2013)

Little Richard - Just About As Good As It Gets! (2013)

Little Richard – Just About As Good As It Gets! (2013)
EAC Rip | 2xCD | FLAC Image + Cue + Log | Full Scans @600 dpi, JPG, Included
Total Size: 716 MB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Smith & Co | Cat#: SCCD 2493 | Genre: Rock & Roll

Of all the original 50s rock ‘n’ roll stars, none was more flamboyant than Richard Wayne Penniman. Now a game octogenarian still intermittently performing (he headlined a Las Vegas weekender in March 2013), Richard has had a chequered career peppered with retirements and comebacks, fluctuations between God and Mammon and many a misjudged recording; his latter years dogged by a dodgy hip. At his peak he was the most dynamic rock ‘n’ roll extrovert on record and stage, which obscures the fact he was also the most mellifluous vocalist of the pack when he calmed down enough to sing a blues, gospel or soul ballad Continue reading “Little Richard – Just About As Good As It Gets! (2013)”

Various Artists – Twistin’ USA (2013)

Various Artists - Twistin' USA (2013)

Various Artists – Twistin’ USA (2013)
EAC Rip | 2xCD | FLAC Tracks + Cue + Log | Full Scans @300 dpi, JPG, Included
Total Size: 507 MB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Fantastic Voyage | Cat#: FVDD161 | Genre: Rock & Roll, Twist

It’s 1961 and the Twist is just the shot in the arm that the music business has been looking for in the wake of the payola scandal. Many key radio stations across the United States have panicked and changed their formats from rock & roll to “quality music”, causing both listeners and advertisers to drop away fast Continue reading “Various Artists – Twistin’ USA (2013)”

VA – The Cruisin’ Story 1955 (2012)

VA - The Cruisin' Story 1955 (2012)

VA – The Cruisin’ Story 1955 (2012)
EAC Rip | FLAC Image + Cue + Log | Full Scans @300 dpi, JPG, Included
FLAC: 615 MB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: One Day Music | Cat#: DAY2CD167 | Genre: Rock & Roll, Rockabilly

One Day Music’s Cruisin’ series continues with the year 1955 and more classic hits. Featured artists include Bill Haley & The Comets, Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley and more! Continue reading “VA – The Cruisin’ Story 1955 (2012)”

Del Shannon – A Complete Career Anthology 1961-1990 (1998)

Del Shannon - A Complete Career Anthology 1961-1990 (1998)

Del Shannon – A Complete Career Anthology 1961-1990 (1998)
EAC Rip | 2xCD | FLAC Tracks + Cue + Log | Full Scans
FLAC: 977 MB | Scans: 52.6 MB | 3% RAR Recovery
Label: Raven Records | Cat#: RVCD-51 | Genre: Rock & Roll

To most casual listeners, Del Shannon was a one-hit (or, at best, two-hit) wonder. This two-CD anthology goes a long way toward correcting that inaccurate perception, covering virtually every high point in a career that, admittedly with some ups and downs, yielded some great and popular music across nearly 30 years Continue reading “Del Shannon – A Complete Career Anthology 1961-1990 (1998)”