Jeff Beck plays the first notes on the album and we’re in Gene Vincent territory. CB ate up the “Catmans” music so when Beck and the Big Town Playboys released this album I was all over it. I found out that the album was more of a nod to Vincent’s Blue Cap guitar player, Cliff Gallup. One of Beck’s heroes.
Beck and the Playboys go to town on this one. It’s a rockabilly, Gene Vincent, Cliff Gallup party. This is feel good, fun stuff. The band is feeling the ghosts from the source. They really have the Vincent sound down to a tee. I don’t like picking favorites but Gene was my favorite (Maybe Buddy and Jerry Lee also) from back when this music was scaring the shit out of people.
CB and a buddy were a two man Gene Vincent revival. We were up against punk, disco and other types of music that was popular at the time.. Listen to the ‘Catman’ cut and hear all that good stuff going on in that song. My buddy and me weren’t the only people digging Gene. We were in good company, Beck, The Stray Cats, Shakin Pyramids, Robert Gordon, Emelda May, Ian Dury among others.
Jeff is doing the same thing we are, except he’s not writing about the music he digs, he’s playing the music that moved him. Does Beck show off on this one? Yes he does but so would I if I could play like him. I think in his mind he’s saying “How’ m I doing Cliff?”. I think he would be impressed. This album didn’t stop me from listening to the originals but it has me dividing my time between the then and now. Great stuff from JB and The BTP
So slick the hair back (whatever is left for some of us) jump in or on your ride and take a trip with Beck, the Big Town Playboys, the Catman, Cliff and the devil.
Your head will start boppin, feet tappin and knees shaking.
That’s some good stuff. Again you would dig my friend Bill. He loves this rockabilly shit and can play it (not Beck level) and sing like Elvis. I’ll have to play this for him.
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No kidding Doc I am a Gene Vincent freak. Maybe Bill and CB are the same guy.
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Come to think of it I’ve never seen both of you in the same place at the same time.
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Not my first chuckle of the day but a chuckle none the less.
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I gave this one a listen a few weeks (months??) back off the back of the Gene Vincent chat. It was right good. He certainly puts enough of his personality into these tunes.
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I missed this response. Yeah Vincent was back at the beginning when this rock n roll thing took shape. He was definitely at the for-front in CB’s mind. More of an edge for me. Him and Jerry lee. It’s always cool when guys like beck give nods to the people that inspired them.
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Great stuff, CB! I’m currently listening to the album on the bus commuting to my office.
I’m not the greatest morning person. The music is a great way to start the day and get going. I can barely contain myself from sniping my fingers and shaking my hips – except the guy in the seat next to be, who seems to be an even bigger sleepyhead, probably wouldn’t find that funny!😆
I had not known about this album. It’s more proof Jeff Beck isn’t only a kickass guitarist but also very versatile.
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Great that you’re giving it a spin and liking it. You never know the guy beside you might be a Gene Vincent fan. There are a few still left out there.
Such a cool creative idea by Beck. Being a Vincent/ Gallup fan I was more than impressed with this record. If I didn’t know of this music, Beck and the Playboys would have had me running to the record store. Cool that you dig it. Rock a billy isn’t everyone’s bag but it is mine.
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Ace. Jeff has always had the mojo.
Thom
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Yes he does and he’s catching Gene and Cliff’s “mojo” here.
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