A side, by Heisa "Double Mitsubishi" is a pure Rattaplan style tune. Banging at Hardcore frontier and full of breaks slammers...
A legendary style !
**the flip opens with Wonka's "Sugar Daddy" : A melodious trippy acid electro tribe travel...
eMel finished the job with a hardcore "New Core Assembly", driving whistle supported by a Core deep kick !
Buscar:hard g
- A1: Solomonic Reggae Star - Anti-Apartheid
- A2: Solomonic Reggae Star - Solidarity
- A3: Bunny Wailer - Arab Oil Weapon (12" Disco Mix)
- B1: Bunny Wailer - Love Fire
- B2: Bunny Wailer - Love's Version
- B3: Bunny Wailer - Bright Soul
- C1: Bunny Wailer - Rise & Shine
- C2: Solomonic All Stars - Solomonic Dub
- C3: Bunny Wailer - Riding
- C4: Bunny Wailer - Galang So
- D1: Bunny Wailer - Troubles Is On The Road Again
- D2: Bunny Wailer - Cease Fire
- D3: Bunny Wailer - Rule Dancehall
- D4: Solomonic All Stars - Rule Dancehall (Dub Version)
At the same time that Neville 'Bunny Wailer' Livingston recorded his debut solo long playing masterpiece, 'Blackheart Man', he was also creating a series of singles for his own Solomonic label. These records were every bit as good, at times even better, but they have never been released outside of Jamaica. Until now...,
It is next to impossible to ever overstate the importance of The Wailers to the history of Jamaican music and, as the last surviving member of the group, Bunny Wailer rightly regards himself as the sole keeper of their history ever mindful of the group's exalted position in the story of reggae music and the importance of their legacy. In 2010 Dub Store were proud to be able to work with Bunny on re-releasing a selection of his earliest recordings for the Solomonic label, lovingly restored and presented in reproduction sleeves and labels, on limited edition seven and twelve inch singles. Now, taking another step forward, we are more than proud to present Bunny's timeless music on two beautifully packaged CD's and double LP's. Bunny's first solo album, 'Blackheart Man' originally released in 1976 on his own Solomonic label in Jamaica and on Island in the UK, is one of the undisputed all time classics of Jamaican music and established Bunny Wailer as a highly respected, world renowned artist in his own right. During this period Bunny also produced a series of singles released in Jamaica and the UK in strictly limited quantities without the benefit of international distribution, that are every bit as good and, in some cases, even better than this awesome debut long player. Original copies have subsequently become highly prized, and highly priced, collector's items. "Classic rarities" is an overused and abused term too often employed to describe average records that failed to sell on their initial release but both 'Tread Along' and 'Rise & Shine' are packed from beginning to end with a searing selection of some of the greatest and hardest to find reggae records ever produced. 'Tread Along' opens, naturally enough, with 'Tread Along' from 1969, one of the last singles for The Wailers' own Wail N Soul M label, and runs through the first release on the Solomonic label, 'Searching For Love' also known as 'Search For I', 'Bide Up' released as 1974 drew to a close, a radical reworking of 'Pass It On' and a marked contrast to the version on The Wailers' 'Burnin'', album, 'Life Line' and the prophetic 'Arabs Oil Weapon' kept the pressure on as Bunny began outlining the flawless 'Blackheart Man' album. Each release was a certified classic in its own right. Peter Tosh's melodica version to Bunny's 'Amagideon' ('Armageddon'), the first track on 'Rise & Shine', is followed by 'Love Fire', an update of another Wail N Soul M track, 'Fire Fire'/'Babylon Burning', through to one of the deepest roots records ever created, 'Rise & Shine', on to 'Riding' from the 'Bunny Wailer Sings The Wailers' sessions (but not featured on the album) and a huge hit in the UK in 1981, and closing with 'Rule Dance Hall' from 1985. No idle boast..., The liner notes feature the story of The Wailers, as told to Dub Store by Bunny himself in Kingston in an enlightening 2012 interview, and rarely seen contemporary photographs complete these essential releases. The music of Bunny Wailer was not only a medium for change and protest but also to elucidate and educate and 'Tread Along' and 'Rise & Shine' finally complete the canon of un-compiled Wailers music. "I'm quite satisfied, you know, reggae music is the kind of music that although sometimes you would look at it and say..., boy, it's hard..., then again you look at what it has done for the people of the world you know that that couldn't be locked up in a little place like Jamaica!" Bunny Wailer
Repress!
JT Donaldson’s blissed-out release ‘Stay Inside’ is now available on wax for the first time. With soulful vocals provided by fellow Texan Liv.e, delicate instrumentals and a grooving beat, ‘Stay Inside’ swiftly became an infectious hit following its release on Classic Music Company, ascending to #1 on the Traxsource chart. This four-track package features the original alongside the club-focused remix, which maintains the blissful sound of the original mix while upping the ante with agile drums and playful piano samples. Next up, house legend Sandy Rivera lends his unique brand of soulful funk to the track, with an enhanced bassline and undulating groove hard to resist. Finally, Girls of the Internet lace in soft percussion and looping guitar riffs that retain the laid-back feel of the original.
The tom-tom heavy tribal rhythm of “Wela Wela” is one of the rawest, hardest cuts from the band Black Blood, a conglomeration of musicians from the central part of the African continent who were based in Belgium. The group had a breakout single in 1974 with the exotica-leaning “A.I.E. (A Mwana)” but never were able to quite capture the excitement that single generated with their follow up records. We can only guess that songs like “Wela Wela” were simply way too heavy for the pop tastes of the day, since the groove is a beast! — an acid rock tangent of the “Soul Makossa” riff that radiates pure energy. Mr. K aserts “It’s an incredible song to dance to, but was not very DJ friendly, and I never seem to hear other DJs play it... or even talk about it.” Originally debuted on his Grass Roots album, Mr. K's new rearrangement should change that, especially now that it's been made available on this hard hitting, portable 7-inch format.
Originally released the same year as Black Blood’s debut, “Komi Ke Kenam (Fish & Funjee)” was discovered and distributed by a small independent Brooklyn label that featured many other incredible African bands of the 70's. The song opens with a tough breakbeat (subtly extended by Mr. K on our release), and rumbles over a funky bassline and slicing wah-wah guitar before bursting out with a sax-led climax, a gritty get-down jam if there ever was one.
Both cuts have been remastered expressly for DJ play and are loud and clubworthy, in new extended edits that tease every last bit of funk from the originals.
- Neophyte – Real Hardcore
- Bodylotion – Make You Dance
- Bodylotion – Hurt You Bad
- Bodylotion – Ik Wil Hakke!
- Neophyte – Neophyte Hardcore
- Neophyte – Number One Fan
- Masters Of Ceremony – Hardcore To Da Bone
- Bodylotion – Mellow Moenie Mauwe
- Neophyte – Mainiak
- Neophyte Vs Evil Activities – One Of These Days
- Neophyte Records All Stars – Adrenaline
- Bodylotion – Happy Is Voor Hobo’s
- Neophyte & Alee – Grondleggers
- Neophyte & The Stunned Guys – Get This Motherfucker (Restrained Remix)
- Tha Playah & Neophyte & The Viper – Rebel Dizz (Tha Playah Remix)
- Neophyte – Braincracking (Nosferatu Remix)
Neophyte presents the second limited-edition vinyl of 30 Years Of Neophyte! Part 2 is here! Neophyte invites you for the second time to celebrate his 30-year anniversary with his second limited double vinyl, carefully selected by the man himself with a mix of classics and newest remixes Surprising tracks and remixes: Immerse yourself in the rich history of hardcore as Neophyte carefully handpicked a selection of tracks that span his career. From underground tracks to fresh remixes, this vinyl has all the essence of his musical journey. Collector’s item: We’ve seen it before with the first part, this vinyl is a collector’s item! Limited in quantity, it’s a precious addition to any hardcore lover’s collection. Be quick and secure yours! Anniversary edition: This double LP is the second and last tribute to Neophyte’s enduring legacy. It encapsulates his 30 years of commitment to the genre and his enduring impact on the hardcore community. Special artwork: Just as the previous vinyl the artwork is specially made, offering a second nostalgic glimpse into the hardcore scene as it was 30 years ago. Each detail has been designed to evoke the spirit of the era. We’ve seen with the previous vinyl, that this limited edition is a must-have addition to your music collection! As the first part was sold-out very quick, be fast before it’s too late! Relive the past, experience the present and celebrate 30 years of Neophyte. Don’t miss out on this exclusive opportunity to own the second and last piece of hardcore music history!
“Byrd in Flight”, Donald Byrd’s 1960 album, showcases his exploration of hard bop and soul jazz. With a stellar lineup featuring Hank Mobley and Duke Pearson, Byrd innovatively blends intricate compositions with improvisation. This release captures Byrd’s growth, employing complex arrangements that push the boundaries of hard bop. The album’s fusion of soulful elements with traditional jazz solidifies its significance in Byrd’s evolution as a bandleader and composer.
Obwohl erst Februar 2012 in Aachen zusammengefunden, veröffentlichen FJ¥RT im März 2014 ihr zweites Album "D'accord". Ja, das geht fix bei den Jungs, die scheinbar keine Ruhe und Pause kennen. Das Rackern und Malochen hat sich auch schon definitiv für die Drei ausgezahlt, denn auch schon ihr Erstling "Demontage" sorgte für dicke Wellen in der hiesigen Post-Hardcore-Szene. Wütend, zerstörerisch, bildgewaltig - so könnte man die sechs Songs des Debut bezeichnen. An der Schnittmenge zwischen modernem Hardcore, klanggewaltigem Postrock und Emo im Sinne der 90er Jahre, malmen, stampfen und kämpfen sich die düsteren Songs ins Bewusstsein des Hörers. Chris (Gitarre, Gesang), David (Bass) und Frank (Drums) wissen als klassisches Three-Piece Radau für ein ganzes Orchester zu inszenieren. Die zehn neuen Songs auf "D'accord" fügen dem bereits gelegten FJ¥RT-Grundgerüst nun noch eine weiter Dimension hinzu - sie verschachteln, stapeln, experimentieren und verwüsten, mit einer unglaublichen Bandbreite und Abwechslung. FJ¥RT können ruhig und laut, aber auch episch und kurz & knackig. Sie spielen mit Elementen die auf einer Turbostaat oder Pascow Platte sowie auf einer Piano Become The Teeth-Platte Platz finden. Und das Spannende dabei ist, daß es ohne angestrengt zu sein geil klingt! Wenn Du in Schubladen denken möchtest, dann sag ich's mal so: Das hier könnte die Hardcoreplatte für den eigentlichen Punk-Fan sein und zwar, weil der Gesang die Brücke baut. Stimmlich ist das hier vielleicht der richtig angepisste Jan von Turbostaat der zu einem Tidal Sleep-artigen Soundtrack düstere Bilder heraufbeschwört. Irgendwo zwischen frühen Escapado, den The Wave-Bands und düsteren Post Rock!
Moving from KF to K, the Death To Digital series continues its run of eclectic and ecstatic music, showcasing various artists at their very peak. This time we get an old skool piano lick from maestro Ant To Be with “Give Me”, an almost modern sounding chaotic cut from Kingsize with the inexplicably named “Wormz”, a cheekily new skool and furious breakbeat hardcore track from Ben Venom with “Reach Into Bassland, and the EP is rounded off with another Paul Bradley classic “When Love Takes Hold”.
Back In Stock!
Ajo Se Po is the third album by alto-saxophonist and percussionist Kevin Haynes, released with his band Grupo Elegua. The album integrates musical elements with references to his deepening spiritual understanding. Haynes has created a modal harmonic language incorporating Afro-Cuban melodies and classical kora playing - his alto-sax, infusing the album with a personal 'voice'.
Yoruba spirituality is at the heart of Haynes' musical thinking which also includes both Nigerian and Cuban dimensions. This is especially reflected by the use of recitation and Cuban bata drumming being employed on all tracks, with each piece growing out of a particular bata rhythm. Each such rhythm is dedicated to a particular Orisha, or divinity.
As well as influences from Afro-Cuban, Native Nigerian and folkloric Bata, Haynes' music is a fusion of contemporary jazz incorporating Mandinga folk and praise songs and hard bop.
Kevin Haynes and Grupo Elegua have performed at renowned jazz festivals including Havana Jazz Festival, Cuba and Salamanca Jazz Festival, Spain. Haynes has also featured on Moses Boyd's hit album Displaced Diaspora.
Previously available on digital only, Ajo Se Po is now released on vinyl.
Suffolk-based singer songwriter James Varda’s fourth and final album before his death from a long battle with cancer in 2015, Chance And Time, set for a vinyl only reissue on Unspun Heroes is an astonishing aural document of a creative, forward -thinking musician coming to terms with a life slowly evaporating away. There is hubris, melancholy and an undeniable weight of sadness in these ten songs but, miraculously, there is also a stoic realisation and acceptance from Varda that is both heart-wrenching and deeply affecting. On Chance And Time Varda reconnects the human spirit to the land, a heavy, fearful heart to an optimistic soul, and in a beautiful poetic flourish gives a real tangible sense of loving and hope to his family and friends offering genuine reassurance and even, at times, a green light for celebration.
Carrying a certain air of mystique, that same sense of a ‘other worldliness’ if you will of say a Karen Dalton or a Jeff Buckley, Varda’s delivery and tone carries huge emotional weight here and an unique ability to add an honest perspective and warmth to the starkest of realities. The hard hitting impact of the opening tracks is blunt and sharply defined. There is pain, hardship, and fear wrapped in these tales - ‘The Doctor Spoke, Two Hearts Broke” - made all the more hitting as this is a real life journey in the here and now being catalogued. As we move towards the second half of the record there is something even deeper and truly incredible at play. Varda’s whole demeanor is one of understanding and acceptance - hear the celebratory shamanic vibe of the extraordinary ‘Pass It On’ and the poignantly reflective, chokingly sad finale ‘We Won’t Dream’ - bringing to an end a record that will leave a mark on everyone who hears it. Real art is both timeless and omnipresent, these songs from James Varda will hang in the air forever and be there for those who look to find understanding, joy and a sense of hope. Chance And Time is both an extraordinary record and poignant study of life and living, of death and what comes after.
James Varda released four albums between 1988 and his death in 2015. A fledgling career beginning on the singer-songwriting folk scene where his arrival was met with both curiosity and critical acclaim as was his debut, the John Leckie produced Hunger. Any momentum was lost however as it would be ten years before the next, In The Valley was met with a ruffle of applause. Cancer took hold of the troubadour and for a number of years Varda lived life and wrote songs until The River And The Stars appeared like a phoenix from the flames as he began to wrestle with the realities of his situation. It’s a record that beautifully lays the ground for this his masterpiece that was to follow.
Unspun Heroes, a new label set up by Simon White, has the sole purpose of finding and reissuing albums that he considers both undervalued and seemingly ignored. All releases will be on vinyl only complete with Obi strip and extensive liner notes. Each will be individually numbered and limited.
COMA's melodic innovations between indie and electronica have always been incredibly accessible, sparing neither hooks nor emotions, and expanding the scope of what club music can be from album to album. In this respect, the new album 'FUZZY FANTASY' (their 2nd album on City Slang) is the next logical step - away from the dancefloor, closer to life. The Cologne-based duo COMA has firmly established themselves as a household name at the intersection of Indie Pop and Electronic Music. While embracing the incorporation of warmer Pop elements, COMA remains loyal to their artistic essence: meticulously crafted electronic music that has the ability to evoke both joy and melancholy simultaneously.
Tracks like 'Space', 'Hideout', and 'Start/Stop/Rewind' catapult COMA into the musical vicinity of the Pet Shop Boys, Hot Chip, and the more recent Depeche Mode. 'FUZZY FANTASY' is the result of an astonishing transformation, though in retrospect, not entirely surprising.
WHOM GODS DESTROY ist die brandneue Band mit SONS OF APOLLO-Bezug, bestehend aus den Bandmitgliedern Dino Jelusick (Vocals), Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guitars), Derek Sherinian (Keyboards), Yas Nomura (Bass) und Bruno Valverde (Drums). Ihr atemberaubendes Debütalbum "Insanium" bietet 9 Tracks voller progressiver Metal- und Hardrock-Virtuosität in ihrer schönsten Form.
- 01: Désert Culturel - "Peine" (1993)
- 02: Les Have-Nots - "About Some Damned O.e." (1994)
- 03: Mascarade - "La Chanson De Craonne" (2000)
- 04: Les Vermines - "Sometimes" (1999)
- 05: Kochise - "Ils Ne Passeront Pas" (1991)
- 06: Kargol’s - "Pression Dans Les Ghettos" (1996)
- 07: Un Dolor - "Acid Queen" (1995)
- 08: Rachid & Les Ratons - "Figuerolles" (1998)
- 09: Pleûm - "Le Lourd" (1995)
- 10: Abdomens - "A Bad Trip In Vatican" (1997)
- 11: Original Disease - "Hungry’ N’ Angry" (1995)
- 12: Rude Boy System - "Put It On It" (1996)
- 13: Zygomatik Zone - "Pas Assez" (1996)
- 14: Haine Brigade - "Territoire Des Ombres" (1991)
- 15: The Informers - "A President For The Dogs" (1993)
- 16: Les Gigoinces - "Nozeux" (1998)
- 17: Mister Moonlight - "You Dont Wanna Play With Fire" (1994)
- 18: Raymonde & Les Blancs Becs - "Paris Doit Brûler (Live)" (1993)
- 19: Extrême Onction - "Droit A L’avortement" (97)
- 20: Désert Culturel - "Guerre À La Guerre" (1993)
On a faim!" was originally an anarchist music fanzine created in 1984.
An entire network, with no geographical ties, grew up around the fanzine, helping to write articles and distribute them (often by hand). The fanzine's name even began to appear in connection with the organisation of concerts (Ludwig Von 88, Raymonde et les Blancs Becs, les Thugs, Les Ejectés, Kortatu, Yo Pizza Jump, etc.) and the creation of radio programmes.
The On A Faim ! label came into being at the end of the 80s, following the release of a host of live tapes and themed compilations: "A Bas Toutes Les Armées", "Cette Machine Sert A Tuer Tous Les Fascistes", "Ni Jah Ni Maitre", "Pogo Avec Les Loups". Then came the first artistic albums with Désert Culturel, Un Dolor, Have Nots, Kargols, Pleum, Mister Moonlight, Rude Boy System... Here again, the artistic choices were made primarily on the basis of human encounters, the attention paid to the bands' approach and discourse, and their attitude to the public... even before listening to the slightest demo!
Archives de la Zone Mondiale wanted to pay tribute to this inspiring label, which marked the history of independent and committed music for nearly 15 years. With one of its founders, Jean Pierre Levaray, we have cleverly concocted a sort of musical anthology retracing the essential bands that have marked the history of the label and the fanzine.
On A Faim ! - Anarchy & Musik is a double 20-track vinyl compilation in a highly graphic gatefold sleeve, retracing the label's extraordinary trajectory regardless of musical style: punk, of course, but also ska, hardcore and popular chanson...
Last but not least, all the royalties from this double vinyl compilation are donated to the Uzine (Le Havre) and Fanzinarium (Paris) fanzine libraries.
"The American hard rock band Mountain was formed in 1969 by Leslie West, Felix Pappalardi, Steve Knight, and Norman Smart. The year after, they released the debut studio album Climbing!, which peaked at #17 on the US Billboard Top Albums chart. It includes the group's best-known song, ""Mississippi Queen"", which became a hit, and ""Never in My Life"", which was regularly aired on contemporary FM radio. Both were sung by West, while Pappalardi supplied the vocal on another radio favorite, ""Theme for an Imaginary Western"" (co-written by Jack Bruce). Climbing! is available on black vinyl and includes an insert."
Climbing! by Mountain, released 15 March 2024, includes the following tracks: "Never in My Life", "For Yasgur’s Farm", "The Laird", "Boys in the Band" and more.
This version of Climbing! comes as a 1xLP. This release comes with (a) Insert(s).
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Die Stimme von Creed! - Das mitreißende neue Album des Grammy-Preisträgers SCOTT STAPP!
Der mehrfach Grammy-Award-Nominierte und -Gewinner SCOTT STAPP setzt seine triumphale Rückkehr als Solo Künstler fort und veröffentlicht am
15.03.2024 sein brandneues Album Higher Power via Napalm Records. Als eine der bekanntesten Stimmen der Rockmusik ist Stapp "bereit für
ein großes Jahrzehnt. Er kling genauso kraftvoll wie vor 25 Jahren und enthüllt die Härte, die in seiner ikonischen Stimme ruht (Loudwire). Das
kommende Album ist der Nachfolger des 2019 erschienenen The Space Between the Shadows, das neben unzähligen weiteren Top-Chartpositionen
auf Platz 3 der US Current Rock Albums Charts, der US Current Hard Music Albums Charts und der UK Official Rock and Metal Charts einstieg. Higher
Power besteht aus 10 unvergesslichen Tracks – darunter absolute Radio Hymnen, gefühlvolle Balladen, absolute Metal Banger und Heavy-Rock Hits –
und besticht durchweg mit Brillanz und inbrünstiger Energie. Dabei werden Themen wie Verlust, Frustration, Verrat und Beinahe-Niederlagen
besprochen. Neben SCOTT STAPPs unverkennbarem Gesang und seinen herausragenden Songwriter-Fähigkeiten bietet Higher Power bestechende
Auftritte der Hardrock-Queen Dorothy, des mehrfach ausgezeichneten Gitarren-Virtuosen Yiannis Papadopoulos und einen Song den der mehrfach
Grammy-prämierte Songwriter und Musiker Steve McEwan mitgeschrieben. Higher Power wurde von Marti Frederiksen und Scott Stevens produziert,
wobei Stapp selbst als Co-Produzent
Brazilian producer and DJ Pedro Bertho, now based in France and an active member of Lyon's electronic music scene, releases his first EP on Cracki Records.
With "Mêlé", he attempts to translate what it feels like to be a black, Brazilian man living in France in the 21st century.
A complex patchwork of experiences, accents and heritages that he translates on this powerful record, mixing baile funk, house, electro or acid house, sprinkled with TR-808 and iPhone recordings.
The mix extends to the remixes, with Brazilian underground queen Badsista signing a hard-hitting version of "Jour 4", while Chilean Alejandro Paz tackles the bouncy "3333".
Die unverbesserlichen Headbanger von LEATHER LUNG lassen die Party steigen! Der Fünfer aus Boston, Massachusetts hat das Flehen seiner enthusiastischen Fangemeinde nach einer vollen Dröhnung Boogie Metal erhört und legt mit "Graveyard Grin" endlich das Debütalbum vor. Die Neuengländer halten mit diesem Kracher aus Stoner Metal, Doom, einer Prise Sludge und einem eingängigen Kick die großen Versprechen, die ihre bisherigen EPs abgegeben haben: Angefangen mit "Reap What You Sow" (2014) und gefolgt von "Lost in Temptation" (2016), "Lonesome, On'ry and Evil" (2019) und "Dive Bar Devil" (2022) haben sich LEATHER LUNG bereits in die Herzen ihrer wachsenden Anhängerschar gespielt. Der wilde Haufen von langjährigen Freunden formierte sich in der Bostoner Punk- und Hardcore-Szene aus reinem Spaß an Doom und Stoner Metal. Anfangs als Vierer unterwegs erspielten sich LEATHER LUNG schnell einen exzellenten Ruf in der lokalen Szene und bald darauf quer durch die USA, zum Beispiel beim DesertFest New York und dem Psycho Las Vegas, sowie über ihre Veröffentlichungen sukzessive auch in Europa. Aufgebrezelt mit einem zweiten Gitarristen sind LEATHER LUNG inzwischen zu fünft und bereit, die Welt mit "Graveside Grin" zu erobern. Die Freaks von der Ostküste können es kaum erwarten, endlich wieder auf die Straße zu kommen, um erstmals eine globale Party zu feiern.
Rock & Roll, indeed. Ruth Brown’s sizzling full-length debut — also known by its eponymous title — symbolizes what was exciting, fresh, invigorating, and raw about the burgeoning style in its halcyon days. Originally released in 1957, and reissued here in audiophile quality for the first time in partnership with Atlantic Records’ 75th anniversary, the set remains a testament to one of the most pioneering and talented vocalists to ever command a stage.
Mastered on Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab's renowned mastering system in California, pressed at RTI, housed in a Stoughton jacket, and strictly limited to 2,000 numbered copies, Mobile Fidelity’s 180g mono LP of Rock & Roll plays with an immediacy, vibrancy, and fullness that showcase the reach, power, and emotionalism of Brown’s voice. The sound of her support musicians — brassy horns, swinging rhythm combos, echoing backing vocalists, rollicking pianists, jaunty guitarists — is made clear and vivid, helping the upbeat fare to jump, juke, and jive with newfound energy and exuberance. In a related manner, Brown’s slower, more understated material crackles with an intimacy and passion that let you know you're in the presence of a woman who has lived what she sings. The longtime Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member deserves nothing less.
In an era dominated by big-throated vocalists, few — if any — came grander than Brown. The singer, whose repeat million-selling ‘50s success with Atlantic Records led many to call the then-indie label “The House That Ruth Built,” charted two dozen R&B hits in the span of a decade for the fledgling imprint. Rightly coined “Miss Rhythm,” the extroverted Brown put Atlantic on the national map, became the best-selling female musician of the ‘50s, and established a precedent that would ultimately lead to Grammy and Tony Awards. Her early works have lost none of their fire or flair.
Akin to many full-length LPs of its era, Rock & Roll doubles as a collection. Its 14 tracks comprise some of the more famous sides Brown recorded for Atlantic, beginning in 1949 with the all-time-great rendition of the ballad “So Long,” and continuing through 1956. After the song caught the public’s ear, the Virginia native briefly became known for her smoldering style with lovelorn material and torch songs, approaching them (see “Oh What a Dream,” “Old Man River”) with a combination of pained sadness and hardened resilience that had no contemporary equal. Encouraged to pursue the style by Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmt Ertegun, her R&B-driven material soon made her a constant chart presence.
Demonstrating what fellow legend Bonnie Raitt deemed “sex with class and dignity,” Brown merges blues and jazz, swing and gospel in electrifying fashion. She dares you not to move, dance, and get on your feet. A majority of Rock & Roll explodes with uptempo runs and jaunty readings of hot-blooded R&B numbers. Sweaty and sultry, bawdy and bold, Brown eclipses the anthemic blare of the saxophones and joyful clatter of the 88s, singing with a slight catch in her voice and hurricane-gale force that threatens to blow the roof off whatever room her voice occupies.
Evidence abounds. Listen to her prod the band and encourage the band members to blow a fuse on a sizzling “Hello Little Boy,” complete with cries and wails; stretch her phrasing to the heavens on the swaying “Wild Wild Young Men,” laden with romp-and-stomp beats; plead and persuade on the snaking “5-10-15 Hours,” which flips the script on the age’s notions of dominance; use her raspy tones, high notes, and breath control to mesmerizing effect on the smash “Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean,” recorded with a group led by Ray Charles; survey the scene and take charge on the steaming “As Long as I’m Moving”; and tap a classy albeit flirtatious vein on “Lucky Lips,” which dented the pop charts as her first crossover hit.
Throughout Rock & Roll, Brown knows the lyrical connotations and spirited architecture of the songs inside-out. Her assertive voice — never harsh, strident, or false — is the epitome of the passionate desires and sonic strains that turned into nascent rock ’n’ roll. Brown played a pivotal role in helping the style develop, the record a timeless reminder of a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.




















