Gene Vincent - Blue Jean Bop!/Gene Vincent & The Blue Caps

A greatest hits collection in all but name

Eddie Cochran might have been the pretty boy rockabilly pin-up, but his good friend Vincent was arguably the greater influence on future generations. Indeed, the appearance of Norman “Teenage Fanclub” Blake’s name in the production credits (“sound recreation by…”) is a testament to his lasting impact.

Comprising his first two albums, from 1956/57, the full range of Vincent’s talents are on display, from the frenetic and hormonally-charged Who Slapped John? and Double Talkin’ Baby, to the Southern gentleman country balladry of Wedding Bells and Peg O’ My Heart. And who can resist an ode to a flighty filly with a title like Jumps, Giggles & Shouts?

Smartly tacked onto the end of the two dozen original album cuts are another four singles and B-sides from the period, affording inclusion of Gene’s classic hits Be-Bop-A-Lula and Race With The Devil. It’s an almost unbeatable introduction, with the presence of oft-forgotten LP tracks elevating the release above and beyond the standard best of.

4 stars 4 stars 4 stars 4 stars

After Hours | STERLCD 002

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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