for RAB fans
Skullyny
A compilation of rockabilly, psychobilly, and punkabilly bands (Skully Records)
By: Alex Steininger
IN MUSIC WE RTUST (www.inmusicwetrust.com)
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The first in a set of four, BLACK JACKET RACKET is a collection of eighteen
rockabilly, psychobilly, and punkabilly bands from around the world. Nine bands
from the U.S. and nine from other parts of the world work together to keep the
root sound of rock 'n' roll alive.
Music goes in cycles, and rock 'n' roll is no exception. After being stuck in
an angry phase for a bit, music fans decided they wanted to go back and start
dancing again. Thus, musical forms like swing and rockabilly have seen a recent
resurgence in popularity. If you're not familiar with rockabilly, then this is
a good place to start.
Every track on here could be considered a standout, depending on what kind of
mood you're in. One day I listened to this disc and there were certain tracks
that just blew me away, and since I was so impressed it got a chance to go
around once again in my CD player, and this time I discovered different high
and low points. Curious, I waited until I was in a different mood and gave it
another try. Sure enough, there were different tracks that blew me away.
Sure, you can say this will happen with any disc, but after going through this
compilation a few times, I've realized that it's not the same. Where as with
other discs I'll find certain songs to go with certain moods, these songs are
all different, yet similar in heart, which helped shape it different to my
moods. Even the tracks I considered to be weak one day had another chance, and
most of the time became anything but weak. With other discs, this is not the
case. Once weak, they usually remain that way until I grow a deep liking for
the band.
A few bands that blew me away were Canada's The Puritans, Germany's Jesse Al
Tuscan & His Lumberjacks, the United States' King Kerosene, The United States'
3-Day Monks, and The Lumberjacks from Austria. Of course, if you caught me at
any other time I might pick a different set of bands that are my 'favorites.'
But to put it another way, after listening to this compilation as much as I
did, there are no bands on here that disappoint me. That's a rarity in itself.
Usually with compilations you'll get a few, or if you're lucky, a handful, of
bands who carry the rest of the disc. That's not the case here! Everyone puts
their heart and soul into their music, creating fifty-six minutes of sweaty
danceabilly tunes.
I could go on and describe the specific sound of the bands, but then again, I'd
start to listen to another track again and go, "Wait! They were the ones who
blew me away..." and I'd end up leaving someone out. So, to summarize, if
you're into rockabilly of ANY form, you need to check this out. This disc is
definitely a winner, I'll give it an A. I can't wait for the rest of the set to
be released...