Incomplete look at Cochrane's music

Eddie Cochrane is one of the most underrated and influential rockers of the 50's. Had he lived, he easily would have taken his place with Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Chuck Berry as icons of that era. Considering his tantalizingly brief career, he contributed a number of classics to the rock repertoire. My favorite is the sensational "Twenty Flight Rock," the song that quite literally first attracted John Lennon to Paul McCartney in 1957. (Check out Paul's great cover version of this song on his Russian album). "Summertime Blues" is another outstanding song which is as vibrant as it was when first released 45 years ago.

Eddie Cochrane is sadly under-appreciated today, but this album will give you an idea of his talent and foresight. He wrote his own songs, played a pretty mean guitar and was a pioneer of rock. This is a feel good album and highly recommended. However, the sound quality here is not the best, there are still annoying background hiss on some songs. Also, it's a completely incomplete look at Cochrane's music. If you just want a sampling, this will do, but look elsewhere to listen to his whole repertoire.

Revelation for younger oldies fans

If you, like me, are an oldies fan who was born in the 70s, you probably only know "Summertime Blues" since that's the only track oldies radio really plays. Hearing these songs for the first time is a revelation. It's one thing to know that Paul McCartney mentioned his "Twenty Flight Rock" as a crucial influence and that he's in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. It's another to hear the music.



While what's here won't make me want to elbow Elvis or Buddy Holly aside to accord Cochran their place, it's plain that he was a superlative talent. I'm often reminded of a cross between Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.



His most well-known material is here according to the Amazon reviewer. Being a newcomer to Cochran I can't vouchsafe for that, but I can say there's a lot of good stuff here.



HIGHLIGHTS:

"Summertime Blues", of course, is an alltime classic. It's been a hit at least 2 times that I know of and probably any number of people have covered it. (For cryin' out loud, OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN did a version!) "Somethin' Else" snaps and pops. "Teenage Heaven" is every teen boy's fantasy. "Twenty Flight Rock" deserves its annals in rock history (the frantic guitar solo is great). "Skinny Jim" sounds like a long lost track from the Killer. "Cut Across Shorty" is a nice underdog Aesop's fable.



LOWS:

I know it's one of his classics according to many, but I was bored by "Three Steps to Heaven". It reminded me of one of Elvis' lesser ballads.



BOTTOM LINE:

If you claim to love oldies and haven't heard this, you need to.

sound quality & song quantity hold this one back

I think Eddie Cocran's only real rivals were Buddy Holly & The Johnny Burnette Trio. Cochran deserves a better compilation! This cd does have some wonderful songs, but these aren't even his best twelve. Nervous Breakdown, Don't Ever Let Me Go, My Way(not the Paul Anka penned tune) are just a few that have been left off of this supposed greatest hits collection. The sound quality leaves quite a bit to be desired as well. I realize that we're talking about recordings that are 40 years old here, but I have heard much better sound on other collections. Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad one...especially at this price! I guess my point is this: why buy this when you'll jsut have to buy more anyway. Why not get it right the first time? A good Cochran collection should have a minimum of twenty songs(he had more range than oldies radio would ever lead you to believe). I'd actually recommend a box set, if you can hunt one down. Eddie Cochran was an amazing talent...he deserves the best. Hold out for more songs, better liner notes & better sound quality. If you're short on cash, this will hold you until help arrives, but if you aren't strapped...then demand more! It doesn't get any cooler than Cochran. His edge on Gene Vincent was his consistancy. Cochran lovers should search for a tape called On The Air(I've never seen it on cd). It has interviews live & radio performances and a version of White Lightning w/ Gene Vincent from their ill-fated British tour.