Search - Various Artists :: Good Rockin' Tonight: The Legacy of Sun Records

The Sun Shines Brightly, Despite A Few Dark Clouds

Mike King | Taunton, MA United States | 12/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Good Rockin' Tonight" is an excellent tribute to Sun Records, marred by a few clunkers. Paul McCartney turns in an upbeat, inspired performance of "That's All Right, Mama," including more lyrics than Elvis did in his version. Elton John passionately pounds the piano and does his best Jerry Lee Lewis style vocal on "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." It's Elton's rockingest performance in years and my favorite track. Bob Dylan performs the obscure Warren Smith tune "Red Cadillac And A Black Moustache" in his unique style and remakes it into a Dylan classic. Like a fine wine, Dylan gets better with age. Bryan Ferry turns in a polished performance of "Don't Be Cruel". It wasn't a hit for Elvis until his RCA years, but Jerry Lee Lewis recorded a version of the song while he was at Sun records. Sheryl Crow does a bluesy version of the Charlie Rich classic "Who Will The Next Fool Be?", while Matchbox 20 rocks the house with a lively version of Mr. Rich's "Lonely Weekend." "It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You" is an obscure track that appeared on the Elvis "Sunrise" compilation. Chris Isaak sounds so much like a young Elvis that his version of the song could be mistaken for an outtake from "Sunrise." On the other hand, Live turn in an off-key performance of "I Walk The Line" which can't compare to the original Johnny Cash classic. The Howling Diablos and Kid Rock should be arrested for murdering the song "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee." They single-handedly prevented me from giving "Good Rockin' Tonight" a five star rating."

Not The Usual 'Tribute' Sludge

Peter Savage | Near Portland, ME USA | 12/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I usually hate these kinds of records -- recent duds include 'A Nod To Bob' and the 'Avalon Blues' collection. But this is in a class of its own. Paul McCartney's version of "That's Alright, Mama" is a fine opener, with assistance from Scottie Moore and DJ Fontana from the original 1955 session. Jeff Beck is amazing on "Mystery Train," conjuring up licks from every era of rockabilly. Chrissie Hynde, though, sounds as though she is having a gastric attack. The Page/Plant track is so-so, but Johnny Halliday's "Blue Suede Shoes" makes up for it. The Dylan "Red Cadillac" is amusing, if a bit strained. But the highspots are Sheryl Crowe's track, "Who Will The Next Fool Be?" (surely a Clapton guitar role here?), Matchbox 20 on "Lonely Weekend" and Kid Rock, et al., on "Drinking Wine SpohdeeOhDee".I'm old enough to remember the originals, and most of this CD is right up to standard. It was a shock to hear Carl Perkins with Van Morrison (obviously an older track), but it's a treat to hear him play some perfect guitar licks in the coda...Oh, and Elton John's "Whole Lotta Shaking" is really cool..."

Some cool stuff here, some not so cool stuff too

Susan T. | 12/01/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"what you see is what you're gonna get....the older artists on this cd (van morrison, mccartney, dylan, page, beck, clapton) stay truer to the sun sound than the newer artists (kid rock, matchbox 20, live). i personally like the truer-sounding artists better--i don't care about these newer bands' interpretations of classic tunes. but to each his or her own. it's cool to hear mccartney sing "that's all right" and clapton stands out with "walking in the rain." the dylan tune is wonderful, as is the hynde/jeff beck collaboration. if nothing else, if you don't own any of the original sun recordings, go get some!!"