One of the most popular of the pre-Beatle rockers was a Texan named Buddy Knox (1933-99). His fame was short lived, with only a couple big hits, like the classic “Party Doll”, but he made the rockabilly style work for his career, always proving upbeat sounds that made it easy for people to dance to. He also had a patented hiccup to his voice that added to the pulse of the material.
This 44 song collection on two cds includes material from his two Roulette albums Buddy Knox and Buddy Knox & Jimmy Bowen as well as his Golden Hits from Liberty Records. Along with “Party Doll” Knox with the Rhythm Orchids deliver the almost equally popular “Rock Your Little Baby To Sleep” and “Hula Love” and a swinging “Devil Woman”. On his own, he is a hoot on “I Think I’m Gonna Kill Myself” . and “Lovey Dovey” . Knox rocks hard on “Swingin’ Daddy” and does an impressive cover of “Somebody Touched Me”. He had a few more popular tunes in “Long Lonely Nights” and “Taste of The Blues” before making a bit of a comeback in 63-64 with “Jo Ann” , “Der Abby” and “Three Eyed Man”. By this time, Beatlemania took over and all of the early rockers and doe-eyed balladeers lost their allure. Looking back, the music holds up amazingly well, with the nonsensical lyrics perfectly suited to the feel good beat, the anti-thesis of Bob Dylan and the depressing wake that followed.