Though largely forgotten these days, one of the best eras of rock and roll was during its nascent days when it imbibed deeply from the waters of swing. Originally called “rockabilly” it went through various incarnations, and is still with us with the emergence of “roots” bands. But, as with all things, the originators and progenitors were still the best, and here are two of the first, and therefore the best.
Mixing a Paglicacci-styled operatic voice with country swing, Roy Orbison created an infectious style that has been so unique that no one has ever attempted to imitate it. This 2 cd set of 60 sings includes arias such as “Crying,” “Love Hurts” and “Blue Angel” as well as infectious tunes made for lindy hoppers on “Working For The Man” and “Problem Child.” If you haven’t heard the intensity of Orbison’s emotional and vocal range on a piece like the dramatic “Running Scared” or his exotic harmonics during “Leah,” you’re in for an epiphany, while “Uptown” and “Ooby Dooby” will make you strut down the street with a little extra bounce. This is essential music for the heart and soul.
So influential that The Beatles actually took their own name as a tribute to him, Buddy Holly’s Crickets took a mix of country and rural R&B to create some of the most memorable music in America’s history. Pieces like the riveting “Not Fade Away,” “Words of Love” and “Rave On” were highly influential to The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, whereas Holly’s vocal harmonies on “Maybe Baby” and strings during “Raining In My Heart” were revelatory. Gorgeous melodies with clever accompaniment are featured on “Everyday” while irresistible grooves that swung as well as anything by Count Basie are out in front on “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be The Day” and “Heartbeat.” This is music with an upbeat and optimistic attitude that still sounds more fresh than 95% of what’s presently on the angst-ridden Millennial airwaves and iphones.