Hellafied
(Cleopatra)
Sadly, Robert died of leukemia on October 18. In the 1970s, together with Ronnie Weiser, the Rockats, and the Stray Cats, he brought new attention to the rockabilly genre. But of all, Robert stood as incandescent. His imprint on contemporary roots musics and the players who ply them is and will remain profound. Portions of the below review were written prior to his passing.
These tracks were put to tape in 1998 for a never-released album. Several songs appeared on Bear Family's 1998's The Lost Album Plus.
Robert and Chris were decades beyond the need to prove themselves; the sound here is of men with much yet to offer. Material extant reveals a pair eager to trek beyond the confines of orthodox rockabilly. That genre's swagger was retained, along with twangy flourishes, but set in a contemporary context.
Willingness to slip out of aesthetic constraint makes this release rewarding. As they are beyond probative burden, they are free to reap maximum benefit from spirited arrangements.
On Rockabilly For Life (released earlier this year, also on Cleopatra), mid-tempo songs predominated. So too, here. But whether the steadily chugging "Have I the Right, the country reclination in "Please Don't," stroller "I'll Make It Right," or the Bo Diddley-beat of "Don't Let Go," you're in the hands of masters.
The above paragraph should not be interpretated to mean Hellafied is bereft of fast songs. See: "Please Don't Touch," "Tell him No," and "Believe What You Say." All barrel down the tracks like streamliners.
The diversified energy level is so high as to seize listeners in paroxyms of happy fracture. The songcraft is solid, and the delivery masterful. One again marvels at the perfect pairing of Voice and Guitar. It is umatched in roots revivalism, including all variants.
Robert's immense baritone is richer and more sinewy than when he emerged. His presence is tremendous. And Chris flabbergasts, as always, with incomparable fretboard wizardry; he effortlessly blends airs and changes from the popular musics songbook.
Together, the two are nonpareil. These rescued cuts bear out that lofty estimation.
Recommended: "One Day Left," "Please Don't," "Have I the Right," "Middle of the Night," "Signs of Love," "I'll Make It Right," "Why (Don't You Love Me)," "Don't Let Go," "Girl Like You," "Please Don't Touch," "Tell Him No," "You Don't Know What You Got," "Believe What You Say"
Video: "Believe What You Say"
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