DC Larson's JUKEBOX JURY: Bear Family

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Wee Willie Harris

Grab You - The Brits Are Rocking (Vol. 9)

(Bear Family)

Cliff Richard ascended higher, but that in no manner negates Willie's significance. Amongst a jiving body that also numbered Screaming Lord Sutch, Tommy Steele, and Adam Faith, he splashed cheekily into mannerly English pop culture, importing nascent Rock'n'Roll from the colonies while adding in idiosyncratic old sod humour. Some dubbed him "Britain's Wildman of Rock'n'Roll." (Reportedly, Willie dyed his hair pink on the advice of his former professional wrestler manager.) Such was the man's feverish focus that he sometimes booted proceedings into hyperdrive; only a nimrod wouldn't suss his sincerely flamboyant intent.

Bear Family's issuance includes a 36-page booklet.

Recommended: "Let's Have a Party," "Rosie Lee," "I Go Ape," "Little Bitty Girl," "Rockin' at the 2 i's," "Wild One," "Mean Woman Blues," "Riot In Cell Block # 9," "Bloodshot Eyes," "No Chemise, Please," "Say Mama," "Whole Lotta Shakin"

Videos: "I Go Ape" "Little Bitty Girl" "Rockin' at the 2 i's" "Wild One" "Riot In Cell Block # 9" "Bloodshot Eyes" "No Chemise, Please" "Whole Lotta Shakin'"

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Niki Sullivan

You Better Get a Move On

(Bear Family)

As an erstwhile Buddy Holly confrere, Niki knew damn well the fireworks real Rock'n'Roll packed, prior to bell-bottomed Nancy-lads' sissified blandishments. The esoteric Crickets alumnus bopped and strolled as only a first-generation cool-cat could. In step with the 1959 moment, though, Niki buffed away serrated edges, and crafted tunes that swung but were not so aggressive as to spook small animals. Here preserved are snapshots portraying his proclivities. Rugs are in for cuttings.

Bear Family advises of a "limited edition of only 500 copies."

Recommended: "It's All Over," "I Told Everybody," "Waitin'," "Take 9," "Treat 'm Gently," "It Really Doesn't Matter Now," "Creepin' In," "Say Hey Little Lover," "You Better Get a Move On"

Videos: "It's All Over" "I Told Everybody"