Various Artists
Rockabilly & Western Gospel Hymns
Reviewed by David M. Pogge
With the sounds of rockabilly sweeping the nation as the next big fad following swing, it is only right that someone capitalizes off of the waywardness of teenage loyalties. In all seriousness, the folks at Jackson/Rubio have done a great job putting together this collection of rockabilly favorites and remakes guaranteed to bring families together as Grandma and Grandpa right on down to little Bubba will be out on the dance floor swinging their partners round and round to no end . Thee Spivies start off the cd with "I dreamed I Searched Heaven," a classic hillbilly tune that sounds like it belongs on an old Hank Williams record. Havalina Rail Co. is up next delivering their version of "Train 13" in epic Havalina fashion, complete with Matt Wignall's signature vocals and the band's rockin' skillful and highly diverse instrumentation. I can't wait until I can get a hold of their new album. Song by song, thirteen bands, including The Calicoes, Ruby Joe, Upside Down Room, punk rock heroes Blaster the Rocketman, and tons more deliver sixteen tracks of nonstop foot stomping rockabilly fun. My favorite cut would have to be Matt and Johnny Ray's rousing version of Amazing Grace; an oldie but a goody, played in classic rockabilly style. If your idea of a good time is an all night square dancing jamboree in Uncle Jeb's renovated barn, or maybe if you're a swingster that is finally growing weary of zoot suits and swing lessons with your girlfriend, this CD should be next on your musical hit list.