Monday, January 14, 2008

Live At The Whiskey a Go Go / Here We a Go Go Again! - Johnny Rivers - 1964.




















I first heard the latter of this compilation (Here We A-Go-Go Again)at a friends place back in 1969. His mom had the record and everytime I'd visit, she would let me blare the stereo as long as I'd have Johnny Rivers playing. Some years later I bought both albums for my own and still listen to them today although "Here We A-Go-GO Again" gets the nod. Johnnys crisp guitar and harmonica playing along with Jerry Rubins drums and Joe Osbournes bass gave this trio a great sound. Great songs like Chuck Berrys "Maybelline" and Roger Millers "Dang Me" were spun out on Johnnys southern style of Rockabilly Blues. "High Heal Sneakers" has a great bottom line rhythym with Johnnys almost inert vocal style.
The album is mostly all cover tunes but I really appreciated the way Rivers kept the tempo for the audience who on more than one occasion included themselves in on the show. It's a real simple concept with a small venue armed with talented musicians playing to a very receptive crowd. I still play these songs and although not a considered a classic by any means, it still remains one of my favorites.
1. Memphis
2. It Wouldn't Happen With Me
3. Oh, Lonesome Me
4. Lawdy Miss Clawdy
5. Whiskey A-Go-Go
6. Walking the Dog
7. Brown Eyed Handsome Man
8. You Can Have Her (I Don't Want Her)
9. Multiplication
10. Bamba/Twist & Shout
11. Maybellene
12. Dang Me
13. Hello Josephine
14. Hi-Heel Sneakers
15. Can't Buy Me Love
16. I've Got a Woman
17. Baby, What You Want Me to Do
18. Midnight Special
19. Roll over Beethoven
20. Walk Myself on Home
21. Johnny B. Goode
22. Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On
Enjoy. And play loud!
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