Artists | Issues | CD Reviews | Interviews | Concert Reviews | DVD/Video Reviews | Book Reviews | Who We Are | Staff | Home
 
Non-Prog CD Reviews

Linda Gail Lewis

Early Sides 1963-1973

Review by Gary Hill

Linda Gail Lewis is known as a pioneering female rocker. She's also the sister of Jerry Lee Lewis, who appears on a couple tracks here. These recordings are often closer to country music. It's not really my usual type of music, but it has its charms.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2024  Volume 2 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2024.

Track by Track Review
C.C. Rider
I love the blowing saxophone on this thing. The energy and groove on the track are classic. This is a fun romp.
Nothin' Shakin' (But The Leaves)
While I prefer the instrumental arrangement on the opener, I like the vocals better here. This is another fun old school rock and roller. It doesn't break any molds, but it entertains, and that's what really counts.
Sittin' And Thinkin'
A slower, bluesy tune, this is a bit of variety. It's not at the same level as the previous couple tunes for me.
Break Up The Party
I love the energized 1960s pop rock vibe of this. It's such a fun tune. The guitar solo is all retro cool.
Small Red Diary
A slower, balladic cut, this doesn't do all that much for me. It has some definite country angles at play, but of the contemporary pop, over-produced variety.
Baby (You've Got What It Takes) with Jerry Lee Lewis
This rocking groove is so much fun. It features some great piano work and an even more potent duet.
Jim Dandy
I always liked this song. This is a smoking hot version of the tune. It's one of the highlights of the disc.
Who Will Be The Next One
Mid-tempo country music is on the menu here. While this isn't a highlight, it works pretty well.
My Heart Was The Last One To Know
A country ballad, this isn't really my kind of thing, but it works reasonably well. The slide guitar is a nice authentic touch.
Louisiana
Another with a lot of country in the mix, this is more or less a ballad, too. It has a bit more contemporary pop built into it than the last song did.
Gather 'Round Children
Slow country and gospel merge on this tune. It's definitely not my kind of thing, but it's effective for what it is.
What Is Love
More of a mid-tempo country song, I like the violin (or should I say "fiddle?") on the tune. It has some good energy and a nice groove.
Before The Snow Flies with Jerry Lee Lewis
Another mid-tempo country groove is on the menu here. It's entertaining. I like the guitar fills on this thing. The duet isn't as effective this time.
Working Girl
Country and contemporary pop merge on this track. It has its charms.
Smile, Somebody Loves You
There is a rock and roll angle to this along with plenty of country. The slide guitar lends some character, and the whole tune works pretty well.
Ivory Tower
Here we get another countrified ballad.
I Wanna Be A Sensuous Woman
Harmonica is a nice touch on this. The track has more of a legitimate mid-tempo country vibe that works really well.
I Should Have Not Fallen In Love With You
Piano gets this effective track going. This is particularly twangy, and it doesn't work all that well for me. Your mileage may vary.
 
More CD Reviews
Metal/Prog Metal
Non-Prog
Progressive Rock
 
Google

   Creative Commons License
   This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

    © 2024 Music Street Journal                                                                           Site design and programming by Studio Fyra, Inc./Beetcafe.com