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Gene Vincent And The Bluecaps - Bluejean Bop & Gene Vincent & His B...
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 When you hear Gene Vincent for the first time you will think of Elvis. My first thought was that he was imitating the King because of his success, but this is not so, he was the real deal, an original, and he wasn’t mimicking anyone. He was mistaken for Presley when he first hit the scene because his voice was so similar. It’s ironic that they both released their first albums in 1956. Vincent had a softer touch to his voice and could also whoop it up with the best of them. He was known for his animated savage gyrations on stage while presenting his uninhibited new music called rock ‘n’ roll. Today it would be considered as very mild. His legend is now mythical because of the way his life unfolded after his intial success. By the time he died he had a multitude of problems with alcohol, marriage, and everything that compounds it all into one big mess. Sadly, he died at the young age of 36 from a ruptured stomach ulcer.
These two remastered discs are Vincent and his band at their peak. “Bluejean Bop” and “Gene Vincent & His Bluecaps” were a huge success and major contributors to the birth of rockabilly. When I heard “Bluejean Bop” and “Jezebel” and his biggest hit, "Be-Bop-A-Lula," I knew instantly the reason why this man became one of the first rock stars. As I was listening I noticed how Vincent and his group screamed and hollered in many of his songs. I am sure that the influences of the old blues players contributed to that. Most of the rock music in the 50’s was heavily influenced by the blues, particularly Rockabilly. Collectors will be happy to know that B sides and bonus singles are included with the new releases.
The remastered sound on the two discs is perfectly brilliant and clear. Vincent and his band sound so fresh and new to the ears of the uninitiated. And that includes yours truly. I am sure when all this music was first created it sounded great too, now with a second life, this historic music has yet another chance to make an impression and reach a younger audience that wasn’t even alive when it first came out. Technology can be a wonderful thing when it comes to resurrecting our musical past and pledging our allegiance to those that paved the way for so many. Vincent was every bit as important as Elvis, believe it. He may not have been the superstar that Elvis was or enjoyed the elevated status, the fact remains that his musical contributions in two short years stand as monumental and unparalleled for the timeframe in which it all happened. I have been enjoying exploring the 50’s and rock ‘n’ roll history. It’s important to understand, acknowledge, and listen to the pioneers of music. They are the ones that set the course for those that came after them, and the process continues today as the torch of music is continually passed. We wouldn’t be where we are today with out Gene Vincent. Here is the solid and undeniable truth on these two discs. Make sure you get them when they come out.
© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck |
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