Can it really be six years since I voted the first volume as my album of the year? Indeed it is, yet like fine wine or a Sunderland FC trophy the wait has been more than worthwhile. This is the final chapter of Darrel's sincere and heartfelt tribute to his (and our) main man. Volume one ended around the time of the Singin' To My baby album and this ventures forth into the classic strewn latter part of Eddie's all too brief shining moment in the spotlight.

This project was recorded at the impressive sounding House of Boz owned by former Polecat Boz Boorer (who also engineered/twiddled the cocoa tins the session expertly). UK rock and roll stalwarts the Jets make another fine cameo appearance on highly impressive backing vocals and James Compton (from the Elvis musical) tonks the honky. Sax man Al Nicholls provides el neato storm blowing, Mrs Higham aka Imelda Clabby songbirds away on Weekend (glad DH now finally  likes this toon a long time personal fav) and good old Les Sticks Curtis from the mighty Enforcers provides some absolutely stellar (or should that be Stella Artois??) skin thumping. All Darrel has to provide is the usual dexterous guitar wizardry, romping rock warbling and husky balladry plus some fine person management on this excellent team effort. 

The few minor negatives first as they are far out weighed by the positives, not that keen on What'd I Say (which of course EC helped introduce to this country), to me it has to be a piano man delivering it as it the late originator Mr Ray or the Killers Sun  UK top tenner, even Mr Ann Margaret (nearly) struggled whilst racing cars round the Nevada Desert. Tastily delivered as Cannonball Rag is, I felt it out of place within the time frame of the project (though it did appear on shiny post Volume 1) and personally I pined for say Sweet Little 16,Money Honey or Boll Weevil Song, but heck it's DH's project and who is this unworthy scribe to quibble? To leave minor Mr Meldrew mode (grumpy UK tv old git), not keen on the b&w cover should've been Snapper Aynsley's inside stage colour shot methinks, or another 19 shots of the stunning Mrs H!!!!!! The notes and  photos are entertaining and illuminating. As for the caption reading Trevor Cajiao's 21st! shurly shomme mistook, twas Now Dig This' 21st, not the recycled master editor of fanzine royalty, ah well once a teacher always a teacher. 

Every listener will have their own favs n dislikes, that's what opinions are for. My farthing's worth of gems include Don't Bye, Bye Baby Me (enjoy this more than EC's), a doorstep sized Jam Sand-Witch, Les' drumming on a stonking Summat Else, the Jetanaires on Never (tons better than Shaky's version young Dazza) and R n R Blues in particular. Great to hear the excellent and under rated (but not by me) I Remember and Pocketful Of Hearts. The sparkling fun filled romps through My Way, Nervous Breakdown, Pretty Girl and Teenage Heaven have gladdened this Welshman's heart as much as Mr Bend It like Beckham's recent penalties. Top marks to the spiffing combo and lovely arrangements of these and others where catching the spirit, energy and fun of the originals is far more satisfying than a genetically modified warts-n-all replica. Dare I say it, we have a new Dave Edmunds on our hands here. 

Showpiece Eddie's Blues thrilled me when I first heard Darren play it live on stage in Hemsby many moonshines ago, as did the big hits when Darren toured his Cochran/Vincent tribute theatre show to darkest Llanelli in the last millenium. The versions here have that golden Goldstar glow about them. There are other EC songs/related songs dotted about many of DH's other recordings for other labels, but like Coca Cola used to swing on Radio Lux 208, “this IS the real thing baby!” 

A heartfelt well done to DH and the swingers for remembering the legacy of the Albert Lea legend with such joi de vivre and panache also to the usual Rockstar mafia for concluding this project (hopefully Mr Barret is on the mend). Tip top tickety boo, put this on your wants list ASAP, if you ain't got the prequel either well you ain't no friend of mine. 

“It’s got a great beat and you can dance to it, Oi’ll give it five” copyright Ms Janice Nicholls Thank Your Lucky Stars tv record reviewer circa 63-64

What a “Liberty!” 

Phil Davies 

ps shouldn't this literary classic and website published by hard working Bill Beard and Hot Rob Humphreys, be mentioned somewhere on the sleevenotes ala Bear Family and their fanzine nods on their booklets???

Cards on the table, I've enjoyed young Mr Higham's live shows and recordings since I first heard him with Bob and the Bearcats. Whilst most of his records were good I always thought that they lacked a little something as he had the potential to be one of the very best contemporary acts in the world. The standout recordings were always those that were Cochran influenced. Rockstar has done more than anyone to keep the Cochran flame burning brightly, so it appropriate that they release this outstanding record. Elsewhere on this page (Phil & Shaun Show RHAF) you can read how highly Shaun and I rate Darrel's live shows . It is most pleasing to hear him take advantage of the lengthy recording time (18 months) and deliver the goods in style. The time spent in the States with the Original Kelly Four paid off in spades. Recorded and engineered by Ricky Lee Brawn on his legendary valvemobile studio and produced by Mr Higham (who probably made the tea and sarnies too!) there are 21 superlative tracks to choose from. Pick any from the Hank and Eddie days like I'm Ready via session work like You Oughta See Grandma rock (2 Versions), through the Singing To My Baby LP - 20 flight Rock, Am I Blue or Lovin Time. Guitar and vocals spot on every time. Fittingly there are cracking versions of Cochran songs unearthed by Rockstar over the decades like Sick and Tired. Special mention must be made of the guests on the album, Shelley (or should that be Sheeley?) Blond, Mr Brawn, Anders Janes, Tim Whitnall, James Compton and the Jets. Top marks all round. One very minor criticism would be the modern sounding piano on a couple of tracks. As a Jerry Lee nut 1 don't even like the sound that the Killer gets off these things, why not a vintage honky tonk upright. OK off the soapbox now. If you dig the cat from Albert Lea you'll love these. As close as you could get to catching the Cochran spirit. This is no sound a like tribute album this is a most talented young man paying respects to an exceptional original genius. Thank you Darrel and Rockstar.