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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Colin Hicks

Sexy Rock - The Brits Are Rocking Vol.4

Review by Gary Hill

The British rock and roll scene was a lively one, even if they didn't get the same level of attention state-side as the American acts. It's a good thing Bear Family is releasing so much of this stuff to give people who might have missed it the first time a peek at the music of these entertainers. While Colin Hicks' sound is nothing overly unique or genre-bending, he created a solid old-time rock and roll sound. This is a fun release.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021  Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.

Track by Track Review
Giddy Up A Ding Dong
Early rock and roll, jazz and rockabilly all seem to merge on this energetic little number. This is a particularly effective earworm.
Empty Arms Blues
With some doo wop vocals, this is a classic old-school rock and roll type of number. I dig the short guitar solo on this.
Wild Eyes And Tender Lips
This is more of a bouncy, near ballad tune. It has more contemporary pop in it than pure rock and roll.
Sexy Rock
The saxophone on this is classy. The tune is an energetic little rock and roller. The jams later in the tune have some jazz stylings. It's a powerhouse.
Mean Woman Blues
Fast paced rock and roll, this has a classic sound to it. The piano solo is on fire.
Oh Boy!
This old Buddy Holly chestnut gets a potent performance.
Love's Made A Fool Of You
We get another healthy helping of old-school rock and roll on this piece. It's catchy and energetic.
Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On
Here's is another classic rock and roller covered by Hicks. This is fun stuff, and it's an effective performance.
Hanging Around
A bouncy little number, this is solid, but not a standout. I dig the piano work on it a lot.
Tallahassee Lassie
This is a fun rock and roller with a lot of energy. It's one of the most effective pieces of the whole set.
Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
I'm not a huge fan of this, but it has its charms. There is a pop music meets rockabilly thing here. It seems a bit too lightweight and over-produced to me.
Blue Moon Of Kentucky
This is a fun little number. It has some energetic rock and roll at its heart.
That Little Girl Of Mine
Honking horns bring a jazzy angle to this bouncy little rocker.
Iea Iea
The opening bit of this makes me think of "Secret Agent Man." This is fast-paced and rather unusual. The horns are the biggest factor of the musical arrangement.
Robot Man
I dig this fun little number quite a bit. It has a lot of horns and a real contemporary pop sound.
Put Me Down
This is an Elvis Presley styled rock and roller. It has a lot of class and energy.
Lovin' Up A Storm
I am not a big fan of doo wop vocals, but they really work well on this cut. This is an energetic rock and roller that is so much fun.
A Teenager In Love
This old chestnut gets an entertaining rendering here.
Book Of Love
I'm not crazy about this version of this old classic. It's not bad, but nothing special, either.
Hallelujah, I Love Her So
Recorded with an orchestra, this is another classy tune. It's a nice change, too.
Brand New Cadillac
I dig the fun, energized rock and roll concept here.
All Because Of You
There is a cool slow groove to this with a lot of charm and class. There is a spoken section built into this.
Impazzivo Per Te
This is sort of an also-ran. It's not bad, but nothing all that special. 
Johnny B Goode
I love this version of the classic Chuck Berry tune. It has such a cool sound and energy.
Tutti Frutti
This Little Richard stomper similarly gets a fiery live telling here. I love this.
Twenty Flight Rock
While not as strong as the last couple tunes, this is a fun one. It has some honking saxophone that lends class. There is a short drum solo, too.
Hang Up My Rock And Roll Shoes
Another old-school rock and roller, this isn't a standout tune. Personally, I think that putting "Johnny B. Goode" and "Tutti Frutti" in the last two positions would have made for a stronger ending.
 
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