Rockabilly Blues by Sleepy LaBeef (CD, Jan-2001, Bullseye Blues)

First I must say, for the uninitiated, that Sleepy is the real deal; a true Rockabilly legend. He may not be the best known Rockabilly singer and musician in the land, but he is revered in Rockabilly circles. In my mind, as in the minds of many Rockabilly fans, he is a giant, both literally and figuratively.

He sings straight from the heart in a huge bass voice that can send chills down your spine. He also possesses a blazing guitar style; and when his playing catches fire on one of his more intense solos he's liable to burn the house down! You'd better keep a bucket of water by the stereo when you put one of Sleepy's more rockin' sides on the box. Guitar aficionados: the man knows plenty about TONE.



A lot of folks consider this CD to be Sleepy's best work. I respectfully disagree; although it is very good.

Then why don't I get more excited?

Well, to be frank, I don't recall Sleepy ever putting out a bad LP. It's true that he is sometimes more inspired than at others; and like every singer or musician his talents are better suited to some songs than others; but overall Sleepy's catalogue is pretty strong, so my expectations are always high for any Sleepy LaBeef release. This CD is another testimony to the man's talent; but doesn't really reveal Sleepy at his mind boggling best !

Like Elvis, Sleepy has done a wide range of material; but has stayed closer to Roots music than the King of Rock'n'roll did. The songs on this record lean closer to the Blues and R&B side of Sleepy's repertoire, as implied by the title. That's fine; but it also means we don't get the variety found on most of his records.

Of course when you compare it to most artist's work, the CD is excellent; and well worth owning.

Recommended.

I would also recommend NOTHIN' BUT THE TRUTH, a great live release. TRUTH has been criticized by some for not having the best sound quality; but I feel that any deficiencies in that department are more than made up for by Sleepy's inspiration at the gig. He really catches fire here.

Just as good if not even better is THE HUMAN JUKEBOX, a collection of older recordings which consists of many classic songs done with lots of soul.

Lastly, and my personal favorite, the unjustly underrated '82 Rounder release ELECTRICITY. I won't even try to debate the relative merits of this recording overall; let me just say that the song GONE AND LEFT ME BLUES on this album is one of the greatest Rockabilly songs I've ever heard. The band is just perfect, the guitar sound is beautiful, and Sleepy sings from a deep well of inspiration. The song has a musical atmosphere that is very compelling, and somehow seems to sum up the whole Rockabilly genre. Very moving.

If you want that last one you'll have to track down a vinyl LP or possibly a cassette; because it still hasn't been released on CD.... Come on, Rounder! Or would some other label buy the rights and release it?

Get all four of the recordings just talked about; and if you're still hungry, go for more.

Here's to Sleepy- may he live forever !