Jet Black Leather Machine Review
See more picture
Who was Vince Taylor? For one, he was the inspiration behind David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust. He also wrote one of the great Rock songs of all time, "Brand New Cadillac" (most famously covered by The Clash off their 1979 opus, London Calling). Granted, stylistically he owed a huge debt to his heroes, Elvis Presely, Gene Vincent & Eddie Cochran. And while not the most original Rocker on the scene, he did trademark the black leather suit before any of them. Of course, at the height of his popularity, just as he was about to break through, he notoriously "lost it" onstage. Apparently, the acid he allegedly scored off of Bob Dylan was part of the reason he wrapped a towel around his head, proclaimed himself Jesus Christ & preached to the crowd before trashing his band's gear Who-style. The liner notes will give you the full story, I'm just trying to wet your whistle.
All that said, in terms of the material there aren't alot of originals like "Brand New Cadilliac". In fact, a case could be argued that the likes of Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran & Gene Vincent laid down the definitive versions of many of the songs herein. What sets Vince Taylor apart however is not the material he covered, but how he did it. In terms of intensity, attack & edge, this is some of the most ferocious Rockbilly around. We've all heard "Long Tall Sally" a thousand times, but not with this kind of abandon.
The French praised him for his feral wildness onstage & listening to the likes of "Cadillac", "Jet Black Leather Machine" & "Since My Baby Left Me", it was no myth. Other standouts include a stellar "Jezebel" & "Hi Heeled Sneakers". Also noteworthy is the eerie, "Endless Sleep" . Granted, singing an upbeat song about your baby shooting herself is not going to be a guaranteed hit, but the jauntiness of the rare B-side, "Cold White & Beautiful" is likely to send a chill up your spine. As will no doubt, Taylor's performances throughout.
True, he wasn't the most original act in town, but if you're looking for something beyond Elvis, Chuck or Buddy---something on brink, Ace records has kindly made it available for you. If you delighted to the Psychobilly of Hasil Atkins, Stud Cole or The Cramps---Vince Taylor is right up your alley.
2008 collection from the British '50s and '60s Rock 'N' Roller. This is the first time that all of the high points of Vince Taylor's musical career have been gathered together on one CD. All phases of Vince's career are covered, with tracks from the Parlophone, Palette, Barclay and Davantage labels. Since the '50s, he has been an icon to Rock 'N' Roll weirdness, cited by David Bowie as a one of the influences on the invention of the Ziggy Stardust character. Vince's fascinating and ultimately unhappy story is told in the notes written by Mojo journalist Kieron Tyler. 22 tracks including 'Brand New Cadillac'. Ace.
Check price now
Jul 13, 2010 16:41:08
