Hasil Adkins- Out To Hunch (1986)

Hasil Adkins painted by Joe Coleman.

Hasil Adkins' discography is pretty obscure. He started making music in the 1950's , and , under the misconception that the performers he heard on the radio played all the instruments themselves, he operated as a one man band. He recorded his songs on a reel to reel in his trailer and even went so far as to press his own records.
The Haze released a steady stream of these DIY records. He allegedly sent a copy of every record he made to The White House, Nixon being the only President  to thank him...
The Haze became more widely known in the 1980's due to the attentions of The Cramps and similar acts.

Much as I like The Cramps their cover of She Said, which sounds like a parody, is probably my least favourite Cramps track. This LP, released on the back of the Psychobilly boom, collects tracks that were recorded from 1962 onwards.
The Hasil Adkins Hazequarters is here.


http://d01.megashares.com/dl/x4zpJk3/Hasil Adkins - Out to Hunch.rar

The Milkshakes Sing and Play 20 Rock & Roll Hits of the 50's & 60's (1984)

A genius.

When I listen to a Billy Childish record I want to play my guitar.

When I see a Billy Childish painting I want to paint.

When I read a Billy childish poem I want to write poems.

When I see Billy Childish I want to grow a fine moustache

and ride an old bicycle. 

That's how much I like Billy Childish.

Eddie Cochran

Modern Rockabilly fans love authenticity, and when it  comes to guitars you can't get a much more Rockabilly look than this:

Eddie's Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins would have cost him $385 when he bought it from Bell Gardens Music Center in his hometown, Bell Gardens, CA. in 1955 ($3,160 at 2011 prices).
http://www.myspace.com/eddie_cochrane/blog/527946885

Tracks: Long Tall Sally; Pink Peg Slacks; Cut Across Shorty; Twenty Flight Rock; Jeanie, Jeanie, Jeanie; Nervous Breakdown; Skinny Jim; Sweetie Pie; C'mon Everybody; Somethin' Else; Summertime Blues.

Jerry Lee Lewis and his Pumping Piano

Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis (Employment Permit)

House of Commons Debate, 25th  June 1958


Sir Frank Medlicott asked the Minister of Labour on what grounds the United States singer Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis was recently given a permit to enter this country for a six-week tour of theatres and music-halls.


Mr. Iain Macleod: A permit was issued for this man under quota arrangements which have been agreed by my Department and with the Variety and Allied Entertainment Council of Great Britain for the employment of foreign variety artistes.


Sir F. Medlicott: Is my right hon. Friend aware that great offence was caused to many people by the arrival of this man, with his 13-year old bride, especially bearing in mind the difficulty that others have in obtaining permission to work here? Will he remember also that we have more than enough "rock-'n'-roll" entertainers of our own without importing them from overseas?


Mr. Macleod: This was, of course, a thoroughly unpleasant case, which was ended by the cancellation of the contract and the disappearance of the man. But, at the time the matter was before my officers, it was purely a question of a permit for employment, and his case was treated under the ordinary arrangements which apply to anybody.

Hansard (vol 590 cc420-1)

Jerry -Lee Lewis' pumping piano was unusual in guitar dominated Rockabilly, but it was much copied and also provided a link with the music of the black RnB performers who inspired the early rockers (I'm thinking Little Richard, Fats Domino, Ike Turner).  Jerry- Lee was very much in the country music tradition, and  Hank Williams, Moon Mullican, Bob Wills and Jimmie Rodgers covers featured prominently in his repertoire.

Tracks: You're The Only Star In My Blue Heaven; Big Blon' Baby; Pink Pedal Pushers; Breathless; Little Queenie; Ubangi Stomp; High School Confidential; Wild One; Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On; Good Rockin' Tonight;  Pumping Piano Rock; Great Balls Of Fire

Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps (1956-1963)

To me Gene Vincent was the perfect Rock n Roll singer, more balls than all those other guys that Jimmy Savile used to play on a Sunday afternoon, there was an air of fairground menace and sexual predation about him. 

Willie Williams- rhythm guitar
Jack Neal - upright bass
Dickie Harrell - drums
Cliff Gallup -  lead guitar 
Johnny Meeks  -  lead guitar (replaced Cliff Gallup in 1957)

Tracks: Double Talkin' Baby; Red Bluejeans And A Ponytail; Who Slapped John; Be-Bop-A-Lula; Cat Man; Flea Brain; Jump Back, Honey, Jump Back;I Flipped; Rip It Up; Say Mama; Git It; Bluejean Bop; Teenage Partner; Race With The Devil