Sonny Rocks
, a 34-cut
Sonny James
compilation, is yet another volume in the small but growing
Bear Family
Rocks series. The label takes established
country
performers -- legends, in fact -- and goes back to their earliest material since so many, from
Wanda Jackson
and
Conway Twitty
to
Marty Robbins
Connie Frances
, got their start singing
rockabilly
and other teen hits from the primeval
rock & roll
days.
James
is no different, though he did tend to stay closer to his
traditional country
boogie roots. He was, in fact, a
crooner who happened upon the rawer beat of
rock
and combined the two. He was also a terrific songwriter with cuts like
"The Cat Came Home,"
"Heart for Rent,"
"Innocent Angel,"
"Love Me Like I Am."
This one is solid from top to bottom. ~ Thom Jurek