Album Chart of the Decade: 1950s

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Album Chart of the Decade: 1950s

info.png 107 tracks, runtime 5h 40m. The playlist features the highest-rated track from each album (all of which are available on YouTube) in chart order, with a minimum individual track-rating of 6.5 required for inclusion. To view the full tracklist, access shuffle-play or avoid in-play interruption due to territorially blocked videos, it might be best playing directly via YouTube external-link.png
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THE BIRTH OF ROCK n ROLL

The LP still has a long road to travel as it strives to find its place as the foremost outlet for an artists’ recorded works, but the format really begins to build momentum as the 1950s progress. In the summer of '51 DJ and music promoter Alan Freed broadcasts his first Rhythm and blues radio programme from station WJW in Cleveland, Ohio. He uses the term rock and roll to describe R&B, in an effort to introduce the music to a broader white audience – but there would no sign of an actual Rock n Roll / Rockabilly LP for a few years yet.

The Folk Music revival continues to grow, and Harry Smith's remarkable 5 disc anthology plays a big part in this. Artists such as Jean Ritchie, Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl explore these traditional roots, and all of this fire-stoking will go some way to igniting flames on both sides of the Atlantic in the decade which follows.

Bill Haley and his Comets release the first Rock n Roll LP in 1954, and by 1958 American Rock n Roll dominates rebel sensibilities. For me, it’s Little Richard who delivers the first masterpiece album in '57, and he has fine genre company from Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Duane Eddy, Carl Perkins, Chuck Berry, Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly and The Crickets.

The Jukebox Rebel
28-Apr-2019

Top 100 overview
Countries the USA (86) England (5) Belgium (4) France (3) India (1) Scotland (1)
Genres Blues / Rhythm n Blues (38); Rock n Roll / Rockabilly (29); Country (14); Folk (10); Crooner / Cabaret (9); Jazz (6); Rock n Roll Ballad (6); Pop Ballad (5); Big Band / Jive / Swing (4); Pop (4); Avant-Garde (3); Africana (1); Desi (1); Latin (1); Sketch / Skit (1); Songwriter (1); Soul Ballad (1); Storytelling (1)
Artists Fats Domino (7); Johnny Cash (6); Elvis Presley (5); Ewan MacColl (5); Hank Williams (4); Jacques Brel (4); Chuck Berry (3); Édith Piaf (3); Gene Vincent (3); Ken Nordine (3); Little Richard (3); Ray Charles (3); Sam Cooke (3)
Average album rating (/10) 6.48

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HERE’S LITTLE RICHARD
Little Richard
Specialty LP-100 (1957)
the USA
9.05 “A masterpiece” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Tutti Frutti” (10) • “Can’t Believe You Wanna Leave” (10) • “Long Tall Sally” (10)
TJR says”A-wop-bom-a-loo-mop-a-lomp-bom-bom!” He had me after the first 2 seconds of this album really. Spine tinglers make ...more →

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BO DIDDLEY [1958]
Bo Diddley
Chess LP-1431 (1958)
the USA
8.78 “A classic” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Who Do You Love?” (9.9) • “I’m A Man” (9.8) • “Bring It To Jerome” (9.3)
TJR saysRock n Roll - Bo Diddley style. Raw, hypnotic and super exciting. Side after side after side after side. The Bo Diddley ...more →

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WORD JAZZ
Ken Nordine and The Fred Katz Group
Dot Records DLP-3075 (1957)
the USA
8.48 “Excellent” Avant-Garde

Jukebox picks: “Flibberty Jib” (9.6) • “My Baby” (9.5) • “Roger” (9.3)
TJR saysMagnificent pieces flow one after the other from this loveable absurdist. He’s a laugh and a half and it’s a real pleasu...more →

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THE FABULOUS LITTLE RICHARD
Little Richard
Specialty LP-2104 (1959)
the USA
8.42 “Excellent” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Shake A Hand” (10) • “She Knows How To Rock” (9.2) • “Early One Morning” (9.2)
TJR says“The Fabulous Little Richard” arrived in March – a full year and a half after the unpredictable star had retired from Ro...more →

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MOANIN’ IN THE MOONLIGHT
Howlin’ Wolf
Chess LP-1434 (1959)
the USA
8.21 “Excellent” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “How Many More Years” (10) • “Smoke Stack Lightning” (9.7) • “Evil Is Goin’ On” (9.5)
TJR saysTwelve single sides (issued 1951-1959) are gathered to make up the powerful Howlin’ Wolf long-play debut. “Moanin’ At...more →

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ROCK AND ROLLIN’ WITH FATS DOMINO
Fats Domino
Imperial LP-9004 (1956)
the USA
8.13 “Excellent” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Going To The River” (10) • “Ain’t It A Shame” (9.8) • “The Fat Man” (9.5)
TJR saysReleased March 1956 (Imperial LP-9004) and issued in the UK on London Records as “Carry On Rockin’”. The Imperial Label ...more →

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LITTLE RICHARD
Little Richard
Specialty LP-2103 (1958)
the USA
8.07 “Excellent” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Send Me Some Lovin’” (10) • “Good Golly Miss Molly” (9.4) • “Lucille” (9.0)
TJR saysAfter having delivered the album of the decade and 18 dynamic hit singles in 3 years, the true king of Rock n Roll shock...more →

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BUDDY HOLLY
Buddy Holly
Coral CRL-57210 (1958)
the USA
7.98 “Brilliant” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Pop; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Rave On” (10) • “Everyday” (9.6) • “Mailman, Bring Me No More Blues” (9.5)
TJR saysThe “Chirping” Crickets had been a really good album in 1957, the “solo” LP released just a few months later (in Februar...more →

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THIS IS FATS DOMINO!
Fats Domino
Imperial LP-9028 (1956)
the USA
7.97 “Brilliant” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Blue Monday” (10) • “Blueberry Hill” (9.7) • “So Long” (9.1)
TJR saysReleased December 1956 (Imperial LP-9028). Fats was buzzin’ on his a-game in 1956 – this was his third LP of the year an...more →

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AFTER SCHOOL SESSION
Chuck Berry
Chess LP-1426 (1957)
the USA
7.90 “Brilliant” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Deep Feeling” (9.8) • “School Days” (9.3) • “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” (9.1)
TJR saysThe second ever LP on Chess was this corker from Chuck Berry. The album pooled from his first five recording sessions fo...more →

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IVOR CUTLER OF Y’HUPː OBLIQUE MUSICAL PHILOSOPHER
Ivor Cutler
Fontana TFE-17144 (1959)
Scotland
7.66 “Brilliant” Avant-Garde

Jukebox picks: “Size 9½” (10) • “Here’s A Health To Simon” (8.8) • “Pickle Your Knees” (8.6)
TJR saysCracking debut EP from the 36 year old Glaswegian humourist, immediately revelling in his own brand of absurd surrealism...more →

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CHUCK BERRY IS ON TOP
Chuck Berry
Chess LP-1435 (1959)
the USA
7.53 “Brilliant” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Maybellene” (9.6) • “Johnny B. Goode” (9.4) • “Roll Over Beethoven” (9.1)
TJR saysSurely a vital album for any self-respecting music fan in the 1950s, this was the quintessential Chuck Berry, all fired ...more →

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ELVIS PRESLEY
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LPM-1254 (1956)
the USA
7.51 “Brilliant” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Rock n Roll Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Blue Suede Shoes” (9.2) • “One Sided Love Affair” (9.0) • “Blue Moon” (8.4)
TJR saysLet’s go cat” encourages Elvis… Scotty Moore on guitar rises to the challenge on the exciting album opener… “aw...more →

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JERRY LEE LEWIS [1958]
Jerry Lee Lewis
Sun Record Company LP-1230 (1958)
the USA
7.48 “Really good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “It All Depends (On Who Will Buy The Wine)” (9.2) • “Crazy Arms” (8.8) • “Ubangi Stomp” (8.7)
TJR saysIssued in June was the first Jerry Lee Lewis LP. There was no place for his biggest single sellers “'Whole Lotta Shakin’...more →

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HERE STANDS FATS DOMINO
Fats Domino
Imperial LP-9038 (1957)
the USA
7.41 “Really good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “You Can Pack Your Suitcase” (8.9) • “I’m Walkin’” (8.6) • “Detroit City Blues” (8.1)
TJR saysReleased March 1957 (Imperial LP-9038). The previous LPs were current with oldies padding, this one’s oldies with curren...more →

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I’M JIMMY REED
Jimmy Reed
Vee Jay Records VJLP-1004 (1958)
the USA
7.38 “Really good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Honest I Do” (9.8) • “You Don't Have To Go” (8.3) • “My First Plea” (7.9)
TJR saysReleased in August, Jimmy’s debut LP followed normal protocol for the era, by serving as a round-up of his hit sides fro...more →

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JOHNNY CASH WITH HIS HOT AND BLUE GUITAR
Johnny Cash
Sun Record Company LP-1220 (1957)
the USA
7.35 “Really good” Country

Jukebox picks: “I Walk The Line [1956]” (9.4) • “Cry! Cry! Cry!” (8.4) • “So Doggone Lonesome” (8.2)
TJR saysThe first Sun Records artist to release an LP and what a debut it was. An instant pop up country star to go. The song-wr...more →

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THE WILDEST!
Louis Prima featuring Keely Smith with Sam Butera and The Witnesses
Capitol Records T-755 (1956)
the USA
7.34 “Really good” Big Band / Jive / Swing; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Oh Marie” (9.7) • “Night Train” (8.4) • “Buona Sera” (8.2)
TJR saysEver since the trumpeter / singer / songwriter began away back in the mid-1930s he had been re-inventing himself, moving...more →

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THE BEST OF MUDDY WATERS
Muddy Waters
Chess LP-1427 (1957)
the USA
7.32 “Really good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “I Can’t Be Satisfied” (9.4) • “Just Make Love To Me” (8.8) • “Louisiana Blues” (8.3)
TJR saysIt’s not uncommon for the debut albums of the 1950s to serve as round-ups of preceding single sides, and such is the cas...more →

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ROCK AND ROLLIN’
Fats Domino
Imperial LP-9009 (1956)
the USA
7.31 “Really good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Swanee River Hop” (8.3) • “Fat’s Frenzy” (8.1) • “I’m In Love Again” (7.9)
TJR saysReleased August 1956 (Imperial LP-9009). Fats second LP in 5 months is led by his recent pop smash “I’m In Love Again...more →

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THE BEST OF LITTLE WALTER
Little Walter
Chess LP-1428 (1957)
the USA
7.26 “Really good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Mean Old World” (8.2) • “Blues With A Feeling” (8.1) • “Can’t Hold Out Much Longer” (7.8)
TJR saysWalter’s “debut album” follows the trend of his peers… serving as a singles round up, it features Chess sides released b...more →

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HANK WILLIAMS AS “LUKE THE DRIFTER”
Luke The Drifter
MGM Records E-203 (1953)
the USA
7.24 “Really good” Country

Jukebox picks: “Be Careful Of Stones That You Throw” (9.1) • “I Dreamed About Mama Last Night” (8.5) • “Men With Broken Hearts” (7.5)
TJR saysThe sole Luke The Drifter album compiled eight single sides all recorded and released between 1950 and 1952. Biographer ...more →

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N°4
Jacques Brel
Philips B 76.483 R (1959)
Belgium
7.23 “Really good” Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “La Valse À Mille Temps” (9.7) • “Ne Me Quitte Pas” (8.1) • “La Dame Patronnesse” (7.8)
TJR saysIn early 1959 Brel renewed his contract with Philips, and the fourth album was soon to follow. “N°4” was all recorded in...more →

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THE “CHIRPING” CRICKETS
The Crickets
Brunswick BL-54038 (1957)
the USA
7.22 “Really good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Rock n Roll Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Not Fade Away” (9.6) • “Oh, Boy!” (9.2) • “That’ll Be The Day” (7.9)
TJR saysStellar debut from the Texan quartet led by Buddy Holly, issued in November 1957. At this stage The Crickets were lead g...more →

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CHANTILLY LACE
The Big Bopper
Mercury MG-20402 (1959)
the USA
7.21 “Really good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “White Lightning” (9.6) • “Chantilly Lace” (9.2) • “Big Bopper’s Wedding” (8.4)
TJR saysAt the time of his death Big Bopper had quite a lot “in the can”, as demonstrated here on his one and only LP, issued by...more →

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HAVE ‘TWANGY’ GUITAR WILL TRAVEL
Duane Eddy
Jamie JLP-3000 (1958)
the USA
7.20 “Really good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “I Almost Lost My Mind [stereo version]” (9.9) • “Rebel Rouser” (9.5) • “Three-30 Blues [stereo]” (7.9)
TJR saysWith all due respect to the man, a cursory listen to the Jimmy and Duane single “Soda Fountain Girl” (1955) suggests tha...more →

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ROCK AND ROLL
Ruth Brown
Atlantic 8004 (1957)
the USA
7.19 “Really good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Hello Little Boy” (9.8) • “It’s Love Baby (24 Hours Of The Day)” (8.7) • “Oh What A Dream” (8.2)
TJR saysIn all, between 1949 and 1955, Ruth Brown had stayed on the R&B chart for a total 149 weeks, with sixteen Top 10 records...more →

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JACQUES BREL ET SES CHANSONS
Jacques Brel
Philips B 76.027 R (1954)
Belgium
7.14 “Really good” Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “C’est Comme Ça” (9.2) • “Le Diable (Ca Va)” (8.0) • “Il Pleut (Les Carreaux)” (7.7)
TJR says“Jacques Brel Et Ses Chansons” was the aptly titled debut album from the talented 25 year old, a relatively late starter...more →

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PATSY CLINE
Patsy Cline
Decca DL-8611 (1957)
the USA
7.09 “Really good” Country

Jukebox picks: “Walkin’ After Midnight [1957]” (9.1) • “Hungry For Love” (9.0) • “Fingerprints” (8.5)
TJR saysIt’s hard to believe, but the young Patsy Cline had great difficulty in converting her extraordinary vocal talent into h...more →

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THE FABULOUS MR. D
Fats Domino
Imperial LP-9055 (1958)
the USA
6.97 “Good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Mardi Gras In New Orleans” (9.5) • “Long Lonesome Journey” (8.8) • “44” (8.3)
TJR saysReleased September 1958 (Imperial LP-9055). Mostly recent material on this one although the monster cut “Mardi Gras In...more →

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BALZAC’S “PASSION IN THE DESERT” READ BY KEN NORDINE
Ken Nordine
Version Records VLP-101 (1955)
the USA
6.95 “Good” Storytelling

Jukebox picks: “Passion In The Desert, part 2” (7.1) • “Passion In The Desert, part 2” (6.8)
TJR saysKen Nordine reads, in the first-person, an almost faithful interpretation of Honoré de Balzac’s short-story, “Une pa...more →

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DANCE ALBUM OF CARL PERKINS
Carl Perkins
Sun Record Company LP-1225 (1958)
the USA
6.94 “Good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Sure To Fall” (8.4) • “Honey Don’t” (8.4) • “Matchbox” (7.2)
TJR saysOn 11th December 1957 Carl recorded his final session at Sun Records, spawning a final single for the label, “Glad All...more →

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THE EVERLY BROTHERS
The Everly Brothers
Cadence CLP-3003 (1958)
the USA
6.88 “Good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Bye Bye Love” (9.1) • “Brand New Heartache” (8.1) • “Be-Bop-A-Lula” (7.7)
TJR saysDebut album from the 21 year old Don and his 19 year old brother, Phil. It’s all about the vocal harmonies with these tw...more →

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WE ARE THE CHANTELS
The Chantels
End LP-301 (1958)
the USA
6.81 “Good” Rock n Roll Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Maybe” (8.9) • “Every Night (I Pray)” (7.5) • “Whoever You Are” (7.3)
TJR saysEnd LP-301. First issued in October 1958 as “We Are The Chantels”, re-issued in September 1959 (also End-301 LP) as “The...more →

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THIS IS FATS
Fats Domino
Imperial LP-9040 (1957)
the USA
6.78 “Good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “You Know I Miss You” (7.5) • “The Rooster Song” (7.4) • “Don’t You Hear Me Calling You” (7.1)
TJR saysReleased August 1957 (Imperial LP-9040). Split down the middle between new material and sides from the previous years. T...more →

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BAD LADS AND HARD CASES
Ewan MacColl and Peggy Seeger
Riverside Records RLP-12-632 (1957)
England
6.76 “Good” Folk

Jukebox picks: “The Ballad Of Bentley And Craig” (7.9) • “Go Down You Murderer” (7.7) • “Gilderoy” (7.3)
TJR saysAn album which is thematically linked on subject matter which has fascinated readers and listeners for centuries; the wr...more →

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SINGING THE TRADITIONAL SONGS OF HER KENTUCKY MOUNTAIN FAMILY
Jean Ritchie
Elektra EKLP-2 (1952)
the USA
6.74 “Good” Folk

Jukebox picks: “Black Is The Color” (8.4) • “Skin And Bones” (8.2) • “Old Virginny” (7.7)
TJR saysBack in the first decade of the 20th century, British scholar Cecil J. Sharp famously declared the traditional English b...more →

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I’M JOHN LEE HOOKER
John Lee Hooker
Vee Jay Records VJLP-1007 (1959)
the USA
6.73 “Good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Boogie Chillun” (8.5) • “Crawlin’ King Snake [1959 version]” (7.3) • “I Love You Honey [1958 version]” (7.2)
TJR saysThe prolific John Lee Hooker entered the frame as an album artist in 1959 with two releases. First in his “A-list” was a...more →

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SONGS OF OUR SOIL
Johnny Cash
Columbia CS-8148 (1959)
the USA
6.71 “Good” Country

Jukebox picks: “The Caretaker” (8.5) • “It Could Be You” (8.0) • “The Man On The Hill” (7.8)
TJR saysA more than decent set of American folk ballads notable for “The Caretaker”, “I Want To Go Home” (aka Sloop John...more →

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ONE DOZEN BERRYS
Chuck Berry
Chess LP-1432 (1958)
the USA
6.68 “Good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Sweet Little Sixteen” (8.0) • “Rock And Roll Music” (8.0) • “How You’ve Changed” (7.0)
TJR saysAs the title suggests, the second Chuck Berry album features 12 tracks penned by the man himself. “One Dozen Berrys” is ...more →

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PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
James Brown and his Famous Flames
King Records 610 (1959)
the USA
6.63 “Good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Please, Please, Please [1956 version]” (9.9) • “Try Me [1958 version]” (8.1) • “I Don’t Know” (7.4)
TJR saysBrown had secured an early prison release on June 14, 1952 after serving three years of his sentence for armed robbery. ...more →

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BLOW BOYS BLOW (SONGS OF THE SEA)
Ewan MacColl and A. L. Lloyd
Tradition Records TLP-1026 (1957)
England
6.59 “Good” Folk

Jukebox picks: “Handsome Cabin Boy” (8.0) • “Paddy West” (7.2) • “Whup Jamboree” (7.1)
TJR saysSea songs and shanties sung by A.L. Lloyd and Ewan MacColl, accompanied by Alf Edwards (concertina), Ralph Rinzler (guit...more →

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SINGIN’ THE BLUES
B.B. King
Crown Records CLP-5020 (1957)
the USA
6.59 “Good” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Please Love Me” (7.9) • “3 O’Clock Blues” (7.9) • “Every Day I Have The Blues” (7.0)
TJR saysIssued in June 1957. His debut album included some new material combined with some select single cuts from his short car...more →

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WANDA JACKSON
Wanda Jackson
Capitol Records T-1041 (1958)
the USA
6.55 “Good” Country; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Rock n Roll Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Here We Are Again” (7.3) • “Let’s Have A Party” (7.2) • “Happy, Happy Birthday” (7.1)
TJR saysIssued in July, this was the debut LP set from the 20 year old country glamour-gal-cum-rockabilly-raver. She has a fine ...more →

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GO CHAMPS GO
The Champs
Challenge CHL-601 (1958)
the USA
6.53 “Good” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Tequila” (9.3) • “El Rancho Rock” (7.6) • “Train To Nowhere” (6.8)
TJR saysThe first of four LP’s from The Champs (Challenge CHL-601). The title on the cover is “Go Champs Go”, whereas the title ...more →

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SON OF WORD JAZZ
Ken Nordine and The Fred Katz Group
Dot Records DLP-3096 (1958)
the USA
6.48 “Decent enough” Avant-Garde; Sketch / Skit

Jukebox picks: “Junk Man” (8.7) • “Lemming” (8.1) • “Miss Cone” (7.7)
TJR saysNot a patch on last years “Word Jazz” LP, mainly due to a few strugglers like “Outer Space”, “Secretary” and “Bu...more →

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SCOTS FOLK SONGS
Ewan MacColl accompanied by Alf Edwards and Brian Daly
Riverside Records RLP-12-609 (1956)
England
6.48 “Decent enough” Folk

Jukebox picks: “The Bonnie Lass O' Fyvie” (8.3) • “Lassie Wi' The Yellow Coatie” (7.6) • “The Wee, Wee German Lairdie” (7.5)
TJR saysAs Ewan tells in his sleeve notes, the collecting and publication of Scots folk music has been something of a national s...more →

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ROCK WITH BILL HALEY AND THE COMETS
Bill Haley and his Comets
Essex Records ESLP-202 (1954)
the USA
6.44 “Decent enough” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Real Rock Drive” (7.3) • “Rock The Joint [single version '52]” (7.2) • “I'll Be True” (7.0)
TJR says“We're gonna tear down the mailbox, rip up the floors, Smash out the windows and knock down the doors, We're gonna roc...more →

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PALO CONGO
Sabu
Blue Note BLP-1561 (1957)
the USA
6.43 “Decent enough” Latin; Africana

Jukebox picks: “Tribilin Cantore” (7.3) • “Billumba-Palo Congo” (7.1) • “El Cumbanchero” (7.0)
TJR says”First I played on tin cans in backyards. Then when I was 11 years old I joined a trio and got a job on 125th playing ...more →

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THE FABULOUS WAILERS
The Wailers
Golden Crest CR-3075 (1959)
the USA
6.38 “Decent enough” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Dirty Robber” (8.5) • “High Wall” (7.9) • “Beat Guitar” (7.4)
TJR saysArriving at the very tail end of ’59 was “The Fabulous Wailers”, quite possibly the first artists’ album to grunge thing...more →

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KENTUCKY MOUNTAINS SONGS
Jean Ritchie
Elektra EKLP-25 (1954)
the USA
6.37 “Decent enough” Folk

Jukebox picks: “Nottamun Town [album version ’54]” (8.7) • “The Hangman Song” (7.2) • “False Sir John” (6.7)
TJR saysAnother enchanting set from the talented Jean Ritchie, steeped in the ancient ballads of the British Isles and mainland ...more →

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ÉDITH PIAF SINGS [1950]
Édith Piaf
Columbia FL-9510 (1950)
France
6.36 “Decent enough” Crooner / Cabaret; Folk

Jukebox picks: “Dany” (8.6) • “Pour Moi Tout’ Seule” (6.8) • “Dans Les Prisons De Nantes” (6.7)
TJR saysAll 8 tracks on this 10” LP are new to the Édith Piaf album discography thus far. 5 of the 8 were recorded recently in 1...more →

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RAY CHARLES
Ray Charles
Atlantic 8006 (1957)
the USA
6.36 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Soul Ballad

Jukebox picks: “I’ve Got A Woman” (7.6) • “Mess Around” (7.5) • “Greenbacks” (7.2)
TJR saysAtlantic 8006. Released June, 1957. A fine debut from the inspirational 26 year old who’d been completely blind since 7....more →

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SINGS THE SONGS THAT MADE HIM FAMOUS
Johnny Cash
Sun Record Company LP-1235 (1958)
the USA
6.35 “Decent enough” Country

Jukebox picks: “There You Go” (9.6) • “I Walk The Line [1956]” (9.4) • “Ballad Of A Teenage Queen [1957]” (7.4)
TJR saysAlthough he was Sun’s most consistently selling and prolific artist at that time, Cash felt constrained by his contract ...more →

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LET’S PLAY FATS DOMINO
Fats Domino
Imperial LP-9065 (1959)
the USA
6.31 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Pop

Jukebox picks: “I Want To Walk You Home” (9.1) • “Hands Across The Table” (6.8) • “Ain’t It Good” (6.7)
TJR saysReleased September 1959 (Imperial LP-9065). All new material on this one, with 9 originals and 3 covers. The album gets ...more →

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SONNY TERRY AND HIS MOUTH HARP [1952]
Sonny Terry
Stinson (1952)
the USA
6.31 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Silver Fox Chase” (7.9) • “Tell Me Litte Woman” (7.0) • “South Bound Express” (6.5)
TJR says10" LP, thought to have had a low-key issue in 1952, and a higher profile 12" LP re-issue in 1963. Not to be confused (a...more →

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THE COUNTRY BLUES OF JOHN LEE HOOKER
John Lee Hooker
Riverside Records RLP-12-838 (1959)
the USA
6.30 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Tupelo Blues” (8.9) • “Water Boy” (7.1) • “I’m Prison Bound” (6.7)
TJR saysEver the journeyman, John Lee stepped aside from his commitment to VeeJay with this set for Riverside Records, recorded ...more →

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A GENE VINCENT RECORD DATE
Gene Vincent with The Blue Caps
Capitol Records T-1059 (1958)
the USA
6.27 “Decent enough” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Git It” (8.7) • “Look What You Gone And Done To Me” (7.1) • “Five Feet Of Lovin’” (6.8)
TJR saysThe second of 2 LPs from Gene Vincent this year was released in September and very much followed the pattern of the prec...more →

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GENE VINCENT ROCKS! AND THE BLUE CAPS ROLL
Gene Vincent and his Blue Caps
Capitol Records T-970 (1958)
the USA
6.22 “Decent enough” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Rollin’ Danny” (7.0) • “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (6.6) • “Brand New Beat” (6.5)
TJR saysRecorded in December 1957 and issued in March, 1958 - the first of two LPs from Gene in this year. Historians line up to...more →

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WHOLE LOTTA SHAKIN’
Carl Perkins
Columbia CL-1234 (1958)
the USA
6.19 “Decent enough” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “That’s All Right” (7.0) • “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On” (6.4) • “Where The Rio De Rosa Flows” (6.4)
TJR saysBashed out in two recording sessions in June, the second Carl Perkins LP screams “no imagination”. The performances are ...more →

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THE HANK WILLIAMS MEMORIAL ALBUM
Hank Williams
MGM Records E-202 (1953)
the USA
6.13 “Decent enough” Country

Jukebox picks: “Cold, Cold Heart” (8.0) • “Kaw-Liga” (6.9) • “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (6.0)
TJR saysThe shock of Hank Williams death on New Year’s Day led to a surge in public demand for records, sheet music and pictures...more →

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YES INDEED!
Ray Charles
Atlantic 8025 (1958)
the USA
6.13 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Lonely Avenus” (7.8) • “It’s All Right” (7.4) • “I Want To Know” (7.1)
TJR saysAtlantic 8025. Released October, 1958. His 5th album in 2 years. Having said that, it’s another compilation, 14 sides fr...more →

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SHAKE, RATTLE AND ROLL
Bill Haley and his Comets
Decca DL-5560 (1955)
the USA
6.10 “Decent enough” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Shake, Rattle And Roll” (7.9) • “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock” (7.5) • “Thirteen Women (And Only One Man In Town)” (6.7)
TJR saysBig sound, great production on Bill’s first album for Decca, although the material beyond the mega-hits is a bit patchy ...more →

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THE FABULOUS JOHNNY CASH
Johnny Cash
Columbia CL-1253 (1958)
the USA
6.10 “Decent enough” Country

Jukebox picks: “Don’t Take Your Guns To Town” (7.7) • “Suppertime” (6.7) • “I Still Miss Someone [1958]” (6.4)
TJR saysThe 3rd Cash LP was released in November 1958 and was his first for Columbia with whom he’d signed a deal earlier in the...more →

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THE TIN ANGEL PRESENTS ODETTA AND LARRY
Odetta and Larry
Fantasy 3-15 (1954)
the USA
6.07 “Decent enough” Folk

Jukebox picks: “Payday At Coal Creek” (7.1) • “John Henry [live]” (7.0) • “Water Boy” (6.9)
TJR saysThese recordings, made in 1953 and 1954, were mostly made in the studio, although a few were taken from live sessions at...more →

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EVERYBODYS ROCKIN’
The Champs
Challenge CHL-605 (1959)
the USA
6.04 “Decent enough” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Subway” (8.0) • “Mau Mau Stomp” (7.5) • “Everybody’s Rockin’” (6.3)
TJR saysThe irreverent Californians return for a second album for Challenge (CHL-605) and continue much where they left off on l...more →

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ELVIS [1956]
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LPM-1382 (1956)
the USA
6.04 “Decent enough” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “So Glad You’re Mine” (7.3) • “Rip It Up” (6.8) • “How’s The World Treating You?” (6.5)
TJR saysFollowing “Elvis Presley” in March came “Elvis” in October. This time it was a clean, straight-forward, affair with all ...more →

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HANK WILLIAMS SINGS
Hank Williams with his Drifting Cowboys
MGM Records E-107 (1951)
the USA
6.04 “Decent enough” Country

Jukebox picks: “Wedding Bells” (6.7) • “Mansion On The Hill” (6.6) • “Wealth Won’t Save Your Soul” (6.3)
TJR saysStrategically issued in November to coincide with Hank’s appearance on The Perry Como Chesterfield Show, Hank’s debut LP...more →

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HIT KIT
Sam Cooke
Keen 8-6101 (1959)
the USA
6.03 “Decent enough” Pop; Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Win Your Love (For Me)” (7.8) • “You Send Me” (6.9) • “Little Things You Do” (6.6)
TJR saysThe second Sam Cooke album of 1959 rounds up 11 single sides from 1957-1959, with a reworked version of “Lonely Island...more →

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LOVING YOU
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LPM-1515 (1957)
the USA
5.98 “Average” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Got A Lot O’ Livin’ To Do!” (7.7) • “Don’t Leave Me Now” (7.0) • “Blueberry Hill” (6.7)
TJR saysArriving in July were both the second Elvis film and the third Elvis album – “Loving You” was his first soundtrack LP an...more →

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CHANSONS PARISIENNES, VOL. 2
Édith Piaf
Columbia FL-9507 (1950)
France
5.92 “Average” Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “Mariage” (8.2) • “Les Trois Cloches” (7.9) • “C’est Pour Ca” (5.6)
TJR saysHer 3rd LP for the “A-list” is another compile, all from 78s recorded between 1946 and 1947, but all-new to her album di...more →

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N°3
Jacques Brel
Philips B 76.423 R (1958)
Belgium
5.89 “Average” Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “Dors Ma Mie, Bonsoir” (7.5) • “Voici” (7.3) • “L’homme Dans La Cité” (7.0)
TJR says10 brand new recordings from March-April 1958, issued on 33RPM here on “N°3” in June of 1958. As with the last album, Br...more →

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MOANIN’ THE BLUES
Hank Williams
MGM Records E-168 (1952)
the USA
5.88 “Average” Country

Jukebox picks: “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” (7.9) • “I’m A Long Gone Daddy” (6.3) • “Long Gone Lonesome Blues” (6.2)
TJR saysCompiling recordings from 1947 to 1951, the second album from the 29 year old was packed full of hits including three #1...more →

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THAT’LL BE THE DAY
Buddy Holly
Decca DL-8707 (1958)
the USA
5.88 “Average” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “That’ll Be The Day [jul ’56 version]” (6.7) • “Ting-A-Ling” (6.5) • “Modern Don Juan” (6.4)
TJR saysFollowing a string of successful releases for Brunswick and Coral, Decca seized the opportunity to package up their old ...more →

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QUAND ON N’A QUE L’AMOUR - 2ME SÉRIE
Jacques Brel avec Les Orchestres André Popp et Michel Legrand
Philips B 76.085 R (1957)
Belgium
5.84 “Average” Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “Jén Appelle” (7.4) • “L’Air De La Bêtise” (6.7) • “La Bourrée Du Célibataire” (6.3)
TJR saysPerhaps disappointed by the sales of 1954’s “Jacques Brel Et Ses Chansons”, it was fully 3 years later until there was a...more →

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THE SOUNDS OF INDIA
Ravi Shankar
Columbia WL-119 (1958)
India
5.82 “Average” Desi

Jukebox picks: “Dádrá” (7.2) • “Bhimpalási” (5.9) • “Máru-Bihág” (5.8)
TJR saysReleased in January 1958, “The Sounds of India” featured a 37 year-old Ravi Shankar leading an improvised set on his sit...more →

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BLUEJEAN BOP!
Gene Vincent and his Blue Caps
Capitol Records T-764 (1956)
the USA
5.77 “Average” Rock n Roll / Rockabilly; Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Who Slapped John” (7.1) • “Bluejean Bop” (6.8) • “Jump Back, Honey, Jump Back” (6.6)
TJR saysA quick scan of the cover versions on the debut LP from the supposed wild man of Rock n Roll leaves me bemused, and a li...more →

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THE SINGING REVEREND
Blind Gary Davis with Sonny Terry
Stinson SLP-56 (1954)
the USA
5.76 “Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Bad Company Brought Me Here” (6.6) • “You Got To Move [1954 recording]” (6.3) • “I Can’t Make This Journey By Myself” (5.8)
TJR saysRecorded by Kenneth Goldstein in NYC in April, 1954. Although Stinson SLP56 is widely agreed as Gary Davis debut LP, the...more →

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PIANO RED IN CONCERT
Piano Red
Groove LG-1002 (1956)
the USA
5.71 “Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Got You On My Mind [live ’56]” (8.3) • “Pay It No Mind” (7.5) • “Goodbye” (7.1)
TJR saysProbably somewhere around late 1953 RCA decided that they would make a stab at breaking into the R n B market in a bigge...more →

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TIME OUT
The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Columbia CL-1397 (1959)
the USA
5.57 “Average” Jazz

Jukebox picks: “Take Five” (7.8) • “Blue Rondo A La Turk” (7.1) • “Pick Up Sticks” (5.7)
TJR saysInteresting set from the innovative cool-jazz pianist and his band, beloved of the ad agencies for their brand of sophis...more →

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BARRELHOUSE, BOOGIE AND THE BLUES
Ella Mae Morse with Big Dave and his Orchestra
Capitol Records H-513 (1954)
the USA
5.54 “Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues

Jukebox picks: “Money Honey” (6.3) • “Rock Me All Night Long” (5.8) • “I Love You, Yes I Do” (5.7)
TJR saysAfter hearing 1942s “Cow Cow Boogie” I completely flipped for Ella Mae and splashed out on her 1997 boxset “Barrelhouse,...more →

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KING CREOLE
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LPM-1884 (1958)
the USA
5.53 “Average” Blues / Rhythm n Blues; Pop

Jukebox picks: “King Creole” (8.5) • “Trouble” (6.9) • “Hard Headed Woman” (6.2)
TJR says1958 was a tumultuous year for Elvis – “King Creole” was the last album he would record before his 2-year stint in the A...more →

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SONGS OF ROBERT BURNS
Ewan MacColl
Folkways Records FW-8758 (1959)
England
5.51 “Average” Folk

Jukebox picks: “Tibbie Dunbar” (6.9) • “A Braw Wooer” (6.5) • “Wha'll Mow Me Now?” (6.1)
TJR saysIn true Scots tongue, Ewan turns his hand to the works associated with Scotland's national bard, and does a fine job, eq...more →

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GREATEST!
Johnny Cash
Sun Record Company LP-1240 (1959)
the USA
5.50 “Average” Country; Rock n Roll / Rockabilly

Jukebox picks: “Get Rhythm [1956]” (7.5) • “Thanks A Lot” (6.7) • “Goodbye Little Darlin’ Goodbye [1956]” (6.0)
TJR saysReleased in January, and the first of 3 new Johnny Cash albums in 1959. All tracks were recorded for Sun Records between...more →

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HONKY TONKIN’
Hank Williams
MGM Records E-242 (1954)
the USA
5.50 “Average” Country

Jukebox picks: “Honky Tonkin’” (6.4) • “Howlin’ At The Moon” (5.9) • “Honky Tonk Blues” (5.7)
TJR saysThe fourth and final “A-lister” in the Hank Williams story, featuring 8 cuts recorded between 1947-1952, and all previou...more →

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BASIE
Count Basie and his Orchestra
Roulette R-52003 (1958)
the USA
5.41 “Below average” Jazz

Jukebox picks: “Duet” (6.8) • “Splanky” (6.2) • “The Kid From Red Bank” (6.1)
TJR saysA snazzy set for sure. “The Kid From Red Bank” gets proceedings off to a frenzied start before “Duet” and “Aft...more →

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AT NEWPORT [CL 934]
Duke Ellington
Columbia CL-934 (1956)
the USA
5.34 “Below average” Jazz

Jukebox picks: “Diminuendo And Crescendo In Blue [live ’56]” (7.7) • “Jeep’s Blues [studio ’56]” (5.7) • “Blues To Be There [studio ’56]” (5.5)
TJR saysA full 21 years before The Sex Pistols, “Team Ellington” had pulled off the great Jazz ‘n’ Swing Swindle. Live albums we...more →

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SCOTS DRINKING SONGS
Ewan MacColl
Riverside Records RLP-12-605 (1956)
England
5.34 “Below average” Folk

Jukebox picks: “The Muckin' O' Geordie's Byre” (6.4) • “A Wee Drappie O't” (6.2) • “The Brisk Young Lad” (6.0)
TJR saysEwan tackles 19 auld Scots drinking songs, 13 of which are sung as they would have been in their traditional bothy form ...more →

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ELLINGTON UPTOWN
Duke Ellington and his Orchestra
Columbia ML-4639 (1953)
the USA
5.32 “Below average” Jazz

Jukebox picks: “The Mooche” (7.6) • “A Tone Parallel To Harlem (Harlem Suite)” (6.8) • “Take The "A" Train [1952 version]” (5.2)
TJR saysOpens badly with “Skin Deep” as "mega-drummer" Louis Bellson gives it laldy… what a yawn-a-thon. Immediately, “T...more →

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THE GENIUS OF RAY CHARLES
Ray Charles
Atlantic 1312 (1959)
the USA
5.28 “Below average” Crooner / Cabaret; Big Band / Jive / Swing

Jukebox picks: “Let The Good Times Roll” (9.3) • “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” (6.5) • “It Had To Be You” (6.0)
TJR saysAtlantic 1312. Released October, 1959. All new, although 1 track is reworked from the back-album catalogue – “Deed I D...more →

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ENCORE
Sam Cooke
Keen A-2003 (1958)
the USA
5.25 “Below average” Big Band / Jive / Swing; Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “Today I Sing The Blues” (6.9) • “Mary, Mary Lou” (6.1) • “Along The Navajo Trail” (6.0)
TJR saysThe second Sam Cooke album of 1958, issued in November, once again backed by Bumps Blackwell’s combo (although they’re n...more →

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ELVIS’ CHRISTMAS ALBUM
Elvis Presley
RCA Victor LPM-1951 (1957)
the USA
5.08 “Below average” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” (7.5) • “Blue Christmas” (6.9) • “Silent Night” (5.7)
TJR saysThe 4th Elvis album was issued in October 1957 and gave him his 4th consecutive Billboard chart topper. Leiber and Stoll...more →

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ÉDITH PIAF ENCORES
Édith Piaf
Columbia FL-9527 (1951)
France
5.08 “Below average” Crooner / Cabaret

Jukebox picks: “Don’t Cry” (6.5) • “My Lost Melody” (5.9) • “La P’tite Marie” (5.3)
TJR saysThe second of three new music albums from Édith Piaf in 1951 – all tracks were new to her LP discography, and were recor...more →

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FLAMINGO SERENADE
The Flamingos
End LP-304 (1959)
the USA
5.07 “Below average” Pop Ballad

Jukebox picks: “I Only Have Eyes For You” (8.1) • “Music, Maestro, Please!” (6.4) • “I’m In The Mood For Love” (5.9)
TJR saysThe swellegant doo woppers from Chicago had a noticeable change of direction when they started recording for George Gold...more →

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JACK TAKES THE FLOOR
Jack Elliott
Topic Records T-15 (1958)
the USA
5.06 “Below average” Folk

Jukebox picks: “Black Baby” (5.7) • “San Francisco Bay Blues” (5.5) • “Mule Skinner Blues” (5.3)
TJR saysWell intentioned folkster with a decent song selection but very little in the way of anything extra-ordinary to offer on...more →

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NINA SIMONE AT TOWN HALL
Nina Simone
Colpix Records CP-409 (1959)
the USA
5.00 “Below average” Jazz; Songwriter

Jukebox picks: “Exactly Like You” (5.7) • “Cotton Eyed Joe” (5.7) • “Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair [live ny ’59]” (5.4)
TJR saysRecorded live at The Town Hall New York City on September 15, 1959 with the exception of “Cotton Eye Joe”, which had to ...more →

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LITTLE GIRL BLUE
Nina Simone
Bethlehem BCP-6028 (1958)
the USA
4.95 “Poor” Jazz

Jukebox picks: “My Baby Just Cares For Me” (8.9) • “Plain Gold Ring [1958 album version]” (7.4) • “Love Me or Leave Me [1958 album version]” (5.0)
TJR says“Jazz As Played In An Exclusive Side Street Club” proclaims the front cover, boldly taking the marketing strategy straig...more →

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HYMNS BY JOHNNY CASH
Johnny Cash
Columbia CL-1284 (1959)
the USA
4.95 “Poor” Country

Jukebox picks: “Lead Me Gently Home” (8.2) • “Are All The Children In” (6.0) • “Snow In His Hair” (5.9)
TJR saysCash’s second LP for Columbia, released in March 1959. He had left Sun Records because Sam Phillips wouldn’t let him rec...more →

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TRAGIC SONGS OF LIFE
The Louvin Brothers
Capitol Records T-769 (1956)
the USA
4.93 “Poor” Country

Jukebox picks: “Mary Of The Wild Moor” (6.1) • “Alabama” (6.0) • “Knoxville Girl” (5.7)
TJR saysReleased in October, “Tragic Songs Of Life” was critically acclaimed from the off and has been held in high regard by co...more →

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SAM COOKE
Sam Cooke and Bumps Blackwell Orchestra
Keen A-2001 (1958)
the USA
4.91 “Poor” Pop Ballad; Big Band / Jive / Swing

Jukebox picks: “Summertime [uptempo version]” (7.5) • “You Send Me” (6.9) • “The Lonesome Road” (5.6)
TJR saysThe debut album from the 27 year old arrived in February 1958, basking in the glory of his huge Billboard No. 1 hit sing...more →

1-100 101-200
see also: (B-list) Album Chart of the 1950s



Album Charts by year

“A-list”

1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

“B-list”

1943 1945 1946 1950 1951 1952 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Album Charts by decade

“A-list”

1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s

“B-list”

1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s

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