Wanda Rocks

For those who have encountered Wanda Jackson in the sets of Neko Case, the wild rockabilly posturing of early Pearl Harbour & the Explosions, or on compilations or her comeback during the early part of the 21st century, this is a compilation made in heaven -- or hell if you are simply a fan of her later gospel records. Bear Family assembled a whopping serving of tracks and put them on a single disc. Her first-ever rockabilly original is here, "Baby Loves Him," as well as "Honey Bop," her politically incorrect but oh-so- damned-fine version of Earl Burrows' "Fujiyama Mama," and the burning honesty of Jesse Stone's "Money Honey." Her version of Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup's "My Baby Left Me" is arguably the definitive one. Her readings of Richard Berry's "Tongue Tied" and "There's a Party Goin' On" are genuine rock & roll scorchers. There is nary a cut in this batch that won't inspire worship at the altar of the Almighty Wanda. ~ Thom Jurek