youTube - Blue Cats - Wild Night

This was one of the great rockabilly singles of the 80's. I don't remember hearing it on the radio but it was a highlight of the Best of British Rockabilly vinyl lp which I think was on Raucous. I've got it in the cupboard here but my misses is sat in the way watching The Mist. The clip here was posted by the Blue Cats' very own Clint Bradley who says in the blurb that it was "Single Of The Week in Sounds 1981. Recorded in Paris 1981." Primetime rockabilly revival. Play it loud and marvel at the sound. Why can't rockin' bands get on the tele nowadays?

Lisa George and The Pedalos

Lisa George and The Pedalos

Blue Eyed Rockabilly Boy

Raucous Records - RAUCD 216

Track listing: Blue Eyed Rockabilly Boy / Ain't Love Addictive / My One Desire / Black Cadillac.

Lisa George is a new name to me but it appears she’s been making a living behind the mic for quite a few years already. She began in the all-gal rockabilly band Helles Belles before joining a soul revue The Rumble Band. She has also an extensive resume with theatre roles ranging from backing that tosser Lily Savage and playing the role of Tammy Wynette in “The Queens of Country” UK tour. Now she’s back on the rockabilly circuit with the Pedalos, a quartet with a penchant for the exotic beat that suits Lisa’s vocals to a tee.

They’ve been signed by Raucous Records with their debut album imminent. In the meantime, Raucous have released an EP to whet the appetite, featuring two tracks from the album and two that are for this EP only. They were recorded by Chris Cummings at his Riverside Studios in Blackpool. Blue Eyed Rockabilly Boy is a storming opener written by Lisa and rhythm guitarist Adrian Shuie McKenna. It launches into life with a grumbling guitar from ex-Slingshots axeman John England, giving it an early Stray Cats feel. The track has that 80’s feel and the heavy bass reminds me of the Blue Cats’ Wild Night. The vocals growl and I could see this becoming a dance floor favourite.

Ain’t Love Addictive will also be on the album and it’s a ballad which gives her plenty of space to clean her pipes. The cover of Dorsey Burnette’s My One Desire is the weakest thing here, it’s not bad but it lacks the drive of the Stray Cats version. No such problem with Black Cadillac which gives Joyce Green a run for her money. England is on fire again, and it’s a great closer for a great single.