Track Listing

1. That's All Right Mama - Paul McCartney
2. Mystery Train - Jeff Beck & Chrissie Hynde
3. My Bucket's Got a Hole in It - Jimmy Page & Robert Plant
4. Blue Suede Shoes - Johnny Hallyday
5. Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On - Elton John
6. Blue Moon of Kentucky - Tom Petty
7. Sitting on Top of the World - Van Morrison & Carl Perkins
8. Don't Be Cruel - Brian Ferry
9. Red Cadillac and a Black Moustache - Bob Dylan
10. Walkin' in the Rain - Eric Clapton
11. Lonely Weekend - Matchbox 20
12. Who Will the Next Fool Be? - Sheryl Crow
13. It Wouldn't Be the Same Without You - Chris Isaak
14. I Walk the Line - Live
15. Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee - The Howling Diablos & Kid Rock
16. You Win Again - Mandy Barnett with the Jordanaires

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #91504 in Music
• Released on: 2001-10-30
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Amazon.com
Most of the artists on this tribute to Sam Phillips's legendary Memphis label have chosen to cover the rockabilly hits. It isn't until a genuine Sun rockabilly artist--the late Carl Perkins--makes an appearance, joining Van Morrison for Howlin' Wolf's "Sittin' on Top of the World," that things briefly get bluesy. Instead, Paul McCartney, Jeff Beck, Chrissie Hynde, Tom Petty, and Bryan Ferry all offer up loving, note-for-note recreations of early Elvis tunes, even if it was Jerry Lee Lewis, not Elvis, who recorded a cover of "Don't Be Cruel" (Ferry's tune) for Sun.

But Elton John and Mandy Barnett both do The Killer (Lewis) proud here, as Sheryl Crow later does for Charlie Rich, and Led Zep's Page & Plant do for Sonny Burgess. Especially marvelous is Bob Dylan's subtle and, at times, hilarious take on Warren Smith's "Red Cadillac and a Black Moustache." It's a career highlight and every bit as enchanting as Robert Gordon's '70s cover version. Like the label itself, there are more hits than misses here. --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews

The Sun Shines Brightly, Despite A Few Dark Clouds
"Good Rockin' Tonight" is an excellent tribute to Sun Records, marred by a few clunkers. Paul McCartney turns in an upbeat, inspired performance of "That's All Right, Mama," including more lyrics than Elvis did in his version. Elton John passionately pounds the piano and does his best Jerry Lee Lewis style vocal on "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On." It's Elton's rockingest performance in years and my favorite track. Bob Dylan performs the obscure Warren Smith tune "Red Cadillac And A Black Moustache" in his unique style and remakes it into a Dylan classic. Like a fine wine, Dylan gets better with age. Bryan Ferry turns in a polished performance of "Don't Be Cruel". It wasn't a hit for Elvis until his RCA years, but Jerry Lee Lewis recorded a version of the song while he was at Sun records. Sheryl Crow does a bluesy version of the Charlie Rich classic "Who Will The Next Fool Be?", while Matchbox 20 rocks the house with a lively version of Mr. Rich's "Lonely Weekend." "It Wouldn't Be The Same Without You" is an obscure track that appeared on the Elvis "Sunrise" compilation. Chris Isaak sounds so much like a young Elvis that his version of the song could be mistaken for an outtake from "Sunrise." On the other hand, Live turn in an off-key performance of "I Walk The Line" which can't compare to the original Johnny Cash classic. The Howling Diablos and Kid Rock should be arrested for murdering the song "Drinkin' Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee." They single-handedly prevented me from giving "Good Rockin' Tonight" a five star rating.

Love this CD - favorite is "Lonely Weekends"
This CD is very enjoyable and excellent quality. All the artists contribute great covers of the Sun Records songs, creative, often different from their usual styles. Some surprising performances!

My favorite is "Lonely Weekends" by Matchbox Twenty. This cut is so bluesy and funky, with outstanding musical performance by the group - superb vocals by Rob Thomas!! Shows the range of their musical abilities. To me, that cut is worth the price of the whole CD. I also really enjoy the cover by Sheryl Crow - very bluesy and gutsy.

Can't wait to see it on PBS!

Not The Usual 'Tribute' Sludge
I usually hate these kinds of records -- recent duds include 'A Nod To Bob' and the 'Avalon Blues' collection. But this is in a class of its own. Paul McCartney's version of "That's Alright, Mama" is a fine opener, with assistance from Scottie Moore and DJ Fontana from the original 1955 session. Jeff Beck is amazing on "Mystery Train," conjuring up licks from every era of rockabilly. Chrissie Hynde, though, sounds as though she is having a gastric attack. The Page/Plant track is so-so, but Johnny Halliday's "Blue Suede Shoes" makes up for it. The Dylan "Red Cadillac" is amusing, if a bit strained. But the highspots are Sheryl Crowe's track, "Who Will The Next Fool Be?" (surely a Clapton guitar role here?), Matchbox 20 on "Lonely Weekend" and Kid Rock, et al., on "Drinking Wine SpohdeeOhDee".

I'm old enough to remember the originals, and most of this CD is right up to standard. It was a shock to hear Carl Perkins with Van Morrison (obviously an older track), but it's a treat to hear him play some perfect guitar licks in the coda...

Oh, and Elton John's "Whole Lotta Shaking" is really cool...