The Land of Cerpts and Honey

THE INAUGURAL RELEASE FROM NEW RECORD LABEL "SACRISTAN RECORDS" IS A WINNER! The two-cd compilation "MOVE IT!: BRITISH POPULAR MUSIC 1954-1964" has just been released and it is a treasure trove of classic platters from the early years of British rock & roll. This compilation is invaluable to those of us in the colonies who have frankly never had a chance to hear most (if not all) of these singles. While named after Cliff Richard's hit song "Move It!" (sorta the big bang in British rock & roll records), Sir Cliff's song does not appear on the compilation. However, we are treated to a version by Chris Andrews to open volume one. This song is followed by Paul McCartney favourite "Twenty Flight Rock" here performed by Vince Taylor and later on the cd performed by Cliff Richard and the Shadows! There are cover versions of such song's as Little Richard's "Slippin' and Slidin'" (performed by Dickie Pride, The Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There" (performed by Duffy Power and the Graham Bond Organisation), Louis Armstrong's biblical tune "Shadrack" (performed by Glen Mason) and The Isley's Brothers' "Shout" (performed by Lulu). Standout original tracks include a quartet of songs by The Vernon Girls, Clinton Ford's "Fanlight Fanny" and Dennis Lotis' "Sugaree".

Volume Two opens with the quirky Wee Willie Harris singing "Rocking Chair on the Moon" followed by Shane Fenton and the Fentones' "Walk Away" and a quartet of Joe Brown, Billy Fury, Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochran singing "My Babe". The famous Tony Sheridan with the Beatles sessions are represented by the ubiquitous "My Bonnie" as well as a cover of "Nobody's Child". The Silver Beatles can be heard rocking "Love of the Loved" while The Quarrymen record "In Spite of All the Danger" b/w the Buddy Holly cover "That'll Be the Day" featured on the 90's Beatles Anthology documentary series is also included. A cover version of the Beatles' "Yesterday" (performed in a bolero fashion by Alma Cogan) stands side by side with boffo original tracks such as Dave King's "Bing Crosbyesque" "You Can't Be True To Two" and Tommy Steele's "Knee Deep in the Blues" and "A Little Bitty Tear" by Miki and Griff. Liberally scattered throughout the disc are appearances by Adam Faith, Shirley Bassey, Helen Shapiro and Anthony Newley.

If you are lucky enough to have a neighbourhood record shop which carries this new Sacristan Records release, comb your ducktail and motor on down to pick up a copy! I predict this terrific 2 cd set indicates many great things to come from further Sacristan releases in the future. Long may they spin!