The Ripchords
Rockin to the Rhythm
Released September 2024.
Reviewed September 2024 by Rockin Rebel.
Members
Paul Anderson - Double Bass/Vocals,
Ian Drums,
Simon Guitar/Vocals.
Recorded at Bank End Recording studio this 3-piece Rock n Roll outfit that continues to delight audiences and rock the dancefloors across the country. Performing covers and original tracks now for close to forty years. A booking favourite for the organisers of the biggest events right up to the end of 2025 with a NYE booking at “The Mayfair RnR Club” in Louth Lincolnshire. https://www.facebook.com/groups/580625255404576/
Paul tells me, The CD has taken a while to come to fruition and is proving to be quite popular, with the first Disc being sent to France, All the tracks on the Disc are songs that we play or have played over the years at our gigs, there are three Self-penned tracks on the disc, I'll Be True To You and As You Walk Bye written by myself. ’Sadie’ written By Simon Reeves and Keith Bradley “My most Favorite Track on the Disc”
Track by Track Review.
My idea of Heaven
Originally performed by the rock n roll legend Crazy Caven on their 1989 album Rough, Tough 'N' Ready. The band have slightly reduced the speed of the track with the intro of the drums leading us into the vocals. Paul sings in his usual superb, relaxed way that just gives this song a whole new sound (that’s experience for ya). The bass slaps away happily in the background with some nice guitar on the breaks. Great opening choice.
My Veronica
Stunning guitar opening this now classic rock n roll favourite by DJs across the clubs. Three instruments and a vocal and wow you just can’t help shakin the leg and singing along. Once again outstanding performance that give this track that magic Rip-chords touch. Greg Carmichae wrote the track and Ronnie Dawson released it, its also a classic track being used in the line dancing community.
I’m On Fire
Written and released by Bruce Springsteen who released the track in 1985, but was recorded in 1982, it’s a soft moody track that tells the story of a possible relationship/affair. Bought right up to date the band give it a true rockabilly make over. Fast paced drums and guitar helped by slapping bass take this track to the next level.
Isle Of Capri
We are a long, long way from the big band version of the Mr Sinatra. Written in 1934 by Wilhelm Grosz (aka Hugh Williams), the lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy. first recorded in in July of 1934, by Lew Stone and his Band. So how do you take a 1934 smash and make it modern, well you give it to this trio. Add some classic bass and drums with a quick paced guitar and pauls velvet tone and you have a quick step stroller/jive.
Tennessee Border
First recording and first released in 1948 by Jimmy Work and His Border Boys. It's a classic country and western song that made the crossover to rock n roll. Pauls vocals really goes together on this track, he has a kinda country sound in them there vocals. stunning backin again from the boys that bring the track the dead finish.
I’ll Be True to You
So we come to the first of the bands original tracks, Written by Paul himself and it’s a belter of a Rockin track. nice paced jiver. Demonstrating the talent of his writing skills with some great lyrics. Song writing nowadays must be difficult has just about every subject as been covered a million times. So, I tip my hat to anybody writing these great rock n roll tunes of today. Some great guitar work backed by them two rhythm makers on the bass and drums.
Sadie
In the statement at the beginning Paul tells how this track is his knew favourite and I can hear why. I hear so many classic tracks within the backing. Its like a tribute to all that’s been and gone but with new lyrics. The music steps forward from Pauls vocals, which is wonderfully sung. You can hear the enjoyment within the whole track. the music score is brilliant. This is rock n roll at its best and I bet there was not many takes to lay this track down. Well done Simon Reeves and Keith Bradley.
Standing In Your Window
Nothing better than hearing a track for the first time. Written-By and released by Hoyt Johnson co-wrote with Jim Atkins. Originally released in 1957 on the Erwin label-based Memphis, Tennessee, launched in 1956 by Marshall Ellis. The Band keep close to the original on this hell of a jiver. Both vocals and backing are spot on. So nice to hear something that will be un-played and rare being performed.
As You Walk By
Second track written by the front man and once again he comes out on top. A great Rockin rhythm to this jiver. Bass and drums still displaying their tightness throughout the track. Paul gives us some nice vocals. Three and half minutes of pure listening pleasure
Rocket ship
First released in the UK in1977 on the RM label. RM was the label of Derek Glenister's 'Record Mart' shop in Southend-on-Sea. Written by J. Elliot for a release in 1961 in the U.S.A performed by Jackie Lowell with Duane Diamond And The Astronauts. The band do an almighty rendition of this track. we must remember there is only three instruments being played on this song just like back in the sun studio days and this is just has refreshing. Great sound and Pauls chilled vocals really do take you back to those glory days of rock n roll.
Old Black Joe
My first time of hearing this was the sun studio version from Jerry Lee Lewis with Gene Lowery Singers released in 1960. Then out of the blue it became the closing track for many of todays artist. It’s a crowd pleaser for sure and love to join in on the chorus. The band offer their own unique style to this cover and im sure it will have the crowds dancing away whilst singing on the top of their voices “OLD BLACK JOE”
Summary
Well what a delightful album. Full of great covers of the classics with some unknown rarities thrown in. Original tracks and sing along faves. The band has a style all to themselves and is very recognisable with front mans vocal. It was stated that the album was a bit of long time in releasing. Well its worth the wait. I hear that it is already selling well across Europe and im sure it will hear in the UK. Great album lads and im happy to say that the next CD will be out in the not too distant future.
You can purchase the album via this facebook link
book the band paulanderson988@gmail.com
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