The Bobcats
Let’s Get Crazy (own release)
Released 8th July 2024
Reviewed 15th July 2024 by Rockin Rebel
The Bobcats are a Rock & Roll, Rockabilly, Doo Wop, band from the UK, spread across the this great land, Darren who now resides in Retford Nottinghamshire, Stevie lives in Weston-Super-Mare, Jamie travels from the M42 close to Redditch and Shaun ventures from Cannock, Staffordshire. Some original tracks feature on the album, “Graveyard” and the album’s title track “Let’s Get Crazy” written by Stevie B. Zimmer frame Boogie composed by Darren. Mixing the tracks was Zac Dravcovic. Front cover designed by Shaun. So lets get to the all important part, the music. The headphones on and the volume up high. So lets go crazy with The Bobcats
Members are.
Darren Davis - Lead Singer
Shaun Jenkinson - Drummer / Backing Vocals
Stevie B - Double bass / vocals/Backing Vocals
Jamie Hill - Guitarist / vocals/Backing vocals
Kaye Jenkinson – Roadette/stylist/finance and tea maker.
Track by track review
Zimmer Frame Boogie (Davis)
Original track to open the album and what a track it is. High Octane stuff from the boys. A fun look at how we are all ageing and will soon be boppin with a Zimmer frame, great lyrics and vocals. Rockin track to set you up for the rest of the album. Must advice that some words might be offensive to some, but fit into the humour of the track.
I Beg of You (Owens/McCoy)
First released by Elvis in 1957 and was used as the flipside to “Don’t”. Stevie takes the lead voca. The boys open the track with a fast beat drum roll before the opening backing vocals kick in with its Bom Bom. The fellas do a real good on keeping a close vibe to the original. The drums carry the track with high paced tempo whilst the guitar and bass follow nicely along. Great cover.
Mostest Girl (Trammell)
Superb cover of the 1958 smash hit. The band using its doo wop style opening just like the previous song. jamie does a stuttering vocal in places that brings this track to the very own style, great to hear the bass thrashing away very energetically. Love the ending with its Jordanaires style deep voice to a fade out.
Folsom Prison (Cash)
Just one of the most famous tracks to come out of Memphis and that Sun sound that only Mr Phillips could create. Keeping very close to the original which is always the best way for this track. but the bands front man takes his vocals to another level with some notes that J.D Sumner would be proud of. Backing is just perfect from the rocking instruments and the enjoyment come out through the speakers. Cash wrote the track in 1953 and released it two years later in 55.
Cherokee Boogie (Mullican)
Tells the story of young love between a young Cherokee lady and a mans journey through life’s ups and downs, I was lucky enough to see this sang life and Jamie’s opening Indian yodel. Just a awesome version of this country line dancing track that’s now become a rocking favourite and the boys do a mighty fine cover, it’s a floor filler.
7 Nights To Rock (Trail- Glover- Innis)
Second track which was recorded by Moon Mullican and given the bands very own touch.and it’s the first vocal lead from young Jamie. Some nice guitar riffs on this Belter of a track. Vocals are clear and raw, turning it to a medley with Gone Gone Gone being thrown in for good measure. Cracking version once again.
Personal Jesus (Gore)
I can say with hand on heart that when I first heard this track back in 89. In my wildest dreams did i expect this to become a rock n roll track. mainly used within the psychobilly bands but becoming more widespread within the rock n roll scene, the bobcats give a great rendition and Darrens vocal really suits the track with his deep tone. the boys have created a Rockin style which is as always unique to the Bobcats.
Let ‘s Get Crazy (Stevie B)
Fast paced bop and jive Rockin track. Stevie’s vocals start straight from the start, lyrics tell about the joys of rock n roll music and how it makes you feel, just get crazy and let the good times roll. Fantastic guitar work with bass and drums keeping the timing.
Stray Cat Strut (Setzer)
Well, this one takes no introduction. The third single release for the mighty stray cats. Another one of tracks that really can’t be changed that much in sound, but can be formatted to bring it forward in time, and yes you guessed it the boys have done that both vocally (Jamie) and musically.
Rockabilly Boogie (Burnette, Jerome, Hawkins, Dorsey)
Let’s get down to the hideaway for a night of high voltage rockabilly. Classic rockabilly track which combines a mixture of genres to form this dance floor classic,the boys give a great cover of this all-time favourite.
I’m On Fire (Springsteen)
My favourite track on the album. Its raw, its Beatie, its wild, its rock n roll. Some sublime guitar and slap bass tagged with a rockin drum background. The boys are defiantly on fire.
Matchbox (Perkins)
Recorded way back in 1956 and released by its writer Mr Carl Perkins in 1957 on that founding record label Sun. Jerry lee Lewis played the piano on that session and it was released on the flipside to “Your True Love” Jamie takes the lead vocal for the last time on the album and leaves us with track that will rock your socks off. Turn the volume up and let that body go crazy once again. Would have liked this track being extended by about three more minutes, give them jiver a good workout.
Graveyard (Stevie)
A really good track with great lyrics and a Rockin tune. Written and performed by the bass player himself. Not sure it fits with the album because of having more of a Halloween vibe, but nevertheless a great track with its howling wolf and the Vincent price laugh.
Freight Train Boogie (S-B Nobar)
First released in the mid-1940s by the
brothers. The boys don’t let up that fast-paced Rockin sound. A truly great cover of this country track transformed into the rockabilly classic we all know and love. Great job lads.
Rockabilly Rebel (bloomfield)
One of the best know rockabilly tracks on the scene and now the most underplayed on the scene today. Released in 1979 by Matchbox and soon became the anthem to the rockabilly sound of the 80s. and I can’t think of a better track to finish the album on, the boys take us back to the days when we could bop, jive and wail before the zimmer frame boogie kicked it. Brilliant ending,
Summery
The bobcats have been around the block and know what the rockin audience want. So from the stage to the recording studio and bring us the dance hall to our homes. Remember the Bobcats have done this album all by them selfs and deserve recognition for that, 15 awesome tracks which contains some brand new original releases that are performed to the highest quality. It’s a cd you will play time and time again. Well done boys.
Recommendation
For sure, could not praise it enough, don’t just buy it, go and see them and buy it.
Bio
The Bobcats, a renowned musical ensemble, are masters of transporting audiences back to the golden era of the 1950s, where the intoxicating melodies of Rock & Roll, Rockabilly, Doo Wop, and Jive reigned supreme. With their distinctive rockabilly sound and energetic performances, they have rightfully earned their place among the foremost performers on the music circuit, captivating audiences both in the UK and on international stages for numerous years.
Comprised of seasoned musicians, each member of The Bobcats brings a wealth of experience to the stage, having graced venues of all sizes, from intimate private gatherings to commanding the attention of diverse crowds throughout Europe. Their collective expertise shines through in their seamless performances and electrifying stage presence, captivating audiences with every chord and beat.
The band’s repertoire is a treasure trove of musical gems from the 1950s, carefully curated to embrace the vibrant Rock & Roll scene of that era. From iconic classics to lesser-known gems, The Bobcats breathe new life into timeless tunes, infusing each performance with their own unique flair and style.
Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate event, or private party, The Bobcats are here to bring the timeless charm of 1950s music to your occasion, creating an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. Get ready to twist, shout, and jive the night away with The Bobcats as they transport you back to a bygone era of music and memories.
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