Side One 1. Boppin' To Grandfather's Clock – Hardrock Gunter 2. Transfusion – Nervous Norvus 3. Psycho – Bobby Hendricks 4. Crazy Baby – Gene Maltais 5. Do The Clam – Elvis Presley 6. Alarm Clock Boogie – Billy Briggs 7. Mama-Oom-Mow-Mow (The Bird) – The Rivingtons 8. Rubber Biscuit – The Chips
Side Two 1. It's Mighty Crazy – Lightning Slim 2. Oo-Ma-Liddi – J.J. Jackson 3. Real Wild Child – Ivan 4. Witch Doctor – David Seville 5. Ain't Got No Home – Clarence "Frogman" Henry 6. Jock-A-Mo – James "Sugar Boy" Crawford 7. Boom Pacha Boom – Billy Byrd & His Penguins 8. Funnel Of Love – Wanda Jackson
Rock 'n' Roll has always had a gloriously eccentric side, and Don't Be Square... Go Ape! celebrates it in spectacular fashion. This wildly entertaining compilation gathers sixteen records that ignore convention in favour of humour, irresistible rhythms and larger-than-life performances, proving that some of the era's most memorable records were also its most unpredictable.
The line-up is every bit as colourful as the title, featuring Wanda Jackson, Clarence "Frogman" Henry, Nervous Norvus, David Seville, The Rivingtons and Hardrock Gunter. From the automotive chaos of Transfusion and the surreal vocal acrobatics of Ain't Got No Home to the swagger of Funnel Of Love and the enduring carnival atmosphere of Jock-A-Mo, every track brings its own brand of glorious musical mayhem.
It's the sort of album that reminds you Rock 'n' Roll never took itself too seriously. Long before novelty records became a genre of their own, artists were already stretching the rules, inventing unforgettable characters, making outrageous noises and proving that a great record didn't have to be sensible to be unforgettable. Beneath the laughter lies some first-rate musicianship, which is exactly why these wonderfully offbeat records have stood the test of time.
Beautifully presented on vinyl, Don't Be Square... Go Ape! is an irresistible addition for collectors of Rock 'n' Roll, Rockabilly, Rhythm & Blues and novelty records, celebrating the wonderfully offbeat spirit that has always been part of popular music.
