Brian Setzer - Rockabilly Riot: Live from the Planet

by Lisa Torem

published: 31 / 10 / 2012

Brian Setzer - Rockabilly Riot: Live from the Planet

Label: Surf Dog
Format: CD

Thunderous rock 'n' roll on live album from Stray Cats founder and guitarist/vocalist, Brian Setzer

Review

Founder of the Stray Cats and three-time Grammy winner, Brian Setzer, will definitely create more than a stir with this fine collection of mostly recorded live hits. With him on 'Rockabilly Riot' are two drummers, Noah Levy and Slim Jim Phantom; two bassists, Johnny “Spazz” Hatton and Chris D’Rozario and Kevin McKendree on keyboards. The explosion starts with ‘Ignition,’ led by a fantastic riff, which shimmies up the fret board, brandishing Setzer’s blistering baritone. “If I say I’m out of gas, don’t believe a word…” “Turn the key, my heart jumps,” are great lyrics which jumpstart this recording. ’49 Mercury Blues’ emits some irresistible rhythmic chugging, swift changes and a subtle, but creeping bassline. Setzer’s personality shines through on this sophisticated blues fusion. ‘This Cat’s On a Hot Tin Roof’ features a throbbing solo. It’s a class act writhing with spot on phrasing and cool lyrics: “Drinking this whiskey 96 proof…” Setzer’s guitar work is over the top exciting. ‘Drive Like Lightning’ offers some wonderful Duane Eddy shouts and flashes back to the Ventures era. There’s also superb drumming by Phantom and Levy. ‘8-Track (Live) is awash in swirling staccato. This country ballad boasts Setzer’s versatility. ‘Slow Down/Folsom Prison Blues’ surely does “slow down” for the next combo, but the timing brings on a different breed of solo; a clean, smooth, reflective interlude. You can almost visualize Cash and his stunning black wardrobe when Setzer blares this icon’s cover. ‘Put Your Cat Clothes On’ find Setzer firing up all pistons as he’s matched up with McKendree. The trad tune, ‘Blue Moon Kentucky’, is taken to an unprecedented place, chock full of entertaining nods to earlier eras. This is a truly, virtuosic masterstroke. If Setzer’s guitar could speak, it would sound something like the vocab in ‘Pickpocket.’ The grunts and slides mesmerize as he conveys a wide range of moods in a slightly over two-minute marvel. The last 20 seconds leave you on the edge of your Harley. ‘Rumble in Brighton’ is a high-energy swing accentuated by dark, sweltering tones and Setzer’s talk of “razors in their shoes” and “ringside seats for the neighbors tonight.” ‘Runaway Boys’ is heavy on the seductive bass and is one more riveting, youthful jam. ‘Cry Baby’ is decorated with lusty, male voices and is the quintessential ballad bursting with attitude and sharp instrumental transitions. On‘Great Balls of Fire,’ Setzer does a fine job of inserting his very own flair into this Jerry Lee Lewis classic. McKendree’s piano jacks it up to the ninth degree. A little humour goes a long way in ‘Red Hot,’ where the male chorus responds: “Your gal ain’t doodily squat.” ‘Seven Nights To Rock’ is another tongue-in-cheek pleaser. “I’m gonna show my face with a different woman in a different place.” The tune resounds into unbeatable musical mayhem, plus it has another whiplash guitar solo, which will slash your wipers through the thickest hailstorm. “Rockabilly Riot: Live From the Planet” is a collection that sincerely puts Brian Setzer on the most ardent rock and roll lover’s map.

Track Listing:-

1 Ignition
2 49 Mercury Blues
3 This Cat s On A Hot Tin Roof
4 Drive Like Lightning
5 8-Track
6 Slow Down / Folsom Prison Blues
7 Your Cat Clothes On
8 Blue Moon of Kentucky
9 Pickpocket
10 Rumble in Brighton
11 Runaway Boys
12 Cry Baby
13 Great Balls Of Fire
14 Red Hot
15 Seven Nights to Rock