Redline Rockets

NOW DIG THIS Magazine
Issue #315
June 2009
Review by Harry Dodds:

The Redline Rockets are based in Denver, Colorado and comprise of Ricky Dean Haffey (vocals / rhythm guitar), Tim Wallace (lead guitar), Mike Baird (slap bass), and Jesse Carraway (drums). The collection is made up of eleven original compositions and nine covers of very familiar songs.

The quartet have all paid their dues, playing in a host of bands over many years, and are united in their love of 1950s rockabilly. This excellent CD will delight devotees of the genre. “Monkey See Monkey Do”, “Lonni Jean”, “Ice Cold Beer”, and “Hitch’n Yer Giddup” are all excellent examples but the real killer is “Hotcakes” which is rockabilly perfection. These original songs are way above par with great lyrics and Haffey’s voice is ideally suited to the material. The opener, “Redline Rocket”, a train song with various effects, allows Haffey to introduce the band. “$99 Guitar” is a narration with clever lyrics. “Kickin’ & Screamin’”, a rockabilly version of Paul Peek’s “The Rockaround”, and “Shut Your Mouth” are both powerful, cranked up rockers. Wallace takes over on vocals with the self-penned stroller, “Mean Machine”. Their final original is a stirring instrumental, “Wild Blue Wonder”, which lasts almost six minutes.

Best of the covers has to be “Stood Up”, last a minute and a half longer than Ricky Nelson’s classic waxing. The rest are generally fine although the Presley-styled “Good Rockin’ Tonight” might just be in too high a key. In contract, Haffey’s hoarse on “Flyin’ Saucers Rock & Roll”, coming across like Jimmy Durante. Unlike the original, the lyrics are perfectly clear on “Woman Love”. “All Mama’s Children” is an ideal choice and the Cochran songs are extended with two lead break. “Shakin’ All Over” and “Rock Around With Ollie Vee” pretty much mimic the originals.

Willie Lewis, owner of the Rock-A-Billy Record Co. can be proud of this heartwarming CD.

Harry Dobbs
NOW DIG THIS Magazine
Issue #315
June 2009


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