Play It Again V/A

Back in the rockin' '50s, invariably chart-busting R&B records would inspire a slew of covers, follow-ups and some damn fine copy-cat wannabes. "Play It Again," the first of two sets, kicks off with Jackie Brenston's "My Real Gone Rocket" a sequel to his big hit "Rocket 88," considered by many to be the first fully imagined Rock & Roll smash opus to hit the jukes in 1951, placing Ike Turner & His Kings of Rhythm at the head of the game. Roy Brown's "Mr. Hound Dog's In Town" was one of many post hound-dog songs released after Willie Mae "Big Mama" Thornton's #1 chart-topper (backed by R&B pioneer Johnny Otis Orchestra). From solo R&B singers we also highlight vocal groups like the Cadillacs and Monotones with spin-offs to their own hits "Speedo" and "Book of Love". Early soul-wailing is represented by the likes of Ann Cole and Joe Tex. There's something for everyone on this 32-song collection. The Bop never stops.