Jerry McCain – That’s What They Want: The Best Of Jerry McCain – Excello Records CD 3009

This 23-song CD that was released in 1995 highlights the delicious meld of blues and rock-n-roll visions of Jerry McCain, with the initial 12 cuts comprising the totality of his impressive singles that were released on the famed Excello Records imprint, with the remaining 11 songs being the brilliant work he laid down in, of all places, his living room using a rudimentary set-up of a single microphone and a basic one-track tape recorder.  McCain’s extraordinary blues-meets-rock-n-roll proficiencies are in full bloom across the expanse of this quenching compilation, with his grand vocals and harmonica lending credence to the question, “Why wasn’t he better recognized as a forefather of rock-n-roll?”  Across the breadth of this assemblage, McCain convinces with his vocal passion, his harmonica rides sonic waves of euphoria, warped and bent guitar offerings wail, drums bang and smash, and all the while the stanzas convey the redemption and deliverance of rock-n-roll filtered through his blues sensibilities.

This is simply an exciting, ardent ride into the realm of rock-n-roll by an artist whose recognized place within the blues dialogue is often marginal.  It shouldn’t be, as McCain’s blues visions were the harbinger of things to come.  The CD is a ride for those who prefer their blues chocked-full of fun, utterly entertaining, and peering around the corner toward the advent of rock-n-roll.

Below are the 23 selections featured in this amazing collection.

• That’s What They Want
• Courtin’ In A Cadillac
• If It Wasn’t For My Baby
• You Don’t Love Me No More
• Run, Uncle John, Run!
• Things Ain’t Right
• Tryin’ To Please
• My Next Door Neighbor
• Listen, Young Girls
• Bad Credit
• The Jig’s Up
• Groom Without A Bride
• A Cutie Named Judy
• Geronimo Rock & Roll
• It Must Be Love
• Rock & Roll Baby
• I Want Somebody To Love
• Turn Your Damper Down
• I’m A Ding Dong Daddy From A Rock & Roll City
• Choo Choo Rock
• Bell In My Heart
• My Next Door Neighbor
• Crying Like A Fool

Essential!