"American Music" - The Blasters - This was the first band of Rockabilly music I heard back in 1981. Well the Stray Cats were a close second. This music sounded like country music to me. Now I love it's swinging melodies and cool guitar sound. This band is what made it all happen for me. We've seen them play about 30 times in over 30 years.
"My Baby Blue Eyes" - The Stray Cats - This band exposed a new generation to mainstream Rockabilly that you still can hear on the radio now. Songs like "Rock This Town" and "Stray Cat Strut" can be heard on mainstream radio. They did have a great Rockabilly sound. We were lucky enough to see them only once in the 80's. I love this less popular song "My Baby Blue Eyes," but it's not a love song; it's a mean song.
"Piece of Your Love" - The Lee Rocker Band - Lee Rocker was the stand-up bass player for the Stray Cats. Now doing his own thing with his own band. Our friend Brophy Dale plays a mean guitar in this band. They have a great retro Rockabilly sound. Lee has a great voice and plays a rumbling bass. He's a good songwriter too. We've seen them play a couple dozen times.
"Hold on Tight" - Whisky Pills Fiasco - We discovered this band at a friend's house party. They are known for doing Rockabilly covers of non-Rockabilly songs like Ace of Spades by Motorhead. They are a very fun party band, they also play originals like "Hold on Tight." They played at my recent 50's themed birthday party! So much fun!
"Mayhem" - Imelda May - This Irish lass sure knows how to sing Rockabilly with all the sass she can conjure up. They also have a great booming bass sound. I like her original songs like this one called "Mayhem."
"Miss Take" - Horrorpops - My sister Carla hipped us on this band which borders on Psychobilly. The singer is also the stand-up bass player. She plays a rockin' bass. This song is one of my sister's favorites.
"I Need A Man" - Wanda Jackson - A classic Rockabilly artist from the 50's has so much passion in her voice when she sings about needing a man. Love this song! Who doesn't want someone to hold and kiss them.
"Love Sick Hick" - Chop Tops - The Chop Tops are a local Santa Cruz based Rockabilly band. Their singer "Sinner" is also the stand-up drummer. He's known for dedicating every song to some group. They are fun to listen to.
"Cryin' Over You" - Rosie Flores - This Texan born Rockabilly queen has a great voice. We saw her play many years ago, she rocked it.
"She's Deadly" - Koffin Kats - Another band my sister hipped us to, she had them play at their 40th birthday a few years ago. They also are considered more like Psychobilly, a very fast guitar sound.
"My Heart is Achin' for You" - James Intveld - What a great Rockabilly love song. James is an excellent singer and puts his heart into this song.
