Additional Information from Movie Mars
Product Description
2 LPs on 1 CD: QUARTER TO THREE (1961)/TWIST UP CALYPSO (1962).
Includes liner notes by Brian Walsh.
All tracks have been digitally remastered.
QUARTER TO THREE/TWIST UP CALYPSO compiles Gary U.S. Bonds' first two albums (dating from 1961 and 1962, respectively) on a single disc. These records are classic relics of "Animal House"-era frat-party rock and soul. Visionary producer Frank Guida used tape echo to effect maximum incomprehensibility throughout "Quarter to Three"-a technique that inspired millions of kids to try to decipher the song's possibly profane lyrics. All of which may have something to do with the popularity of the recording, though the performances of Guida's house band, the Church Street 5, and Bonds himself should not be overlooked.
While not quite as demented, "New Orleans," "School is Out," and "Twist Twist Senora" employ a similar style. Elsewhere, Bonds croons a couple of heartfelt doo-wop ballads and pulls off a convincing Jackie Wilson impression ("That's All Right"). Guida forces Bonds to compete with a trilling Neapolitan mandolin on "Give Me One More Chance." A lesser singer would have been thoroughly nonplussed, but Bonds pulls it off with class.
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