My God, she sounds like she's twenty!
This was the first thought I had when listening to "The Party Ain't Over" by Wanda Jackson (with Jack White). About three songs later I picked my jaw up off the floor and didn't wipe the smile from my face until the end of the CD.
Quick history lesson for those who don't know. If Elvis Presley is the king of early American Rock and Roll, then Wanda's the queen. And she deserves to be. She's had to settle for the "queen of Rockabilly" title, which is great, but her fame deserves to be so much more. She is arguably the first female rock and roll singer. She was the first female rocker to become big in Japan. After her Rockabilly days she had a string of Country hits and some success with Gospel as well. now she's back in the spotlight and enjoying the recognition she so richly deserves.
As far as the CD goes, it's just fabulous. I've been a fan of Jackson's for quite some time (my German import hits disc, "Wanda Rocks" has been in heavy rotation for about two years now). She could sing with power, she could coo, she could make you laugh and scare the hell out of you all in the same song. And she still can. About halfway through the record when she sings "You Know I'm No Good" and "Teach Me Tonight" she still sounds like the purring kitty she was all those years ago. That's right, Wanda makes being a Senior sound sexy. No one else can do that, not even Mick Jagger.
The chosen material is all top notch. From the classics "Shakin' All Over" and "Rip It Up" to her Gospel nod "Dust On The Bible" and a joyful rendition of "Rum and Coca Cola"(!) there's not a bad song in the bunch.
My only small complaint (and it is small) would be in the mix. Jack White's fuzzed out guitar is a bit too loud in places (though sometimes that's a good thing), and Wanda's voice seems a touch low at times. Now I am no fan of Mr. White or his main band The White Stripes. However, I do like what he's been doing with his other projects, and if he keeps on doing stellar work with legendary artists (he did the same for Loretta Lynn a while back) then my hat is off to the man for the service he's providing.
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 Daves
Check out the clip for a sample of the awesomeness that is Wanda Jackson.
Now that's how it's done, kids! If that didn't get you moving check your pulse-you may be dead.
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