Rockabilly may have been jump jive swing western electric at one time, a grandpappy to rock ‘n’ roll, but today it’s music enslaved to a particular rhythm–hang the music, lyrics, character, syncopation… i mean, c’mon, dance!
Now, the bona fide uncut stuff sounds like Little Joey Farr and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Santa.” Note the lawless guitar, rule-breaking sax, and cry baby vocals for future reference.
Even better jailbait sultriness from Cathy Sharpe’s “North Pole Rock ‘N’ Roll.” It’s just that dirty. And so should be your dancing.
More originality from Chuck Blevins and “Sleighbell Rock.” This is the music your grandparent conceived to.
CUPIDS sneer and snarl “Merry Christmas & Happy Rollickin’ Rollin’ New Year” with panache. Hey that sounds like somebody i’ve heard before!
Ah yes, Elvis. He’s rock–sort of (actually he’s in a genre called Elvis). So all impersonators stop here. Shakin’ Stevens gives us what Elvis can’t–one more Xmas tune. “Rockin’ Little Christmas Time” is mid-60s The King. It wails, woo!
So, there’s also Dennis Kolb, swiveling the pelvis for “Rockin’ Christmas Stocking.” Some authentic licks, but it’s all in fun.
One more Elvisinator: Ken Donelly Band with “Rockin’ into Christmas.” Nice recognizable beat. Any similarities to music previously played is purely intentional.
But let’s biker serious, as rockabilly is wont to do. Shotgun modulates “Rockabilly Santa” like their cool depended on it. Someone’s been practicing!
The Time Burners squeeze “Rock Rockin’ Christmas” like a moonshine soaked rag they need to get the last drop out of. But, a bit by the numbers for a song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bPj1Jpa5x0