line up 1  (1978)

- Shakin' Stevens (aka Michael Barratt) -- vocals

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Genre: rock

Rating: 2 stars **

Title:  Shakin' Stevens

Company: Epic

Catalog:  3E 36924
Year: 1980

Country/State: Cardiff, UK

Grade (cover/record): VG+/VG+

Comments: 10" EP

Available: 1

Catalog ID: 1763

Price: $8.00

Geez, for anyone who thanks all British music is great, I suggest checking out Shakin' Stevens.   Starting his career in the mid-'60s, by the early-'80s Stevens was briefly one of the UK's biggest stars; enjoying platinum sales.    

The interesting thing is trying to figure out how Stevens ended up signed to an American contract with Epic, let alone managed to release a four track EP on the label's brief experiment with 10" EPs..  About all I can figure is Epic executives didn't have a clue who Stevens was, apparently under the impression he was a British new wave act.   

To be honest, Stevens' brand of '50s retro rock (Gene Vincent, Elvis Presley, etc.) had zero appeal for me so there wasn't much here that I enjoyed.  At least if was short ...  In case anyone cared, three of the songs were lifted from his 1980 album "This Ole House".

"Shakin' Stevens" track listing:
(side 1)

1.) Marie, Marie   (dave Alvin) - 2:44

Originally released on his 1980 "This Ole House" album, 'Marie, Marie' was a good example of why Stevens never had a chance of making it in the States.   A flat and uninspired trashing of Elvis Presley moves, this one had all the inspiration of a deodorant commercial.   If you think that sounds mean-spirited, then check out this 1982 live performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwFE3gTka4M    rating: ** stars 
2.) Hey Mae   (R. Kershaw - D. Kershaw) - 2:30

Another tune off his 1980 "This Ole House" LP it was hard to imagine something worse than 'Marie, Marie', but 'Hey Mae' managed to accomplish it.   An upbeat Presley-esque number, this one was simply pathetic.   rating: * star

(side 2)
1.) Is A Bluebird Blue   (Dan Penn) - 3:01

If you want to hear the definitive version, then check out the Dan Penn original.    As for Stevens' cover ...   zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz     Well at least the pedal slide guitar solo was nice.   rating: ** stars
2.) Baby If We Touch    (Shakin' Stevens) - 2:59

The only original tune on the EP, 'Baby If We Touch ' was little more than fourth-rate Presley.  Yech.  Also off his "This Ole House" LP.   rating; * stars