One of the Founding Fathers of rock ’n’ roll, Little Richard (born Richard Penniman) is one of the most influential entertainers in popular music history, best known for his over-the-top performances at the piano and his string of instantly recognizable hit songs, including “Tutti Frutti,” “Good Golly Miss Molly” and “Lucille.” During the course of his 60-plus-year career, the GRAMMY Award winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has released nearly 80 singles and over 20 studio albums. This deluxe, 5-LP box set includes the entire output of studio albums recorded by Little Richard for the Specialty and Vee-Jay labels, each in their original, mono mixes: Here’s Little Richard (1957), Little Richard (1958), The Fabulous Little Richard (1959), Little Richard Is Back (1964) and His Greatest Hits (1965). Each LP is housed in a sleeve jacket, within the slipcase. Rounding out the collection is a 16-page booklet featuring new liner notes by journalist Bill Dahl, plus a treasure trove of photos. Here’s Little Richard (Specialty, 1957): Little Richard’s 1957 debut kicks off with iconic track “Tutti-Frutti,” a song which many consider to mark the birth of rock ’n’ roll. This must-have album also includes the original recordings of such classics as “Long Tall Sally,” “Ready Teddy,” “Jenny Jenny,” “Rip It Up,” “Slippin’ and Slidin’” and more. Little Richard (Specialty, 1958): By the time he recorded his second, self-titled LP, Little Richard was one of rock ’n’ roll’s biggest stars. Little Richard finds the flamboyant singer coming into his own, with hits “Keep a Knockin’,” “Lucille,” “Good Golly Miss Molly,” and the title track of Jayne Mansfield flick The Girl Can't Help It. The Fabulous Little Richard (Specialty, 1959): Little Richard’s third album marked the end of his rock ’n’ roll period. Released soon after Richard had traded in a life of fame to focus on religion and spreading the gospel, this final album for Specialty features tracks from Richard’s 1955-57 sessions that, at the time, had not yet been released. Includes “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On,” “Lonesome and Blue” and “Kansas City.” Little Richard Is Back (Vee-Jay, 1964): Having taken several years to focus on religion and gospel music, Little Richard returned to his rock ’n’ roll roots – kicking off with a European tour (a young band called the Beatles were one of his opening acts). Upon his return, Richard signed a record contract with Vee-Jay Records, for which he recorded a wealth of tracks – both old favorites as well as new tunes, with a backing band that, at times, included Jimi Hendrix on guitar. This album, and His Greatest Hits, are the results of these “comeback” sessions. His Greatest Hits (Vee-Jay, 1965): In his return to rock ’n’ roll, Little Richard tackled a handful of his best-loved songs in the studio. This is an interesting listen – with nearly a decade of time between the original recordings of songs like “Tutti-Frutti” and “Good Golly Miss Molly,” Richard revisited his classics with new arrangements and instrumentation.
G**C
Excellence all around
I have bought many vinyl box sets, some done with attention to detail, others rather slapdash, some priced right, others overpriced and overhyped. This Little Richard Mono Box may not seem like much, but it really is one of the best I have bought. A lot is said about 180 grams reissue etc, but often the pressings are not great- but here straightaway I could tell from the weight and sheen on the LP's that the pressing were going to be good. The LP's come in poly inner liners- another marker for a reissue done with care. As for the other reviewer's comment that the booklet was slim- I wonder if he looked at what was in it, rather than how thick it was! What is has is a absolutely detailed and extensive essay by Bill Dahl, spreading over 5 pages, interspersed with B&W photos of LR, highlighting all the various musicians and producers and recording sessions involved. Even a cursory reading of it is going to take your half an hour! Dahl knows his stuff and believe me this is not the standard sort of booklet that the usual boxset reissues have (see my review the Ray Charles box, with it's absolutely useless and shameful booklet). This is done with real love and care. 2 of the 5 LP's were mastered by George Horn at Fantasy Studios, and the other 3 by Paul Blakemore at CMG mastering.As for the music- I was never a great LR fan, so in a way I was listening to this will fresh ears. What amazed me, apart from the usual big hits everyone has heard, is how well the music holds up as LP. Jump Blues with great energy, sophistication, expert backing musicians (like saxophonist Lee Allen and drummer Earl Palmer) and Richard's always impassioned singing. The 5 LP's come from two labels- Speciality & Vee Jay- and when Richard's signed with Vee Jay they had him records his many Speciality hits for their 'Greatest Hits' LP- so there is some duplications of tracks but who cares. These songs are the bed rock of rock'roll and retakes can never dim their energy!The LP's all play perfectly. The background between songs and the run in grooves are dead quite. I'm no audiophile expert but the sound is warm and detailed. The cover reproductions are fine- perhaps those who own the pricey originals can critique this and find fault. The music matters to me more.So in summary- an excellently priced box (I got this for £50.00), 5 remastered LP's, excellent sound, and a terrific essay by Bill Dahl , an absolutely classic B&W photo of Little Richard on the box cover (prop it you your shelf and each time you pass it, it will make you smile!) + some of the most vital music made in the 20th Century. What more could one ask for!I bought this in 2019, 3 years from it's release date. Goes to show how under the radar this MONO BOX has gone. Or it could be people still underrate Little Richard, or consider him some sort of ancient performer of novelty songs from a bygone era. I on the other hand think a spin of anyone of these LP's at least once a month will be quick primer to remind everyone what it was all about. The Beatles knew that!
M**R
Very nice set - updated review
Nice set of LPs. To be completely honest, i am unable to comment on the sound quality of the LPs as i don't intend to play them! I did use the download code to download all tracks as MP3 format and they sound good so i would expect that the LP's sound better still.However, the set is very nice. The LP's are in heavyweight vinyl and come in good quality sleeves. The one thing that is a little disappointing is the booklet. It is quite meagre in thickness.UPDATE (10 May 2020) :- Given Richard's sad passing yesterday, i thought i would update this as i have recently bought a turntable and also took some feedback from one of the biggest and most knowledgeable LR fan in the world (D.C.) and as we have both played these discs we can comment on the sound quality.The sound is superb and true to the original releases. There is silence between tracks and what is nice is the fact that the lead out groove never ends so there isn't one of those repetitive annoying clicks you normally get.There is an error in the booklet where it refers to the so-called 'spliced' version of Keep A Knockin'. The track was not "expanded" as suggested.The sound quality is great. Rest in Peace and thank you for great music.
C**S
Quality
Bought for my dad and he loves it
J**.
True to his music
This disc set is great. All ways liked little richard so for me a great product.
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