THAT WAILIN’ SOUND

by John Broven

Golden Crest Records of New York became interested in the teen instrumental sound following the Wailers’ Tall Cool One Top 40 hit for the label in spring 1959. In the hope of repeating this success, Golden Crest boss Clark Galehouse released a constant stream of sax-guitar led instrumentals with hip titles and snappy hook lines on the Golden Crest and Shelley labels over the next five years.

The Wailers were such a large part of the Golden Crest instrumental story that it is right that they are the featured artists here. All told there are six tracks from the inspirational group from the North West, including the frantic single, Wailin’ and the abbreviated reissue 45 version of the second hit, Mau-Mau. Four of the cuts come from the accomplished previously unissued 1958 debut session (which led to the Golden Crest contract). The highlights are the two prototype versions of Tall Cool One, originally called Scotch On The Rocks but with the hard liquor association, wisely changed the title before the release of the single. Unlike the hit single, these cuts are embellished by ’cork popping and ice tumbling’ introductions.

There were no more hits, which explains why many of the Golden Crest records are known only to the most ardent collector. There were strong 45s by Lord Dent & the Invaders, the Mad Plaids (both from the North West, too), Rhythm Rockers, Paul & the Four-Most, the Hitch-Hikers and Sterly Singleton & the Rocking Dukes. Special mention must be made of the previously unissued James Brown-type workouts by Golden Crest producer Little Jerry Williams (later known famously as Swamp Dogg), The Alamo by Bob Hood & the Rhythmaires, Wipe Out by top session guitarist Billy Mure and an astonishing version of Mozart’s Minuet by Teddy Tyle & the Jim-Dandies.

This generous 30-track selection will attract the attention of instrumental and rock’n’roll fans alike. A worthy addition to our other releases from the Golden Crest stable by the Wailers (CDCHD 675) and Mando & the Chili Peppers (CDCHD 684).