Somethin Else: The Fine Lookin Hits Of Eddie Cochran

As far as 50's rock 'n' roll goes, it's hard to get better than this. Eddie was a star talent decades ahead of his time. The only early rocker with the full package: accomplished session guitarist, great song writer/producer, and the 'looks'. He died at age 21 in 1960, but already had penned some legendary songs such as, "Summertime Blues", "C'mon Everybody" and "Twenty Flight Rock".

The most underrated, one of the least remembered, but easily one of the top five Rock n' Rollers of the 50's, if not all-time. Brian Setzer said it best about Cochran:"When I first heard Somethin' Else it blew my socks off! It was the hardest rockin' song that I still think I have ever heard. And hard rock doesn't just have to be your guitar turned up to eleven, it's the attitude." Cochran's biggest influences, most notably, were Joe Maphis, Merle Travis & (of course) Chet Atkins. First working with Hank Cochran (no relation) as a country duo, Eddie got real good at playing live. Turning to the newer Rock & Roll style was a natural transition. He had so much studio experience by working as a session guitarist for the Crest Label, among others, that he had an edge on his contemporaries (many older established Country artists trying to Rock without the precious studio time). Recording experience, teamed with his tender age, gave him a greater understanding of the "teenage rebel" this new music portrayed. Eddie was a star and talent decades ahead of his time. His career lasted an incredibly mere 5 years. He died at age 21 in early 1960 from a car crash in England, Eddie was on tour with Gene Vincent and would close the first half of the Vincent Head-Lined show. Gene, Eddie, and song-writer/ girlfriend (of Eddie's) were in that car. Despite Eddie's brief career, he had penned some legendary Rock & Roll songs. Ever hear the original Summertime Blues? (Incredible!). He also wrote Twenty Flight RockThe Girl Can't Help It) C'mon Everybody Boll Weevil & Somethin' Else. The only early rocker with the full package: A session guitarist, great song-writer & producer and the "looks". This collection covers Eddie's best in a nutshell. Only bigger fans will need more than this disc offers. Great friends with Gene Vincent , another forgotten star.(Rated: 5 out of 5) [Also check outThe Screamin' End: The Best Of Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps (Razor & Tie)]

Eddie Cochran was the most underrated, the least remembered, but easily one of the top five Rock n' Rollers of the 1950's, and ,Somethin' Else--The Fine Looking Hits Of Eddie Cochran