Original Sun Greatest Hits

• Artist: Carl Perkins
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1986
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Rock

Review

While Carl Perkins recorded many fine records and enjoyed a long and successful career after he left Sun Records, there's no arguing that the sides cut during his tenure with Sam Phillips are his best-known and most influential work; it's all but impossible to imagine the rockabilly revolution of the 1950s happening without hits like "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Boppin' the Blues," and literally thousands of rock guitarists from George Harrison to Lou Reed first had their heads turned around by his trademark licks. Original Sun Greatest Hits compiles 16 of Perkins' best and best-known recordings for Sun, and you could hardly ask for a better introduction to the man's music. From the hillbilly blues of "Sure to Fall" to uptempo rockers like "Matchbox," "All Mama's Children," and "Honey Don't" and lesser-known gems like the down-home delinquency of "Dixie Fried" and the well-oiled sartorial splendor of "Put Your Cat Clothes On," every song is a winner, and Perkins' ringing guitar lines, warm and playful vocals, and loose but emphatic interplay with his band are a joy to hear. If you're only going to own one Carl Perkins album, Original Sun Greatest Hits is certainly the one to get. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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