Most people in the UK will associate Gene Pitney with his big hit “Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa” (or Tulse Hill if you’re from Sarf London). However, before becoming a pop star in his own right Gene was a prolific song writer. This excellent compilation, put together by Roger Dopson, showcases Gene’s writing talents and underlines his role in shaping the pop music of the early 1960s.

The CD is the usual quality product we’ve come to expect from Jasmine, over thirty tracks, great sound quality, comprehensive liner notes and all for less than ten quid.

The CD kicks off with a classic pop rocker from Ricky Nelson that has some great guitar playing from the legendary James Burton. Note this is the stereo version. Track two is listed as Jamie and Jane this is actually Gene plus a 16 year friend, Ginny Mazzaro. Not a hard core rocker, but some nice references to Chuck Berry’s “Roll Over Beethoven” as they sing about “Classical Rock & Roll”. The Collins Kids, Larry and Lorrie produced some fantastic rockabilly, but track three has Larry in a much poppier style with his solo 1961 release “One Step Down”. Carl Dobkins Jr also cut some rockabilly in the ‘50s, but he too has clearly decided to go “more commercial” with a very nice pop-ballad, “A Chance To Belong”. Gene’s first single under his own name was “Please Come Back” in 1960. A rather over enthusiastic drummer sounds a bit out of place and Gene’s singing style is still a “work in progress”. Clyde McPhatter, however had years to get his distinctive style perfected and his “Tomorrow Is A-Comin’” a fine example of his work. “Rubber Ball” by Bobby Vee was his fifth single in the USA, but it was the song that became his first hit in the UK when it got into the British Top 5 in 1961. 

It’s back to 1958 for track 8 with a track that Gene recorded with a doo wop group, the Embers. It wasn’t released at the time. It has some lovely harmonies with minimal instrumentation. A nice mid paced vocal group track. Vicki Carr’s 1962 version of “He’s A Rebel” was her first hit although it didn’t do great in the States, her home country, it reached Number 3 in Australia. Billy Bland who had a massive hit in 1959 with “Let the Little Girl Dance” sound good with “Harmony” a good stroller. Gene’s vocal styling is clearly evident with his “”I laughed So Hard I Cried”. Roy Orbison is true to his superb form with the pop rocker “Today’s Teardrops”. Eddie Hodges, a child actor, had a hit with the A Side of “Bandit Of My Dreams” which was “(Girls, Girls, Girls) Made to Love”. It’s a good pop track for a B Side. Gene and The Embers have their second track “So Tired”. I can understand why this wasn’t released at the time, but it’s interesting to listen to as you can hear a young Gene working on his singing style. Bill and Boyd from New Zealand were clearly influenced by the Everly Brothers and they harmonise well on the uptempo “Love My Live Away”. Ray Peterson is the man who gave the world “Tell Laura I Love Her” and I can’t forgive for that. His “Across The Street” is a good pop tune and to my ears, he sounds a bit like Gene. Talking of Gene, track seventeen is another of his. Recording of “A Greater Love” maybe just a demo, but it’s a polished performance. English rocker, Billy Fury is in fine form with his version of “Talking In My Sleep” showing that Gene’s influence was already reaching across the Pond in 1961. This was the B side to Billy’s hit “Don’t Worry”. There’s a slight touch of country and western in Tommy Edwards’ “Blue Heartaches”. A pop ballad with a lush production. 

Jamie and Jane’s second track is the B Side of “Classical Rock & Roll”, “Faithful Our Love”. Patti Kogon’s “Mr Cupid And I” dates from 1963 and is typical of the pop music of the day. “Loneliness” was a B Side to “Chicken Thief” for the Kalin Twins in 1960. Back to 1958 for track twenty three with th second song from Gene and The Embers. This is another good doo wop track but this time there is even less instrumentation as it’s a cappella. Jimmy Lennon and the Atlantics were a British band who had several recordings including “Louisiana Mama” produced by the legendary British producer Joe Meek. Jimmy puts on an American accent for this up-tempo pop rocker with a definite Joe Meek touch. Ricky Nelson appears again on this CD with “Sure Fire Bet”. It’s a typical Ricky track from the early ‘60s, well sung, well produced pop. Gene’s “Little Miss Heartbreak” is at track twenty six an unreleased demo from 1959(ish). “Tears From Heaven” was a B Side to “Hansel and Gretel” for Steve Lawrence in 1960. If you think Billy Bryan sounds like Gene Pitney, you’re right! They are one and the same. This was actually Gene’s first single and has all the hallmarks of his later work.

Buddy Knox gives us his version “Tomorrow Is A Comin” at track twenty nine and it’s followed by a track from his old mate, Roy Orbison. “Twenty Two Days” is the type of pop ballad that the Big O excelled at. Gene’s last track here is the B Side of his first hit “Town Without Pity”. The Crystal’s version of “He’s A Rebel” had even greater success than Vicki Carr’s version and is a fitting closing track to this very enjoyable compilation.

Jailhouse John Alexander

Buy a copy of ‘He’s A Rebel’ direct from Jasmine Records