Having previously reviewed the Frankie Ortega King of Diamonds/On Broadway, release on the Allo label, its probably only right that i should bring to your attention the absolutely gorgeous 001 release that preceded it from Ben Imon. First off the bat, i have heard three versions of Down in the Country - all at different speeds - There's the clip on youtube with the Veejay Label release that seems to be slowed down most probably for the Belgium popcorn scene, there is another version that is titled Fast Version and by heck it fairly rattles along and has a different ending. This one is right bang in the middle speed wise and is a perfect pace for what is a bluesy dancer that Mods will go mad for. Its a reissue that has been played on the Popcorn scene and i guess the Pow Wow/SDTL/Federal scene so should be fairly well known to the majority of those folk but to this old soul boy, its a refreshing sound, the type that i do not focus on and I really should explore this avenue more. Originally from 1956, according to discogs, this release displays all the elements that were floating around American music at that inflection point as music was trying to sort itself out to satisfy teenagers and their incessant need for aural stimulation - so you are getting some swing jazz, country blues, latin shapes, Rhythm and Blues and a little rock'n'roll mixed up and thrown out across the two sides on this neat 45. Two sides that are prefect and sound magnificent played loud and will surely get the folks up and onto the dancefloor. I am looking forward to hear what else the label is going to come out with over the next few months - with these first two releases they are off to a cracking start!
You should be able to snag a copy from THE LABELS EBAY SITE
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