JIMMY GILMER & THE FIREBALLS
Sugar Shack (Sundazed)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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The Fireballs weren't really one-hit wonders ("Daisy Petal Pickin'," the follow up to their #1 chart success with "Sugar Shack," made the top 20, which is a hit by any standard), but their biggest hit is probably the only one most people remember today. Breaking just ahead of the British Invasion, the quartet of Texans were clients of Norman Petty, legendary for his association with Buddy Holly. Jimmy Gilmer was no Buddy Holly, but he was a fine performer with a fine, rootsy band, who unfortunately was adept at a style of music that was passing from popular favor just as The Fireballs hit their stride.

This album shows them at their best, with the single version of "Sugar Shack" leading into a set that includes tracks from the pens of Holly, Roy Orbison, Ronnie Hawkins and others. A trio of bonus tracks includes that second hit, "Daisy Petal Pickin'," which makes this about all the Jimmy Gilmer & The Fireballs you'll likely ever want, but if you enjoy American roots rock from the early 60s, you'll want this one.

Track List:

Sugar Shack * Let's Talk * Linda Lu * Lonesome Tears * Let The Good Times Roll * Red Cadillac And A Black Mustache * Won't Be Long * Little Baby * I Wonder Why * Suzie Q * Pretend * Almost Eighteen (Bonus Tracks) Daisy Petal Pickin' * When My Tears Have Dried * Ain't Gonna Tell Anybody

© 2002 - Shaun Dale