Various Artists - Oldies But Goodies, Vol. 9 [Original Sound 1] (CD)

All Music Guide

A highly enjoyable yet slim sampling of golden RB and rock roll hits, Oldies But Goodies, Vol. 9 focuses on the music's '60s twilight. Including tracks cut between 1958-1967, the album spotlights eternal fare like Del Shannon's "Runaway" and Bobby Fuller's "I Fought the Law," along with relatively obscure stunners like Timi Yuro's "Hurt" and Bobby Bland's "Turn on Your Lovelight." With less of a hits air about it than earlier volumes, this Oldies But Goodies installment straddles that rich early-'60s mix of rock roll, doo wop, early soul, pop, garage, and kitsch; there's everything from the mod-psychedelia of the Castaways' "Liar, Liar" and J. Frank Wilson's Ricky Nelson-esque "Last Kiss" to Little Esther's blues ballad rendition of the country perennial "Release Me." Maybe not the best way to start your classic rock roll collection, but still a nice bargain for those just looking for a taste.

- Stephen Cook, All Music Guide