CBID - Sounding like Chuck Berry

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: Here is a little info about newly discovered Soundalikes which are not mentioned in Volume 4:

AC/DC (Australia)

See Volume 3, page 1032 for biographical info.

Rocker [Angus Young, Malcolm Young, Bon Scott] (2:54) 1975

CD: Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap [Atlantic K-50323] ● UK, 1976

Well this is done in rapid speed, too rapid for my taste. Anyway, Berry guitar in both the rhythm section and solos, I am a rocker, I’m a roller… The original Australian LP didn’t include this track.

MARC BRISTOL & The Shack Shakers (USA)

Multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and editor of fab-mag Blue Suede News, from Seattle. Regarding the soundalike below he says that he checked Vol.4 of CBID to see if this particular song was included, and said that he will have to wait for Vol.5 (it’ll never happen!) But to compensate a little it’s finally here on this blog in four versions. Sorry for the delay Marc.

Sucker For A Cheap Guitar (Marc Bristol) (3:29) 1989

MC: Fresh Rockabilly [Moon Record Company no cat. #] ● USA, 1989

Record company out of Cleveland, Ohio.

Sucker For A Cheap Guitar (Marc Bristol) (3:38) 1995 (live)

CD: Rockabilly Rhythm & Blues [King Noodle KN-1015CD] ● USA, 2003

Recorded live at the Tractor Tavern, Seattle, “Rockabilly Hell Night”, 27 October ‘95. Both versions above has a very good rockabilly sound, maybe not so much Berry riffs but still very Berry in the verses.

FILÉ GUMBO featuring MARC BRISTOL (USA)

Sucker For A Cheap Guitar (Marc Bristol) (3:29) 1994

CD: Big Big Love [King Noodle KN-1012CD] ● USA, 1994

Here it is zydeco music with washboard (by Marc Bristol) and accordion.

Also recorded by Ronnie Dawson (see Vol. 4 page 1794) on the album “Just Rockin’ and Rollin’” Upstart Records CD-032 (USA) and No Hit Records NOHIT-019 (UK) 1996. A solid rockin’ version.

GARY CLARK Jr. (USA)

Vocalist, guitarist and actor, born 1984 in Austin, Texas.

Travis Country [Gary Clark Jr.] (3:38) 2012

CD: Blak And Blu [Warner Records 531981-2] ● USA, 2012

This is a direct influence of listening to Berry’s music. Berry rhythm and especially the guitar solo played by Clark himself.

MOTT THE HOOPLE (UK)

Glam rock band who was active from 1969. Original line-up: Ian Hunter (vocals), Mick Ralphs (guitar), Pete Watts (bass) and Dale Griffin (drums).

Walkin’ With a Mountain [Ian Hunter] (3:52) 1970

CD: Mad Shadows [Island Records ILPS-9119] ● UK, 1970

Berry guitar and beat, sounds a bit like The Rolling Stones’ Jumpin’ Jack Flash, but more noise(!) They have also done this several times live.