Rockabilly Vampire Big Town Boogie by Ralph Rebel: A Wild Ride Through Timeless Riffs
If you’re a fan of raw, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll with a side of swagger, Rockabilly Vampire Big Town Boogie by Ralph Rebel is an album that’ll grab your attention and refuse to let go. Released in 2001 under Golly Gee Records, this German-Russian collaboration brings the rebellious spirit of rockabilly back to life. With tracks like “Train Kept A Rollin’” and “Rockabilly Vampire,” Ralph Rebel proves he’s got both chops and charm.
Let’s start with “Train Kept A Rollin’.” This cover (originally made famous by Tiny Bradshaw) feels like it was tailor-made for Ralph’s gritty voice and high-energy delivery. The guitar riffs scream vintage cool, while the rhythm section keeps things tight enough to make you wanna stomp your feet or maybe even break something—accidentally, of course. It’s one of those songs where you can almost smell the leather jackets and hear the echo of biker boots on hardwood floors. You remember it because it doesn’t just play—it commands.
Then there’s “Rockabilly Vampire,” which might sound like a cheesy B-movie title but delivers way more than its name suggests. The saxophone wails like it’s auditioning for a midnight jam session in some smoky underground club. Paired with lyrics dripping in campy horror vibes, this track is equal parts spooky and fun. It sticks out not just because of its novelty but because it showcases how versatile Ralph Rebel can be—he’s not afraid to lean into absurdity if it means making great music.
The rest of the album follows suit, blending classic covers like “Shake Your Money Maker” and “Caledonia” with original tunes like “Wild Wild Party” and “(Pinup) Betty Page.” Each song has its own flavor, but they all share that unmistakable rockabilly heartbeat—a mix of bluesy undertones, jitterbug energy, and just enough attitude to keep things interesting.
What makes Rockabilly Vampire Big Town Boogie stand out isn’t just the technical skill—it’s the vibe. Listening to this record feels like stepping into another era, one where jukeboxes ruled and dancing wasn’t optional. Sure, some tracks feel a little rough around the edges, but that’s part of the charm. Perfection would’ve ruined it anyway.
Here’s the kicker: as much as I enjoyed the wild ride through these 20 tracks, I couldn’t help but wonder—why hasn’t Ralph Rebel become a household name? Maybe it’s because he didn’t chase fame hard enough, or maybe he knew exactly what he was doing: crafting music for people who truly get it. Either way, this album deserves a spot in any serious rockabilly lover’s collection.
So crank up the volume, pour yourself a drink, and let Ralph Rebel take you on a journey. Just don’t blame me if you wake up tomorrow morning with sore feet and a craving for crispy chicken.
