Album Review: "I Forgot To Remember To Forget / Other Side" by Shirley Sisk
Alright, so let’s talk about this little gem from way back in ’61—Shirley Sisk’s I Forgot To Remember To Forget / Other Side. It’s a rockabilly banger on Sun Records, and yeah, it’s got that raw, unpolished charm you’d expect from something outta the US in the early 60s. No fancy studio tricks here, just straight-up vibes.
First off, gotta shout out “Other Side.” Man, this track hits different. It’s got this driving rhythm that grabs you right away, like you’re cruising down some dusty highway with the windows down. The guitar licks? Super sharp, almost like they’re poking at your brain saying, “Hey, wake up!” And Shirley’s voice—it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it stick. She sounds kinda sassy, like she’s telling you a story over coffee but doesn’t care if you believe her or not. You can tell she means every word, though. That combo of attitude and grit? Love it.
Then there’s “I Forgot To Remember To Forget,” which is honestly one of those songs where the title says it all. It’s moody, man. Like, you know when you’re trying to shake off something heavy but can’t quite do it? That’s this song. The melody creeps up on you slow, and before you realize it, you’re humming along even though it’s kinda sad. The lyrics hit hard too—simple but loaded. You don’t need a bunch of flowery words to feel what Shirley’s putting down. It’s real, y’know?
What gets me about this album—or well, these two tracks—is how authentic it feels. There’s no overthinking, no trying too hard to impress anyone. It’s just good ol’ rockabilly doing its thing. And honestly, I think that’s why people still remember stuff like this decades later. When music’s made with heart, it sticks around.
Oh, random thought: isn’t it wild how short albums used to be back then? Two songs? That’s barely enough time to grab a snack! But hey, maybe that’s part of the magic. They didn’t need a whole hour to make an impact. Just two killer tunes and boom—you’re hooked.
So yeah, if you’re into old-school rock ‘n’ roll with a side of twangy swagger, give Shirley Sisk a spin. She might’ve flown under the radar for most folks, but trust me, once you hear her, you won’t forget her anytime soon.
