Best Of The 50s And 60s Vol II: A Retro Rollercoaster You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s cut to the chase—this album is like that box of assorted chocolates your gran insists you take home after Christmas dinner. Sure, some pieces are better than others, but overall? It’s a nostalgic goldmine for anyone who digs Funk/Soul, Blues, and Rock vibes with a side of vintage swagger. Released in 1999 by United Audio Entertainment (because apparently we were still sorting out our musical time machine two decades ago), Best Of The 50s And 60s Vol II feels like someone raided both the UK and US jukeboxes and slapped together a playlist so good it almost hurts.
Now, I could ramble on about all the tracks, but let’s be real—you’re here for the hits. So let me drop two absolute bangers that’ll stick in your brain longer than last week’s leftovers.
First up, “Stagger Lee.” Oh man, where do I even start? This track is pure chaos wrapped in rhythm, like if an old-school bar fight had its own soundtrack. Every time I hear it, I picture myself in some smoky dive bar circa 1958, nursing a drink while trying not to get caught up in whatever drama Stagger Lee’s causing this time around. Spoiler alert: He’s probably winning. There’s just something about the raw energy and storytelling that makes this song unforgettable—it’s less "listen" and more "experience."
Then there’s “Great Balls Of Fire,” which is basically the auditory equivalent of setting off fireworks in your backyard at midnight. Jerry Lee Lewis wasn’t kidding when he said great balls of fire; this tune explodes with enough sass and piano pounding to wake the neighbors. Honestly, it’s impossible not to bang your head or attempt some ridiculous dance move when this one comes on. Pro tip: Don’t try said dance moves in public unless you’re prepared for judgmental stares from small children.
The rest of the album keeps things lively too, bouncing between bluesy heartbreakers like “Heartaches By The Number” and rock ‘n’ roll staples like “Rock ‘N Roll Music.” Even slower jams like “Only You” sneak in moments of sweetness without feeling overly sappy. And can we talk about how they threw in “Louie Louie”? Because honestly, no collection like this would feel complete without it.
But here’s the kicker—the whole thing ends kinda abruptly, leaving you thinking, “Wait…was that it?” Kinda like when Netflix auto-plays the next episode before you realize you’ve been binge-watching for six hours straight. But hey, maybe that’s part of the charm. It leaves you wanting more, right?
So yeah, if you’re looking for a trip down memory lane—or maybe just want to pretend you lived through the golden age of vinyl—grab yourself a copy of Best Of The 50s And 60s Vol II. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself humming “Java Live” during your morning commute. Trust me, it happens.
Final thought: If aliens ever invade Earth and demand proof of human creativity, I’m handing them this album. They’ll either love us forever or think we’re completely bonkers. Either way, mission accomplished.
