Goodtime George (Presenting 18 Original Recordings) - George Melly > Reviews > He was the Ding Dong Daddy

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Average
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Good Fun, Swinging Jive time music, humorous
Disadvantages:	perhaps a little close to the bone lyrically at time, but only if you're prudish !

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

One of the great Trad. Jazz players of our time, this collection has him at his dandy, playboy best. These tracks are uplifting, swinging numbers, perfect for jiving on a Friday or Saturday night, but equally fitted to a lazy Sunday morning with a copy of the paper and breakfast in bed.

This compilation covers the earlier years of George's career, so his voice is at it's best. Though even in his later life (anyone who can perform at 80 with dementia and lung cancer and still be captivating has something special about them) he managed to wow the crowds. These tracks are the best vocal performances Geoerge ever gave in my opinion.

Melly's trademark tongue in cheek lewdness features in force, tracks like "Ma Reiney's Black Bottom" and "I'm A Ding Dong Daddy " are sure to raise a smile as the hips are swinging. Though these numbers are matched by the slower, bluesier tracks mid-way through the album. The mournful "I'm Down In The Dumps " and "Michigan Water Blues " hark back to even earlier days of Jazz. Melly blends perfectly the gregarious, exciting times he lived in (and his own extrovert and unconventional personality) with the playing style of artists far pre-dating him.

R.I.P. George, you'll always live on through your songs :)

(There's quite a few tracks on this album, I;ve popped a star enxt to my favoured tracks, worth a listen for a sample of what the album sounds like if you're close to buying this cd)

Track Listing:

1. Ma Reiney's Black Bottom
2. I'm A Ding Dong Daddy *
3. Send Me To The 'Lectric Chair *
4. My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes
5. Heebie Jeebies
6. I'm Down In The Dumps
7. Frankie And Johnny
8. Magnolia
9. Sporting Life *
10. Loveless Love
11. Gulf Coast Blues
12. Michigan Water Blues
13. Abdul Abulbul Amir *
14. Hound Dog
15. The Black Bottom
16. Grandmother's Old Armchair
17. Rail Roadin' Man *
18. Mississippi Mud