From the Vault...

07/03/2005
#949

info
Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
"Sexy Ways: The Best Of Hank Ballard And The Midnighters"


© King/Rhino Records

Year of Release: 1993
Rating:

track listing
  • Get It
  • Work With Me Annie
  • Sexy Ways
  • Annie Had A Baby
  • Annie's Aunt Fannie
  • Henry's Got Flat Feet
    (Can't Dance No More)
  • It's Love Baby
    (24 Hours A Day)
  • Open Up The Back Door
  • Tore Up Over You
  • Teardrops On Your Letter
  • The Twist
  • Sugaree
  • Never Knew
  • Look At Little Sister
  • Finger Poppin' Time
  • Let's Go Let's Go Let's Go
  • Let's Go Again
    (Where We Went
    Last Night)
  • The Continental Walk
  • The Switch-A-Roo
  • Nothing But Good

  • WSVNRadio Archives
    A B C D E F G H I J K L M
    N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

    Hank Ballard & The Midnighters related sites:
    Hank Ballard & The Midnighters Website
    Wikipedia
    Previous Review: #948
    Manfred Mann's Earth Band--Nightingales And Bombers
    Next Review: #950
    Robert Mitchum--That Man
    Hank Ballard & The Midnighters
    "Sexy Ways: The Best Of Hank Ballard And The Midnighters"



    Hank Ballard & The Midnighters' most popular hit was "Annie Had A Baby," but my memories of Ballard's music was their hit "Finger Poppin' Time" featured on the Cruisin' 1960 album, featuring Buffalo, New York DJ Dick Biondi's radio show. (He would later become more popular in Chicago.) What most people may not know, is that they had the original version of "The Twist," which Chubby Checker would make famous. Late 1950s/early 1960s R&B best describes Ballard's music.


    There are some great R&B numbers here, as heard in the first 3 songs: "Get It" (credited as The Royals), "Work With Me Annie" and "Sexy Ways." In the musical style heard on their hit "Annie Had A Baby," the next two songs have the same atmosphere: "Annie's Aunt Fannie" (which as some Chuck Berry sounding licks), and "Henry's Got Flat Feet." As heard on the first 3 tracks, that sound returns on such songs as "It's Love Baby (24 Hours A Day)," "Open Up The Back Door" and "Tore Up Over You."


    Having a more blues style is heard on "Teardrops On Your Letter." The Beatles' version of "Hippy Hippy Shake" comes to mind on "Sugaree." "Never Knew" is one song that would be least listenable. Stevie Ray Vaughan fans will remember his version of "Look At Little Sister," where Ballard's version is just as good. The style of Chubby Checker is heard on the next song, "Let's Go Let's Go Let's Go," and the last song, "Nothing But Good" (Good R&B number).


    The great R&B style returns again with "Let's Go Again (Where We Went Last Night)," and "The Switch-A-Roo." Slow driving R&B is heard greatly on "The Continental Walk."


    Fans of Rhythm & Blues will enjoy Hank Ballard's music. His name may not have been a household name as other popular R&B performers before and after him, yet his music is very entertaining, and easily fits the styles as many popular artists. The "Annie" songs, "Finger Poppin' Time" and the original version of "The Twist" are the standouts, and this 20-track best of showcases R&B at its best.


    © WSVNRadio.net. All rights reserved. Review or any portion may not be reproduced without written permission. Cover art is the intellectual property of King/Rhino Records and is used for reference purposes only.


    Previous Review: #948
    Manfred Mann's Earth Band--Nightingales And Bombers
    Next Review: #950
    Robert Mitchum--That Man