The Cramps Rockin' Bones 1979 (Picture Disc) (2LPs)

A rough and ready recording that catches the psychobilly heroes in action at the Keystone's venue in Palo Alto, California in 1979. They're as raw as it gets but the chaos doesn't mask an essential feel for vintage rock 'n' roll all reimagined in a b-movie world of zombies, aliens and monsters. As well as the title track, there are visceral renditions of arguably their most famous song 'Human Fly', 'Teenage Werewolf' and 'Sunglasses After Dark', although everything here reeks of the same intoxicating spirit."Rockin' Bones" just oozes a bad attitude and an Elvis like swagger. Originally written by Ronnie Dawson, The Cramps add their signature dark and heavily reverberated surf sound. The guitar tones used aren't as bright as you will typically find across surf rock. However, in collaboration with the simple yet effective 4/4 drums the guitar voiced with a hint of tremelo seems to drive the track into a swelling momentum towards the end. Lux Interior, the lead singer clearly takes a leaf or two from Elvis Presley's book in a fashion that adds to the tracks' natural arrogance. Dripping with reverb and a rock and roll edge "Rockin' Bones" is a rockabilly surf rock dream