The Groovie Ghoulies: Berry’d Alive
Label: Green Door Records
Release Date: 10/09/2005
Review Date: 11/02/05
The Groovie Ghoulies are big fans of Chuck Berry, even more so after having the opportunity to open for him in his home town of St Louis. Berry’d Alive is obviously a result of that event. Berry’d Alive is seven Chuck Berry tracks rendered in the familiar Groovie Ghoulies style. Most of the songs remain pretty true to the original, with the exception of “Talkin’ Bout You” which is somewhat tweaked and actually longer than the original! Berry’d Alive is not just a predictable rehash of Berry hits, A quick comparison to the definitive Chuck Berry collection, Chess Records’ The Great Twenty-Eight reveals only “Talkin’ Bout You” and “Come On” as appearing on both. “Carole”. Is is familiar to early Stones fans as well as “Don’t Lie to Me” (as long as they have a semi-obscure collection called Metamorphosis). The four other tracks are all lesser known Berry compositions that the Ghoulies included in an effort to turn on their fans to some hidden gems. “Trick or Treat” seams tailor made for the Ghoulies. “Betty Jean” and “All Aboard” round out the collection.
Tribute albums usually suck, but Berry’d Alive is a keeper. As a Groovie Ghoulies release, Berry’d Alive is all new Ghoulies goodness witha kiler title and classic Ghoulies-style fun. For casual Chuck Berry fans it’s a great introduction to some tracks that aren’t going to be the same greatest hits songs that you are used to hearing. The cover art (not credited in the liner notes) is some of the best Ghoulies art since Go Stories . At seven songs and almost 15 minutes, it’s curious that they didn’t choose to make it longer, but that was probably a financial decision influenced by royalties and publishing rights. You can pick it up at their live shows for $7 or from the label’s web site for $10 plus postage.
Online Action: www.groovie-ghoulies.com
Online Action: www.gogreendoor.com