Groovie Ghoulies - Berry'd Alive

As the punny title would allude, this record is a collection of Chuck Berry numbers done in the uniquely minimalistic, boisterously merry, punk-pop manner of the Groove Ghoulies. This is only a 7 song set, but with the classic line-up of Kepi, Roach and Scampi (recorded by the groovy Pete Mattern), you know you're in for a fun-filled rock'n'roll time.

Kepi started out (at least I first saw him) in a group called the Berry Pickers, so, yeah, he has a history of love for this music, whether directly from the master, Chuck, himself, or from interpretations from the likes of the Rolling Stones, the Pretty Things, and practically everyone else who ever picked up a guitar!

They mine the Stones' take, more-or-less, for the rockin' opener, "Don't Lie To Me", and groove to the swingin' "Betty Jean" (with an added Yardbirds-ish rave-up) with punk rock power but still keepin' the swing ("it don't mean a thing") and Roach blastin' out some fine solos. Chuck loved train imagery and "All Aboard" has always been a fave of his for me and the Ghoulies have long done a fine job with this, as Kepi spits out the list of cities (Chuck knew his geography!) and gives out the "hisssss" of the steam engine. Back to the Stones influence for a rock'n'roll party in "Carol", then slowin' things down slightly for the bouncin' groove of "Talkin' 'Bout You", with its movin' bass lines and some extra added guitar punches. An extraordinarily obscure (for Berry) number, but highly appropriate for the GG's is "Trick or Treat", again restrained from becoming to punky, but then they go full-on Ramones for their take on the fab "Come On" - another one done by the Stones, but certainly not like this!

While Kepi and company always have super originals, they also are never afraid to honor their influences and this is a fun trip through some truly classic rock'n'roll songs. Who knows, maybe you'll fine a new Berry fave!