CD Review
Lights Out: Long Time Coming
Review: Rob Bosher (DJ Rockin' Jukebox) Birtley, Co. Durham

14 Tracks:
1. Turn My Back On You, 2. Why, 3. Oh Rosemarie, 4. I'm Coming Home, 5. Up To Your Old Tricks Again, 6. Looking Back, 7. Purr Kitty Purr, 8. Tell Me Why, 9. Is There A Doctor In The House? 10. Bop A Lena, 11. Cryin' Over You, 12. The Search, 13. Lotta Lovin', 14. Lights Out.

So here it is, the long awaited CD from Lights Out, one of the best young Rock 'n' Roll/Rockabilly bands on today's scene. Of course, everyone knows by now the pedigree behind this band; they are the sons of The Jets and yes, there is a similarity in some of their tracks, but that's only to be expected. Saying that, the lads have developed their own style along the way.

For those of you who are new to this band they are Dan Cotton (double bass & vocals), Craig Cotton (lead vocals & lead guitar) and Lee Cotton (drums & vocals). The liner notes state that Dan recently moved from bass guitar to double bass, a move that has made a hell of a difference in my opinion. I had the pleasure of booking these guys two years ago (as the Bad Boys) and at the time I thought they weren't quite the finished article, but they are damn close now!

Anyway, onto the CD. It kicks off with a much underestimated track originally recorded by Billy Fury, 'Turn My Back on You', a track that immediately showcases Craig's vocal skills and even on this first track you can tell the difference that slap bass makes! Track 2 is a song written by Craig called 'Why', a great jiver incorporating some good harmonies from the band. Track 3 is a cover version of a Doo Wop classic, 'Rosemarie' (the Fascinators) and again is a good jiver with great harmonies. With track 4 it's boppin time as the guys bring you their version of Johnny Horton's 'I'm Coming Home', some slick guitar work in here and a great boppin beat.

I got a real surprise with track 5 as it's a great cover of one of my favourite modern bands, the Bellfuries, 'Up To Your Old Tricks Again' is a great jiver and really does the track justice, it also features Ray Cotton on lead guitar. This new 'incarnation' of the band sees them delivering a more varied content on their live gigs, with something to please everyone. The band's success has gone from strength to strength and their fan base reaches as far as Spain, Finland, Germany, Holland and France. Track 6, 'Looking Back', is a great sing-along track, but can I hell remember who did it originally (answers on a postcard please!). Track 7 takes us back to the jivers with a cover of 'Purr Kitty Purr' (Sid King) and is bound to be a floor filler.

Track 8 is another Doo Wop jiver, 'Tell Me Why', done to perfection by the lads. Track 9 is a strange one indeed; 'Is There A Doctor In The House' and there is no author listed so whether it's an original by the band or not, who knows? All I know is it's a great bopper featuring Dan on lead vocals, I love it! Track 10 is a cover of 'Bop-A-Lena' (Ronnie Self) and I'm sure this will go down well with the boppers and jivers alike. Track 11 is the first stroller on the CD and boy is it a good one. 'Crying Over You' is a cover of the James Intveld song, again given the Lights Out treatment with great guitars and vocals.

Track 12 is another of my favourite songs, 'The Search' (Ben Hewitt) and is a great bopper that keeps true to the original. Track 13 is a Gene Vincent cover that the jivers will love. 'Lotta Lovin' again shows off the bands harmony skills with great results. And finally on this CD is what I'm sure will become the bands 'encore' favourite, their version of Jerry Byrne's 'Lights Out', well it had to be really, didn't it - my feet were tappin' all the way through it, I love this song!

The band have a busy gig list which can be seen at www.myspace.com/lightsoutnorthampton. (I'm sure I'll see them soon). This 14 track CD is raw and energetic, the way Rock 'n' Roll should be and I'm sure we haven't heard the best of these guys yet.

 

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