Single-disc CD of two 1965 albums that is a little more interesting than you might guess. Lucky 'Leven has some fairly tough rock material, and Folkbeat is an early folk-rock outing that has covers of songs by Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, and Buffy St. Marie. Both efforts boast tasteful Tex-Mex rock arrangements and make pleasant listening, even if they don't add up to anything terribly creative or compelling. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide

CD $21.83

This import two-fer collects the Dot albums Sugar Shack (1963) and Buddy's Buddy (1965) on one CD. Sugar Shack includes the title track, a giant hit for Gilmer, and mostly covers of others' hits, rendered as slightly more rock-oriented teen idol pop. Buddy Holly's "Lonesome Tears" was recorded for both albums, but the earlier version on Sugar Shack is easily the better of the two. And speaking of Buddy Holly, Buddy's Buddy is Gilmer's tribute to his departed {@Norman Petty ...   [ read more ]

CD $21.83

Issued in the wake of the number one title track, Sugar Shack is light, inoffensive, and, for the most part, insubstantial late-period Tex Mex rockabilly. There's not much original material, although Fireballs guitarist George Tomsco co-wrote "I Wonder Why." The influence of Buddy Holly is pervasive (his "Lonesome Tears" and "Little Baby" are covered), and the program is filled out by covers of "Linda Lu," "Let the Good Times Roll," "Suzie Q," and Roy Orbison's {&"Almost Ei...   [ read more ]

CD $13.28