Fats Domino- The Essential Fats Domino

This Greatest Hits album, released in 2003, covers the peak of Domino's career through the 1950s and into the early 1960s.

Although I appreciate the huge of influence Fats Domino in many of the rock'n'roll bands I enjoy today, personally I find much of his music very dated. Blueberry Hill, Ain't That a Shame (basically the same song at a faster tempo...), So Long, etc sound too "homely" these days. And much of the later songs are cheesy throwaway pop songs- such as I'm in Love Again, I Want to Walk You Home and Whole Lotta Loving- with generic lyrics and tacky horn lines. The worst offender is Walking to New Orleans, thanks to its awful tacked-on strings.

Surprisingly, it's better news regarding the audio quality. The CD doesn't mention remastering, but most of the songs are nicely crisp (with the strange exception of The Fat Man).

Now for the good stuff! You'll see a long list below of energetic rhythm and blues (or perhaps early rock'n'roll, seems like a grey area to me) songs. For me, the boogie woogie piano and countermelody lines from the saxophone are highlights. Let the Four Winds Blow is a bit simplistic, but has a very catchy chorus. Blue Monday features a fantastic groove and a bit more experimentation than usual. And the supporting horn lines in Jambalaya (on the bayou) work a treat.

Favourite songs

Going to the River, Please Don't Leave Me, Blue Monday, I'm Walking, I'm Ready, Be My Guest, My Girl Josephine, Let the Four Winds Blow, Jambalaya (on the bayou)

Worthwhile?

Compared with the range of Fats Domino's songs, my window of enjoyment is quite narrow. However, within this window, there is lots of fun to be had.