Rick Nelson Ricky Sings Again/Songs By Ricky CD

A companion piece to the twofer that features Ricky Nelson's first two albums, RICKY SINGS AGAIN/SONGS BY RICKY pairs his third and fourth full-length releases on one disc. Nelson was maturing as a performer by 1959 (the year both records were originally released), and excellent songs like "Lonesome Town" show him hitting his stride as a dreamy, sensitive crooner. As a rock-&-roller, Nelson had a sound that was a bit too glossy to be credible, but vocal help from the Jordanaires and lead guitar work from famed Sun Studios ace James Burton bump up Nelson's status by association.

Moreover, one can already hear hints of the country direction Nelson would pursue later in his career. Covers of Johnny Cash's "Restless Kid" and Hank Williams's "I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You)" have some solid twang, and even songs like "It's Late" have a rootsy sort of shuffle to them. Both albums saw considerable commercial success, and they still sound pretty good all these decades later.

Includes liner notes by James Ritz.

Digitally remastered by Bob Fisher (2001).

2-Fer. 8 Bonus Tracks

2 LPs on 1 CD: RICKY SINGS AGAIN (1959)/SONGS BY RICKY (1959).

Personnel includes: Rick Nelson (vocals, guitar); James Burton, Howard Roberts, Billy Strange (guitar); Gene Garf (piano); James Kirkland, George "Bud" DeNaut (bass); Richie Frost, Earl Palmer (drums); Johnny Burnette (percussion); Jordanaires (background vocals).

Producers: Rick Nelson, Ozzie Nelson, Jimmie Haskell.

Compilation producers: Bob Hyde, James Ritz.

Personnel: Rick Nelson (vocals, guitar); The Jordanaires (vocals); Howard Roberts , James Burton, Billy Strange (guitar); Gene Garf (piano); Richard Frost, George M. "Jud" DeNaut (drums).

Audio Remixers: Ron Furmanek; Tom Moulton; Bob Fisher .

Liner Note Author: James Ritz.

Recording information: Master Recorders (02/17/1958-06/16/1959).