Brian Setzer - The Brian Setzer Collection '81-'88

It makes sense that Capitol released The Brian Setzer Collection 1981-1988 in late 1999, since Setzer was riding an unexpected comeback powered by his cover of Louis Prima's "Jump Jive and Wail." Cynics may suggest that the label was simply trying to cash in on his success, but there was a need for a compilation covering these unknown years. Unfortunately, this 18-track disc is imperfect. Since there were no hits from The Knife Feels Like Justice and Live Nude Guitars, the compilation need to be baited with familiar tunes, hence the presence of good single edits of "(She's) Sexy and 17" and "Rock This Town." That wouldn't be a problem if this combined highlights of The Stray Cats and solo years, which would be a really good disc. Read More