Bright Lights

The Wade Curtiss story gets told in a very fine way with this packed-to-the-brim collection. This sumptuous 37-track single-disc compilation brings together the original singles (including both versions of the insanely rockin’ “Bright Lights,” the Rhythm Rockers’ finest moment), outtakes, demos, radio spots, and interviews galore. Wade Curtiss & the Rhythm Rockers were a rock & roll band with deep rockabilly roots, as typified by boppers like “Real Cool,” “That’s It Baby,” and a nifty cover of Joe Therrien, Jr.’s “Hey Babe, Let’s Go Downtown.” But on the surreal flipside of things is “Puddy Cat,” a lo-fi answer record to “Surfin’ Bird” that must be heard to be believed. A great little chunk of rock & roll micro-history here. – Cub Koda