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Jailhouse Rock |
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Written by: Jerry Lieber, Mike Stoller Recorded: April 30, 1957, Radio Recorders, Hollywood Released master is take 6. Single:w/ "Treat Me Nice", 47-7035, September 24, 1957 Also released on 78rpm, 20-7035, September 24, 1957 Also re-released as Gold Standard Series, 447-0619, 1961 RIAA Certified: 2X Multi-Platinum (as of 03/27/1992) Highest U.S. Charts Positions: #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 #1 on Country Best-Seller chart #2 on Rhythm & Blues chart #1 on Cash Box chart 1st LP release: Elvis Golden Records Vol 1 - April 1958 |
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"Jailhouse Rock" is the quintessential Fifties rock song. It's got everything a rocker should have, plus some! Solid drums, searing guitar, boogie piano, that unforgettable opening rhythm, and typically silly Fifties rock 'n' roll lyrics. This pure rock formula sets the stage for some high expectations, and Elvis' shouting vocals STILL manage to steal the show! I'll write some more later, promise, meanwhile dig the videos, music and links. |
Other Spins(What did the critics and fans say?)This is a classic Presley recording and the film sequence is startling. Another Jerry Lieber-Mike Stoller number, the chords which grab the attention at the start, and punctuate the song, are among the most famous sounds in rock 'n' roll. Dudley Brooks' piano, high on the keyboard, is another never-to-be-forgotten sound, and the natural rock beat, with real bounce between the beats, is the epitome of controlled fire. The fire comparison continues with the burning guitar licks; but against this exciting instrumental sound, Presley's voice personifies youthful rebellion, through the power of music. This performance is a true rock classic... Robert Matthew-Walker, Elvis Presley: A Study in Music, 1979 The essence of rock and roll, captured on film and wax for the ages. From the film of the same name, this was one of Elvis' most electrifying song scenes ever. The music has the kick of a mule and the vocals are well nigh ineffable - high, uncompromising, angry, violent, sexy, fun, foolish, relentless - everything that rock is, was or is ever likely to be in its purest incarnations. D. J. Fontana's snare drum was a revelation. Mike Stoller plays piano, and Scotty and Bill rock out. Martin Torgoff  , The Complete Elvis, 1982 ...Elvis' vocal entry -- indeed his entire vocal performance on this track -- is an anguished howl, describing a party in the "old cellblock." Rife with images of various inmates rockin' it up, the tune is 12-bar rock & roll at its best, its lyrics virtually timeless... from the AllMusic review of "Jailhouse Rock" Check out other Elvis fans' opinions on the Elvis News page for Jailhouse Rock Check out other opinions at Rate Your Music "Jailhouse Rock" Links
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The warden threw a party in the county jail The prison band was there and they began to wail The band was jumpin' and the joint began to swing You should've heard those knocked out jailbirds sing Let's rock, everybody, let's rock Everybody in the whole cell block was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock Spider Murphy played the tenor saxophone Little Joe was blowin' on the slide trombone The drummer boy from Illinois went crash, boom, bang the whole rhythm section was the Purple Gang Let's rock, everybody, let's rock Everybody in the whole cell block was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock Number forty-seven said to number three You're the cutest jailbird I ever did see I sure would be delighted with your company come on and do the Jailhouse Rock with me Let's rock, everybody, let's rock Everybody in the whole cell block was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock The sad sack was a sittin' on a block of stone way over in the corner weepin' all alone The warden said, Hey, buddy, don't you be no square If you can't find a partner use a wooden chair Let's rock, everybody, let's rock Everybody in the whole cell block was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock Shifty Henry said to Bugs, For Heaven's sake no one's lookin', now's our chance to make a break Bugsy turned to Shifty and he said, Nix nix I wanna stick around a while and get my kicks Let's rock, everybody, let's rock Everybody in the whole cell block was dancin' to the Jailhouse Rock Jailhouse Rock |
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