CHECKIN' IN WITH WANDA

I was entering a chain book/music store about seven years ago, when I was stopped dead in my tracks. Over the sound system, usually reserved for bland current releases, they were playing what sounded like Wanda Jackson. It was "Let's Have A Party," a song I knew well, but it was a different version, so I asked one of the clerks what was playing, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that it was, indeed Wanda Jackson, and that it was a new release. The album, "Heart Trouble," was a return to rock n' roll for Jackson, who for the past several decades had been singing primarily country & western and gospel. After a look at the back cover, and seeing the song listing included collaborations with, amongst others, Dave Alvin and the Cramps (actually just Lux & Ivy), I headed straight to the register. While it wasn't quite as energetic as her records from the late 50's and early 60's, her voice was remarkably the same. (And the addition of Lux & Ivy on "Funnel of Love" makes it sound ten times creepier than the original, which, of course, made it worth the price of admission.)

Since then, she's has been back out playing live, enjoying her "old fart is hip again" period. Well, good for her. Like a lot of my friends, I've dug her for decades (crazy, considering our introduction was well after her "Rockin' With Wanda" days), so it's kinda comforting to hear that familiar voice again. Especially if you thought she'd thrown in the rockin' towel for good. Now comes word that Jack White has produced some new material. The only one I've managed to find is a cover of Amy Winehouse's "You Know That I'm No Good", that sounds exactly like you'd expect, if you know the song and you know Wanda Jackson. In other words, it sounds like Jackson backed by the Daptone horns (which doesn't bode well for White's originality, but sounds swingin' nonetheless).

If you don't know Wanda Jackson's music, you better run yourself right down to the record store and pick up one of the budget priced reissues of her early work. This is essential stuff we're talking about. Oh, and if you're already a Wanda freak, did you know that you can get an autographed 8 x 10 at her website for a paltry seven bucks? Go on, git!

Wanda Jackson - You Know That I'm No Good and Whirlpool mp3s at Tastes Like Caramel
Wanda Jackson - Fujiyama Mama, My Big Iron Skillet, Honey Don't mp3's at 27 Leggies
(Download links at top right of second screen)
Wanda Jackson - Funnel of Love mp3 (right click) at Clumsy & Shy
Wanda Jackson's Official Site
Wanda Jackson's channel on YouTube
Wanda Jackson at the Smithsonian Channel