308 - Various Artists - Sun Records Collection

The is a 3 CD collection of music. I understand there is also a 7 disc collection and a single disc collection of Sun Records music. I'm going to state that I think this is a Goldilocks situation where 3 CDs is actually just right.

For those of you that may not know, Sun Records was opened in Memphis, TN by Sam Phillips. He started off interested in recording black R&B artists that may appeal to a white audience. That focus evolved into a group of artists that emerged from blues and country to become rock and roll. Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and others were part of the Sun Record crew.

The first part of the box set seems like a history lesson on the stage just before rock and roll. There are blues and boogie songs from B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, Rufus Thomas, and Joe Hill Lewis. You'll hear humorous country from Harmonica Frank Floyd. All kinds of music of the common Southern man is captured here. But the "history lesson" didn't labor my ears. Most of these songs seemed like lost gems that were gladly welcomed upon listening.

The second and third disc is where much of the artists and music people associate with Sun Records can be found. The blues acts segue to Elvis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash. It was a bit surprising how much my ears perked up when Elvis tracks came along. Although there are several songs done by Carl Perkins and Charlie Feathers that were or sounded very much like Elvis songs, the smoothness of The King's voice really grabbed my attention.

I wasn't thrilled about a 3 disc collection being on the list, but must say that I was happier with this box set than I would have thought. It seems that 3 discs is just right for capturing the historical musical collection that Sam Phillips was able to get into his Memphis studios.

Songs I knew I liked: Jeepers, there are just too many songs for me to want to document here.

Songs I didn't know but now like: I enjoyed many songs I don't think I had heard previously, but not were liked enough for me to make note of the song.

Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: None in particular...other than the novelty of "Swamp Root" wearing thin on repeat listens.