CBID - The Never Ending Story - pt. 3

CBID is never complete as new records and CDs appear and some old rarities are discovered. This section presents interesting additions and corrections to CBID.

Today: We continue with our list of new cover versions which came to our attention recently. Again a few are digital-only, but worth to be listed here.

When you read about the New Berry Covers you will probably have noticed that I now often refer to a site called Bandcamp. Here thousands of musicians, artists and groups can display their music for downloading/buying. You can listen to everything in its entirely. I have used this a lot lately to find new Berry covers for the blog. Of course I have to be selective of what to include. Not everything is up to standard and some might not have the best quality to be in our survey.

There’s a punk-rock band called Dogs from Michigan, USA who in 2012 recorded a tune titled “You Can’t Catch Me” (CD: Hypersensitive Detroit Records PX-1084) which is NOT the Berry song.

I found a hip-hop band on Bandcamp that called themselves Johnny B. Goode. They released songs in 2015 and an album in 2016. But nothing to do with Berry’s music (!)

AND there’s a band from Colombia who in 2020 called themselves Johnny B. Goode Band. But again the music has nothing to do with Berry’s.

ANTHONY ARYA (USA)

Rock singer, songwriter, guitarist from Santa Cruz, California. He has several albums (many live) on Bandcamp. The band on the album below featuring: Arya (vocals, guitar), Kylan DeGhetaldi (piano), Everett Moody (saxophone), Mike Meagher (bass), Ezra Hapner (drums), and Liv Johansen (guest vocals). Arya is a very popular artist in the Bay area with several concert dates during Spring 2024. He has also a physical CD store for some of his albums.

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2019 (live)

Digital: Home For The Holidays [AA Self released ] ● USA, 2020

Released November 2020. Produced and mixed by Kenny Schick. The following info is from his Bandcamp site:
This 22-song album is a collection of holiday tunes recorded live at Kuumbwa Jazz in Santa Cruz, CA on December 7, 2019. From Elvis to Chuck Berry to Nat King Cole, Anthony and his full band bring you the standards, the rockers, and new arrangements to classics.

BLACK CATS NYC (USA)

Hard rock band from New York City. Andrew Giordano (vocals, rhythm guitar), Fransesco D’Ambrosio (lead guitar, backing vocals), Stan Esposito II (bass, backing vocals), Jason Reddish (drums, percussion, backing vocals).

Run Rudolph Run (3:25) 2021

Digital: Run Rudolph Run [BTB International Records BTB-5001] ● USA, 2021

Released early December 2021. This is written on their Bandcamp website: “Run Rudolph Run” is the ultimate rock n' roll Christmas song and Chuck Berry is the ultimate rock n' roll performer! This song has it all; Santa, Rudolph, electric guitars, baby dolls, sabrejets, and of course that ol' Chuck Berry smile and flair.

MARC BOLAN & T. REX (UK)

See Volume 4, page 1909 under T. Rex for biographical info.

Sweet Little Rock And Roller (4:13) 1977 (live)

CD: Need TV (Vol.4) – The Supersonic Years [Bolan Boogie TVCD-7577] ● UK, 1990

TV performance 29 March 1977. Musically nothing to brag about. All tracks digitally remastered.

CANVAS (USA)

Producer, DJ, musician, artist from Chicago, Illinois. He has several entries on his Bandcamp site.

Run Rudolph Run (2:24) 2023

Digital: Trappy Xmas [Self released ] ● USA, 2023

Released December 2023. The reason for including this is the hip-hop arrangement, which is a rare treat for a Berry cover.

CHEECK (USA)

Rock trio: Clark Cothern, Erik Hanson, Emmett Kane from Chicago, Illinois.

Run Rudolph Run (3:51) 2020

Digital: Run Rudolph Run [Self released ] ● USA, 2020

Released December 2020. Almost 4 minutes with Rudolph is well worth to include. And the sleigh-ride is rockin’ real goode. Recorded and produced by the three guys.

COBRAS (UK)

Beat group: Ian Gane (vocals, guitar), Paul Mitchell (lead guitar), Peter Relton (bass, vocals), John Williams (drums).

Johnny B. Goode (2:37) 1964 (live)
Memphis, Tennessee [as “Memphis”] (1:42) 1963
Too Much Monkey Business (2:37) 1965
(Chuck) Berried (2:44) 1975 (instr) Tribute

CD: The Striking Sound Of The Cobras [Bristol Archive Records ARC-330] ● UK, 2018

This is a compilation album probably of unissued tracks. It’s printed that “Memphis” was recorded in 1962 but that’s wrong as it is clearly based on the Lonnie Mack hit version from 1963. “(Chuck) Berried” is a tribute written by guitarist Paul Mitchell and it sounds like Berry’s Guitar Boogie. There was a Paul Mitchell who was a member of the UK band The Midnights who had one single out on Ember in the mid ‘60s.

BILLIE DRE & THE POOR BOYS (Canada)

Rock trio from Toronto, Ontario. William Dray, Dylan Ryan, Corey Henderson.

Run Rudolph Run (2:40) 2012

Digital: Merry Christmas from… [Self released ] ● USA, 2012

Released December 2012. The guys have this to say on Bandcamp: A song about the raddest reindeer there is. With deepest respect to the original rock and roller Chuck Berry.

FIVE AMERICANS (USA)

Rock/pop band who resided in Dallas, Texas. They had some hits in the ‘60s especially “Western Union” which was a Top Five in 1967.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:21) 1965

CD: Early Americans [BeatRocket BR-143] ● USA, 2006

Previously unissued. Compilation album.

DAN FORAL And The Drifters (USA)

Country singer, guitarist, raised in Columbus, Nebraska.

Roll Over Beethoven ( : ) 1971

LP: Dan Foral And The Drifters [Rene Records R-1122] ● USA, 1971

FOUR VEGAS (Italy)

They are not four but five (!). A rock’n’roll group. Looking at their site they seem to be a live band.

You Never Can Tell ( : ) 2008 (live)?

CD: Viva Four Vegas [Entusiasmo Prod. ENT-1001] ● Italy, 2008

A good selection of covers from the ‘50s to the ‘70s. They also do a cover of “Surfin’ USA”.

FRANKIE & JIMMY (Canada)

Blues-rock. Franc Adamczyk (vocals, guitar) and Jim Fitzgerald (vocals, harmonica). Or as the album cover proclaims: Frankie (slide guitar, porchboard bass, tambourine, background hollering), Jimmy (harmonica, lead hollering, whistling).

Let It Rock (2:29) 2012

LP: Scream The Blues [JJ (self released) 22205 4 1] ● Canada, 2014

Album recorded in 2012 and 2013. A very noisy version, and fast with much harmonica playing by Jimmy.

FRIEL BROTHERS (USA)

A brother duo from Virginia, Skip and Randy Friel, who blend various style of music, folk, country, blues, gospel, rock and jazz.

Run Rudolph Run [as “Run Rudolf Run”] (2:47) 2008

CD: Evergreen Christmas [New Moon Music CD-60831 2 7] ● USA, 2008

The family is probably of German origin since they used Rudolf(?)

CARLINHOS BORBA GATO (Brazil)

Carlos Alberto Borba. Singer, songwriter, musician, producer.

You Never Can Tell (2:43) 2004

CD: Acústico Country [Atração Fonográfica ATR-11258] ● Brazil, 2004

Okay acoustic version, but his English pronunciation is not the best, unfortunately.

GEORGIA PROPHETS (USA)

Rock/soul/funk group from North Carolina. On the album below they are: Billy Scott, Barbara Scott, Tommy Witcher, Bruce Dees, Warren Cowers, Andy Jordan and Tony Pittman.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:38) 1971

LP: Fever [Custom 8 Stereo CRC-77] ● USA, 1971

A good rockin’ version with solid guitar work and bass.

GOMMARD (France)

Rock quintet based in Monstreuil.

Havana Moon (4:05) 2016 (live)

CD: Live In MonStreuil [Self released ] ● France, 2016

Recorded live at L’Armony, music bar in Montreuil, 22 January 2016. Released in September 2016.

LP: Live In MonStreuil [Mauvaise Foi Records MFR] ● France, 2016

Advance release with silk-screened sleeves, 2 series : one of 100 copies, numbered, second one of 50, numbered, otherwise identical.

ANDREW GOLD (USA)

Andrew Maurice Gold, singer, songwriter. Born 1951 in Burbank, California, died 2011 in Los Angeles. His first single and album came in 1975. During his lifetime he had at least 11 albums and several singles to his credit.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:32) 1978

CD: The Late Show – Live 1978 [Omnivore Records OVCD-128] ● USA, 2015

Recorded live 22 april at the final show of the 1978 U.S. tour at the Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood. However, in the liner notes regarding this track it is written: Only hardcore Beatles fans reach this far back. Excuse me?

GRANTS (UK)

Dominic Grant (singer, actor) & Julie Forsyth (singer), members of the ‘70s group Guys ‘N’ Dolls. Formed a country duo in 1986. They have released many albums and a whole lotta singles. Julie is the daughter of actor Bruce Forsyth. Dominic died in 2020, 71 years of age.

You Never Can Tell (C’est La Vie) (3:23) 1998

CD: Let’s Dance [Dino Music DNCD-1601) ● Netherlands, 1998

JOHNNY GREEN’S BLUES COWBOYS (Australia)

Singer and guitarist. Johnny Green's Blues Cowboys performed together for 10 years before they made their first album in 1999. They do blues, rock’n’roll and rockabilly.

Maybellene (2:33) 1999

CD: At Last [Angelwood Records ANG-0198 CD] ● Australia, 1999

GRINDERS (USA)

Punk-rock trio from Rochester, New York. Todd Dentico (vocals, guitar), John Chajka (bass), Ed Lynd (drums).

Beautiful Delilah (2:10) 2004

CD: Where The Wild Things Are [Garage Pop Records GP-21] ● USA, 2004

Run Rudolph Run ( : ) 2009

CD: A Grinder Xmas [Garage Pop Records GP-30] ● USA, 2009

Here they are supported by a guest vocalist, Kevin Wilcox.

RICHARD GROSSER (Australia)

Multi-talented musician from Sydney. He’s very versatile in music and has recorded many songs from various styles as you will notice if you go to his Bandcamp site. Pretty amazing.

Roll Over Beethoven (3:06) 2022 (instr)

Digital single: Roll Over Beethoven ● Australia, 2022

When you portrait Chuck’s original Chess label on your Bandcamp site, it’s just right that you are gonna be included here. Released March 2022. Richard on all instruments and effects, My electro instrumental version of Roll Over Beethoven.

LIAM GRUNDY (UK)

Rock’n’roll singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist based in London.

Back In The USA (2:38) 2000s (live)

CD: Houston [Hot Tomale Recordings HOTTOM-02] ● UK, 2015

Part of the album was recorded at the Sun Studio in Memphis, and the Tomale Studio in London. The Berry track was recorded live in Finland with The Avengers Big Roll Band, here Liam also plays the piano.

GUITAR SLINGERS (Ireland)

Psychobilly band from Dublin.

You Can’t Catch Me (2:41) 2010

CD: Six String Bandit [Diablo Records no cat no] ● UK, 2010

No comments. Recorded and mixed at Diablo Studios.

GUNSHOT (France)

Rock’n’Roll, Rockabilly quartet, featuring singer Yannick Dimont. If you go to Bandcamp and search for Gunshot you also get albums by Yannick Dimont and Poulpe Again, featuring several Berry covers. Check them out, however, I think the “best” ones are below.

Promised Land (3:55) 2002

CD: On S’en Mord … Les Dents! [Gunshot GUN-001] ● France, 2002

You get the feeling he’s listened mostly to the Elvis version, however, this runs a little slower.

Maybellene (1:29) 2002
Thirty Days (3:15) 2002

CD: Énervés Par la Colère [Gunshot GUN-002] ● France, 2002

I don’t say I like them but they are surely different.

Roll Over Beethoven (2:41) 2003

CD: Je Danse … Donc Je Suis! [Gunshot GUN-003] ● France, 2003

This is quite different from most others you have heard. Give it a listen on Bandcamp.

You Never Can Tell (4:21) 2004

CD: T’as Country Le Coup? [Gunshot GUN-004] ● France, 2004

Don’t know what to think? It sounds like there’s a wild wedding ceremony going on and much more throughout the song. The timing says 5:18, but after a little over 4:20 there’s only shouting and screaming. Excuse me, but who got this crazy idea?
Giving them justice there’s also another short version on the album “In The Beginning” at 1:45 which sounds normal.
To give you an idea of the influence Berry had on the band here’s all the Berry covers online of the “In The Beginning” album: Brown Eyed Handsome Man / Maybellene / Nadine / Promised Land / Sweet Little Sixteen / Thirty Days / You Never Can Tell. The album is a mix of home and live recordings from around 1998.

HADDRELL & HAVES BAND (UK)

Featuring Bob Haddrell (keyboards, vocals), Geoff Haves (vocals, guitars), Dave Jones (upright bass), Graham Walker (drums ).

It’s My Own Business (2:53) 2018
Wee Wee Hours (3:13) 2018

Digital: Haddrell & Haves Band [Self released ] ● UK, 2018

Released September 2018. 10 blues tracks. Both Berry covers have a boogie beat. Especially for “Wee Wee Hours” which is an unusual treat. Pretty cool arrangements. You can listen at Bandcamp.

HAMILTON LOOMIS (USA)

Rock/blues/soul singer and multi-instrumentalist. Born 1975 In Galveston, Texas. I have found 10 albums by him going back to 1994 and up to the one below, all out on Ham-Bone Records.

Run Rudolph Run (3:58) 2019

CD: This Season [Ham-Bone Records HBR-30686 1] ● USA, 2019

Solid groovie rock version.

CHARLIE HARPER (UK)

David Charles Perez born 1944. Singer and harmonica player. He’s also been involved as a vocalist in the U.K. Subs.

I’m Talking About You [as “Talkin’ ‘Bout You”] (1:57) 1981 (live)

LP: Stolen Property [Flicknife Records SHARP-100] ● UK, 1981

Recorded at Club 29 Clapham, September 1981.

See also U.K. Subs

NICKY HARRIS (USA)

Singer, songwriter. I’ve found 5 albums by him but not so much about the man himself.

Memphis, Tennessee (2:36) 2015 (live)

CD: Live On Stage [NH self released CD-53660 5 2] ● USA, 2015

I’m getting tired of all these Johnny Rivers’ copyists. Why cover a cover? I have never understood it. This one sounds almost like Rivers, I had to look carefully that I was not mistaken. Why bother?

HEAD CAT (USA)

See Volume 3, page 1239 for biographical info. However, a couple of things. According to the CD sleeve the album mentioned on that page was recorded at Sage And Sound Studios, Hollywood, California, which means that the track was not live.
And Lemmy Kilmister died in 2015 and was replaced by David Vincent in 2017.

Back In The USA (2:32) 2004 (live)
Bye Bye Johnny (2:50) 2004 (live)
I’m Talking About You (2:40) 2004 (live)
Reelin’ And Rockin’ (3:10) 2004 (live)

LP: Rockin’ At The Cat Club [Rock-A-Billy Records CCR-0105] ● USA, 2006

Recorded live on Tuesday 13 January 2004. The vinyl album was pressed in only 322 copies. Also released on DVD.

LP & CD: Rock’n’Roll Riot On The Sunset Strip [Cleopatra CLO-0311] ● USA, 2016

Reissue of the 2006 album.

Let It Rock (2:18) 2008 (live)

LP: Dreamcatcher: Live At Viejas Casino [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-706LPX] ● Worldwide, 2022

Record store day, limited edition, picture disc.

CD: Dreamcatcher: Live At Viejas Casino [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-706CD] ● Germany, 2023

Recorded live 1 February 2008 at the Viejas Casino in Alpine, California.

Let It Rock (2:24) 2011 (live)

LP & CD: Live In Berlin [BMG Rights Management BMGCAT-707DLP (CD)] ● Germany, 2023

Recorded live 11 October 2011 at Huxley's, Berlin, Germany. Red LP vinyl.

MIKE HEFFLEY (USA)

Singer, songwriter, trombonist, journalist, author, arts administrator, and much more (!) He’s released several albums in various styles and contents.

No Money Down (4:24) 2022

Digital: Midlife Christmas [Self released] ● USA, 2022

It’s a very bluesy rendition with Mike and his ac.guitar. But on a Xmas album? – “When I was out walkin’ one Christmas day…” You never know where to find them, that’s for sure. You can listen to it at Bandcamp.

ANITA HIRVONEN (Finland)

Pop singer Anita Ritta Helena Lindgren, born 1946. She’s released many albums since 1976, however, her first single came out in 1966 on Philips.

You Never Can Tell (3:18) 2008

CD: Hei Mambo [Woodoodo Tuotanto W-003] ● Finland, 2008

U.K. SUBS (UK)

Punk-rock quartet from London. They started out around 1976 as The Subversives, then U.K. Subversives and becoming U.K. Subs. First album in 1979 and has released sooo many, several of them live. Many changes in the line-up during the years, so on the album below the band consisted of Charlie Harper (vocals, harmonica), Darrell Barth (guitar), Flea (bass), Matthew McCoy (drums).

I’m Talking About You [as “Talking ‘Bout You”] (1:52) 1990

LP: Mad Cow Fever [Fallout Records FALL LP-048] ● UK, 1991

They also do a cover of “Route 66” which sounds like a punk variant of Berry/Stones.

See also CHARLIE HARPER