ALBUM REVIEW

THE LEGENDARY WOLFMAN JACK : HOWLIN' ON THE AIR
(Big Ear Music CD # EAZ-4004)

Rescued from a local "cutout" bin, this 1998 package from Big Ear Music in California is a compilation of genuine air checks (excerpts) from the late Bob ("Wolfman Jack") Smith's broadcasts over Los Angeles-based Mexican radio station XERB (it's transmitter is/was in Tijuana, Mexico, thus the station's "X" designation [Mexican] instead of a "K" [U.S. west of the Mississippi]) during 1968 - 1970. It's the Wolfman doin' his thing as he plays a good mix of oldies, and includes commercials, comic bits (including prank phone calls), and promotional items and themes.

In the tradition of the "personality" deejays, the Wolfman sings along, talks, howls, laughs, grunts, etc., while the records are playing, so if you're looking for "pure" tracks, you'd better skip this one. But if you want a nostalgic look back at late 1960s radio, this is hard to beat. 19 oldies plus lots of Wolfmania!!!

If nobody's said it before, I'll say it now - the Wolfman was like an Alan Freed with an ATTITUDE!! Brooklyn-born Smith passed away on July 1, 1995, at his home in North Carolina, one of the last of a diminishing breed.

Definitely worth a listen, if you can find it. Internet research indicates limited availability - one major seller lists it, but "on backorder."

Track listing:

1. Wolfman Intro
2. Rock-In Robin - Bobby Day / Wolfman Theme
3. I Want You To Be My Girl - Fankie Lymon And The Teengers
4. Here Comes The Wolfman Theme / She's Looking Good - Roger Collins
5. Kool Cigerettes Commercial
6. Peanut Butter - The Marathons
7. Walking Along - The Solitaires
8. Wolfman Phone Call
9. Way Down Yonder In New Orleans - Freddy Cannon
10. Gee - The Crows
11. 72 Original Oldies Commericals / Colt 45 Commercial
12. Whip It On Me - Jessie Hill
13. Rockin' In The Jungle - The Eternals
14. Life Is But A Dream - The Harptones
15. Hearts Of Stone - The Jewels
16. Roots Of Rock Commericals / Colt 45 Commercial
17. Shake A Hand - Faye Adams
18. Shake A Tail Feather - The Five Du-Tones
19. B.C. Powder Commercials / Wolfman Phone Call
20. Church Bells May Ring - The Willows
21. Tears On My Pillow - Little Anthony And The Imperials
22. Wind Up Wolfman Bit
23. Don't You Just Know It - Huey Smith And The Clowns
24. Country Club Malt Liquor Commercial
25. Wolfman Phone Call
26. Psychotic Reaction - Count Five
27. Ranier Ale Commercial / XERB Jingle
28. Trickle Trickle - The Videos
29. Nothing Takes The Place Of You - Toussaint McCall

Copyright � 2002 - Doo Wop Gino

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Last updated 22 July 2002.

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