Here we have the first ever CD from Charlie and it is a splendid collection of talking / singing country boogies plus some straight country shuffles, all performed with considerable gusto and feeling. The set opens up with a version of the classic "Hot Rod Lincoln" and is a masterpiece of country boogie. Offspring of "Hot Rod Lincoln" are evident in "Side Car Cycle", "Burlington Chase", Hot Rod Hades" and "Rocket Race", all of which are pure joy.

More talking boogie comes with "Chicken House Boogie" whilst "Hot Rod Boogie", "Hot Rod Guitar" and "Jack's Boogie" are simply splendid guitar lead instrumental boogies, real crackers. "Dream" is a narrative country ditty about the considerable talent of the original county greats and I do mean originals such as Jimmy Dickens, Red Foley, Elton Britt and Arkie Shipley. Charlie often performed alongside these acts as his considerable quantity of scrapbooks confirms.

Of the remainder, the up tempo "Beautiful Carolinas" is a great song sung with excellence and complete with lashings of steel guitar. "House Next Door" is near rockabilly and is real catchy whilst "Let's Try Again", "Never Again" and "Along The Border" are fine honky tonk shuffles.

Some tracks by necessity have been dubbed from disc and the odd crack and pop is evident but if anything this adds to the authentic feel. This CD should be in the collection of anyone who likes country boogie or authentic country music from the fifties, unreservedly recommended. The liner notes tells the story of the "Hot Rod Lincoln" and is complete with a quantity of photographs, both of Charlie and the car.

The CD is available from Lincoln Records, 104 West 30th Avenue, Spokane, Washington 99203-1719, USA.