”Who was Vince Taylor? For one, he was the inspiration behind David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. He also wrote one of the great Rock songs of all time, “Brand New Cadillac” (most famously covered by The Clash off their 1979 opus, London Calling). Granted, stylistically he owed a huge debt to his heroes, Elvis Presely, Gene Vincent & Eddie Cochran. And while not the most original Rocker on the scene, he did trademark the black leather suit before any of them. Of course, at the height of his popularity, just as he was about to break through, he notoriously “lost it” onstage. Apparently, the acid he allegedly scored off of Bob Dylan was part of the reason he wrapped a towel around his head, proclaimed himself Jesus Christ & preached to the crowd before trashing his band’s gear Who-style.”
”All that said, in terms of the material there aren’t alot of originals like “Brand New Cadilliac”. In fact, a case could be argued that the likes of Chuck Berry, Eddie Cochran & Gene Vincent laid down the definitive versions of many of the songs herein. What sets Vince Taylor apart however is not the material he covered, but how he did it. In terms of intensity, attack & edge, this is some of the most ferocious Rockbilly around. We’ve all heard “Long Tall Sally” a thousand times, but not with this kind of abandon.
The French praised him for his feral wildness onstage & listening to the likes of “Cadillac”, “Jet Black Leather Machine” & “Since My Baby Left Me”, it was no myth. Other standouts include a stellar “Jezebel” & “Hi Heeled Sneakers”. Also noteworthy is the eerie, “Endless Sleep” .
As for “Cold White & Beautiful”, granted singing an upbeat song about your baby shooting herself is not going to be a guaranteed hit, but the jauntiness of this rare B-side is likely to send a chill up your spine. As will no doubt, Taylor’s performances throughout.” [LEPER MESSIAH]
SURFADELIC 