When discussing the history of American Rock-n-Roll, you really need to do your homework. A popular genre of music that began to take shape in the early ‘50s, artists such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley were changing the direction of mainstream Pop music by the latter part of the decade. A phenomenon that would become the standard for modern music, by the time the ‘60s arrived, Rock-n-Roll was fully embedded in America. Factors that sometimes can be lost on a modern culture, who seemingly like to ignore history, one artist who should not be forgotten is Del Shannon.
Shannon, a true pioneer in Rock-n-Roll, is a name that perhaps could be lost in the sands of time. Shockingly taking his own life in early 1990, it has been thirty-three years since his passing; so, this could be part of the reason why his name might be less known to younger generations. Only fifty-five years old at the time, the story goes that Shannon was pushing himself to complete a new album in January of ’90. Clearly under a great deal of stress, he was advised by his doctor to take the antidepressant Prozac. Fifteen days later, Shannon was gone. A pain-staked turn of events, according to his then wife, LeAnne, that these actions were completely out of character for Shannon who left no note, or as much insinuated a goodbye. A lot to process, dare we say the mind-altering medication given to Shannon is what put him in his darkest, irrational state? Thinking about this, fast forward three plus decades after his death, we are so heavily ingrained with an almost religious belief of pharmaceuticals in our society, that you are looked down upon for even raising any concerns.
Anyway, this grime ending to Shannon’s life should not define him nor his work. An extremely talented man, he was a unique singer, songwriter, and overall creative talent. Harnessing his own shortcoming into his music – ranging from broken hearts to feeling passed over by others – his songs resonated with a broader audience because of such heartfelt lyrics and extremely catchy melodies. Best known for his 1961 number-one Billboard hit “Runaway,” many have covered the classic track, including Elvis, plus more modern artists such as Punk legends the Misfits.
Just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Shannon’s brilliance, other hits he penned/performed include 1961’s “Hats Off to Larry,” 1962’s “Little Town Flirt,” 1964’s “Keep Searchin’ (We’ll Follow the Sun),” and 1965’s “Stranger in Town.” All possessing his unique style that separated him from others during the ‘60s, Shannon would influence many as well. Just to name a few, his music inspired The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Elton John. In fact, beyond everything discussed, there is a whole lot of history to uncover within the life and music of Del Shannon.
This all-in mind, UK label Edsel Records has put together an epic Del Shannon collection called Stranger In Town: A Del Shannon Compendium. Released on February 24, 2023, the deluxe CD box set encompasses Shannon’s entire career spanning all of his studio records, live recording, b-sides, demos, as well as previously unreleased tracks. A gargantuan 12-CD set with 302 songs… get on your attention span caps boys and girls, because this is going to take some time. Put together with precision and thought, the collection goes in chronological order, allowing you to experience Shannon’s music as it progressed during his active years of recording.
Of course, the collection includes every single hit, but the true treasures here are the songs you might have missed, and this includes some really quirky, fun ones such as “Torture” and “Froggy.” Furthermore, by the time you get midway through the set, you find Shannon’s body of work more and more impressive. You hear more of his less popular original songs, but also a slew of wonderful recorded cover tracks. You also get to hear the changes in his stylistic approach as the years wore on and you find his talents allowed him to dance in various genres from classic Pop Rock and Country, to even heavier Rock-n-Roll.
Beyond the music, the set also includes a 32-page booklet featuring photos and ephemera, plus extensive annotation by Alan Robinson. Well-written and insightful, it is recommended to read it in one of your several listening sessions of this set. And with these features in place, the sound quality is superbly mastered with clarity and doing the music justice.
Overall, Stranger In Town: A Del Shannon Compendium is one of the most complete and well-crafted career spanning box sets you will ever need to own. A lot to take in, it certainly will take a few days, if not weeks to get through it, but it is highly recommended to listen to disc 1 through 12 in order. Once you have done that, then you can cherry pick moments here and there you want to go back to for subsequent listening sessions.
Truly inspiring and magical, it is a vivid reminder that Del Shannon is an all-time great who should be no stranger in any town from now until eternity. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Stranger In Town: A Del Shannon Compendium 5 out of 5 stars.
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