Clovis Classics: The Definitive Collection by The Fireballs

The Fireballs are one of those '50s/'60s bands that tend to slip under the radar. Best known for their hit "Sugar Shack" (which featured rhythm guitarist Jimmy Gilmer on vocals and was released under his name) and 1968 Top Ten hit "Bottle of Wine," the group actually has a strong and varied r?sum?, as this collection amply demonstrates. Their earliest incarnation was split between gently rumbling instrumentals like "Torquay," "Bulldog," and "Yacky Doo" and peppy vocal numbers like "Long Long Pony Tail," "I Don't Know," and "Sugar Shack." Recorded in Clovis, NM, with Norman Petty, the tracks have a very appealing light and clean sound that may lack the punch of the Ventures or other instro heavyweights but has enough melody and charm to win the day. The early vocal numbers that feature Chuck Tharp's vocals suffer in comparison to the Jimmy Gilmer-led tracks from the mid-'60s like the frothy "Daisy Petal Pickin'." Gilmer is by no means a great singer but he has an effervescent style and can rock out quite ...