The Champs - Go, Champs, Go! (1958)

Artist: The Champs
Album: Go, Champs, Go!
Genre: Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Rockabilly
Released: 1958 [1980]

 

***

The Champs had a huge hit with "Tequila" in 1958 and its raw, loose barroom saxophone riff has kept it a radio, soundtrack, and drinking contest staple ever since. The tune itself was originally a B-side backing the single "Train to Nowhere," and both tracks were recorded by studio musicians for Gene Autry's then-brand new Challenge Records. "Tequila" was the breakout hit, though, and the Champs, at least as a touring group, were born. Go Champs Go is a facsimile CD of their first LP for Challenge from 1958, and it includes both sides of that initial single, as well as a couple of vocal tracks and several attempts to re-create the success of "Tequila" by incorporating loose Latin rhythms in an instrumental R&B setting. Ace has packaged this album together with 1959's Everybody's Rockin' With the Champs (also originally released on Challenge) as a single-disc two-fer, and from a bang for the buck perspective, it makes more sense to go that route, although collectors may prefer to pick up this facsimile version for the sake of completeness.

AllMusic Review by Steve Leggett

Tracklist
1. Go Champ, Go
2. El Rancho Rock
3. I'll Be There
4. Sky High
5. What's Up, Buttercup
6. Lollipop
7. Tequila
8. Train To Nowhere
9. Midnighter
10. Robot Walk
11. Just Walking In The Rain
12. Night Beat

 @FLAC (Image+.cue)