The Vaults / CD Reissues : Top R&B;, Rockabilly on ‘Excello’ Collection

*** 1/2, VARIOUS ARTISTS, “The Best of Excello Records”, Excello/AVI When you listen to this treasure chest of R&B; and rockabilly from the ‘50s and early ‘60s, it’s easy to assume that the records were originally released by a Memphis label, not a Nashville one.

Excello’s Ernie Young, who owned a record store in Nashville, didn’t produce his own records in the tradition of Memphis’ Sam Phillips, but he had a good feel for picking up recordings made by independent producers from around the South.

There is such a raw, authentic feel to several of the tracks in the collection--including “Hey! Baby,” by Al Ferrier, the rockabilly veteran from Montgomery, La.--that it’s easy to see how most of them could have become major hits if they would have been backed by the promotional muscle of a larger label.

Some of the tracks did emerge as influential, including Arthur Gunter’s “Baby, Let’s Play House,” the song that later became a regional hit for Elvis Presley, to the Marigolds’ “Rollin’ Stone,” whose Caribbean slant suggested an early ska or reggae feel.

Also included: the Gladiolas’ original version of “Little Darlin’ ,” which later became a pop hit for the Diamonds, and two of Slim Harpo’s biggest hits: “Rainin’ in My Heart” and “Baby Scratch My Back.” Solid. *

*** David Bowie, “Santa Monica ‘72,” Griffin Music. Bowie’s 1972 tour was a landmark in rock, a series of shows whose staging was as visionary as the music. As mysterious rocker “Ziggy Stardust,” Bowie electrified the pop world with his ambition and talent. The technical quality of this live radio broadcast is spotty, but the music documents the revolutionary edge of the performances.

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** Various Artists, “Legends of Accordion,” Rhino. These 18 moments of fame for the accordion--from Dick Contino’s “Lady of Spain” to Frank Yankovic’s “Trollie’s Polka”--aren’t the only reason this collection might be the ideal party brightener. You can also delight your friends by showing them the album package, which actually unfolds just like an accordion. Inspired move.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (essential).