El Paso Rock: Early Recordings, Vol. 3

Bobby Fuller remains among the most underrated rock 'n' rollers of all time. Though his version of Sonny Curtis' "I Fought the Law" has been enshrined as a classic, there's much more to explore and enjoy. Each volume of this El Paso Rock series has enough highlights to warrant its inclusion in any serious rock 'n' roll fan's collection. His debts to fellow Texan Buddy Holly are obvious, but Fuller takes those influences and builds on them in a rich catalog of nearly three-minute classics. Whether he's rocking out ("Summertime Blues/Somethin' Else") or delivering a sweet ballad ("A New Shade of Blue"), there's a sense of inspiration and commitment that extends well beyond professionalism. His crystalline electric guitar sound is iconic, and his vocals are pure and unaffected. Don't let the Volume 3 tag fool you into thinking this is a set of leftovers. It's every bit as essential as the previous volumes, with studio and live recordings mixed together for a solid musical overview of Fuller's sizable talents.