Various Artists
The Cavern - The Most Famous Club In The World EMI
I have to admit I like the concept of releasing an album of bands who have played at a specific venue, the venue in this case being Liverpool's The Cavern, a name synonymous with the British pop invasion of the US in the early 1960's as well as being forever linked to The Beatles. Opening in 1957, this underground cellar started life as a jazz club, courtesy of one Alan Sytner. However, the emerging skiffle scene in the late 1950's early 1960's (from which Lennon's Quarrymen evolved) started making inroads, morphing into the Liverpool rock/pop sound. The Cavern closed in early 1966 due to health issues, but was reopened in mid 1966 by PM Harold Wilson. However, its historic standing didn't stop the warehouse above being demolished, while the cellar itself was back filled in 1973. The current cellar at 10 Mathew Street is an exact replica, built on the site of the original.
So what do you get for the 50th anniversary of The Cavern? Three discs, running to 51tracks featuring bands or acts that have performed there.
Naturally The Beatles (who performed there nearly 300 times here) open with Please Please Me, alongside The Shadows, The Searchers, Herman's Hermits, The 'Stones, The Who - indeed name any major UK act of the last 45 years, and they are likely to be here.
Of the internationals Chuck Berry, Ben E. King, Bo Diddley, Little Eva and Stevie Wonder provide a balance from the other side of the Atlantic.
Sadly there are no artists, jazz or otherwise, from the 50s which short sells the 50th anniversary tag. And I would like to have seen perhaps lesser-known tracks presented, but that is a minor complaint. As it is the skiffle/pop tracks from Lonnie Donegan, The Swinging Blue Jeans and Georgie Fame more than make up for this.
If you have more than a passing interest in contemporary music and its history then The Cavern can nestle nicely in your collection.
I have to admit I like the concept of releasing an album of bands who have played at a specific venue, the venue in this case being Liverpool's The Cavern, a name synonymous with the British pop invasion of the US in the early 1960's as well as being forever linked to The Beatles. Opening in 1957, this underground cellar started life as a jazz club, courtesy of one Alan Sytner. However, the emerging skiffle scene in the late 1950's early 1960's (from which Lennon's Quarrymen evolved) started making inroads, morphing into the Liverpool rock/pop sound. The Cavern closed in early 1966 due to health issues, but was reopened in mid 1966 by PM Harold Wilson. However, its historic standing didn't stop the warehouse above being demolished, while the cellar itself was back filled in 1973. The current cellar at 10 Mathew Street is an exact replica, built on the site of the original.
