Great Balls of Fire (chat & master)

Firstly issued in 1982 on "The Sun Years" (12 LP set). Contains chatter and take (net length 1:51). This take 14 (without chatter) has been released on single Sun 281.
Note from the back cover of Record 4 of "The Sun Years". Although Roland Janes is clearly present on other takes, there appear to be only two instruments present on the originally released version of "Great Balls of Fire". One has to listen carefully before this becomes apparent and it would be hard to imagine more powerful playing and singing from Jerry and more sensitive and forceful drumming from Van Eaton. There is not a wasted note on the record. All those out-takes were certainly worthwhile on this occasion as the well thought out piano lines are stunningly effective. Listen, for example, to Jerry's right hand playing just before the opening line.
Jerry's solo is a twin threat. On the first half, he gives it all away with four sweeping glissandi but then, on the second half, manages to build incredible tension by hammering away with his right hand on the same notes for six consecutive bars. His vocal is a model of confidence. It ranges from barely controlled lust ("Oooh, feels good…") to playfulness ("You're kind, so fine..."). It's fair to say that we're unlikely to ever hear a more basic, exciting and competently made rock 'n' roll record.