Bobby Darin at ATCO #2: August 21, 1957

Описание: Here we have Bobby's first session AFTER he was signed to ATCO - the results of his May 1957 demo sessions were bought and released by ATCO.
On August 21, Bobby returned to the studio for his first official session with ATCO, and it is clear from the songs attempted that the intention was to build upon the success of the previous session. Bobby persisted with the rock ‘n’ roll genre here, and, once again, the results were varied. After this session, Bobby wouldn't record again until early 1958.

The first single to come out of the session coupled Don’t Call My Name with Pretty Betty, both of which were originals by Darin and Don Kirshner. Don’t Call My Name had already been recorded by Bobby as a songwriter demo, but, in this commercial recording, it is improved, and by far the best cut of the session. An outtake, take 3, is also included in this video.

Pretty Betty, the flip-side of Don’t Call My Name, is also a step forward . Bobby’s vocal is more exciting, and the guitar solo is competent and energetic. The problem here is the material, with the number being derivative of many other rock ‘n’ roll songs from the period. An outtake, take 5, is also included on this video.

Also from this session, So Mean suffers from many of the same problems. This ballad is competent enough, and Darin puts in a fine performance, but it is also similar to many other rock ‘n’ roll ballads of the period, with the main point of interest today being that it was another Darin and Kirshner original. Paired with Just in Case You Change Your Mind from the May session, it also failed to dent the charts.

The remaining song, (Since You’re Gone) I Can’t Go On, is an unremarkable rock ‘n’ roll ballad with country overtones that has a slightly awkward feel to it, and was held back until it appeared on Bobby’s first LP.

More info on these sessions can be found in the book Bobby Darin: The Ultimate Listener's Guide.

0.00 Don't Call My Name
2.01 (Since You're Gone) I Can't Go On
4.47 Pretty Betty
6.32 So Mean
9.10 Don't Call My Name (take 3)
11.20 Pretty Betty (take 5)