Woman Love (1956): The Song Too Hot for Radio
History is full of 'what ifs', and this is one of rock’s greatest. When Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps laid down their first single for Capitol Records, the intended star of the show was 'Woman Love'. It’s a smoldering, slinky track dripping with a raw,
suggestive energy that was simply too much for 1956 America. Punctuated by Vincent’s heavy breathing and lustful groans, the song was quickly banned by radio stations who found it scandalously explicit. In a fateful move, DJs flipped the record over and started playing the B-side, a frantic little number called 'Be-Bop-A-Lula'. The rest is history. 'Woman Love' remains a fascinating artifact—the hit that should have been, and a perfect example of the untamed spirit that made Vincent a true rock and roll original.
Race with the Devil (1956): The Frantic Masterpiece from Day One
Recorded during the very same session that produced 'Be-Bop-A-Lula', 'Race with the Devil' is a blast of pure, uncut rockabilly fire. While 'Be-Bop-A-Lula' had a swaggering, mid-tempo groove, this track is a full-throttle sprint. It’s a frantic, paranoid anthem powered by Vincent’s breathless, desperate vocals and the revolutionary guitar work of Cliff Gallup, whose lightning-fast solos would influence generations of players. This song isn't just a deep cut; it's a foundational text of rockabilly, showcasing the sheer, manic energy that the band possessed from their very first day in the studio. It’s the sound of a band inventing a new language in real time, and it’s as thrilling today as it was then.
Git It (1958): The Unstoppable Rock and Roll Command
By 1958, Gene Vincent was an established star, but he hadn't lost an ounce of the wild energy that made him famous. 'Git It', a standout track from that year, is proof. The song is a relentless, driving rocker that barrels forward like a runaway train, built on a simple, irresistible command. It features a raucous call-and-response between Vincent and the Blue Caps, creating a party-like atmosphere that captures the legendary intensity of his live performances. While it was released as a single, it never reached the commercial heights of his debut. For those who only know 'Be-Bop-A-Lula', hearing 'Git It' is a revelation—a powerful reminder that Vincent’s tank was still full of high-octane fuel.
She She Little Sheila (1958): The Catchy Tune That Proved His Range
Often, the wildest artists are unfairly pigeonholed. While Vincent excelled at frantic rock, he could also craft a killer pop-infused tune. 'She She Little Sheila' is a perfect example of his versatility. Released in 1958, the track has a slightly more polished feel than his earlier, rawer material, but it sacrifices none of the essential energy. It's an incredibly catchy, mid-tempo bop with a memorable chorus and a swagger that is pure Vincent. It demonstrates his ability to work within a more traditional song structure while still injecting it with his unique personality and rock and roll spirit. It’s a gem that proves he was far more than a one-dimensional wild man; he was a smart, capable songwriter who knew his way around a great hook.
