AMG Review of Forever Gold: The Stray Cats

Al Campbell
All Music Guide

Forever Gold: The Stray Cats contains four studio outtakes and eight live tracks that capture the raw energy of the retro rockabilly band in their prime. Inspired studio takes of "Stray Cat Strut," "We n' Love," "Mystery Train," and "Summertime Blues" are tame compared to the raucous live tracks. The sound is a bit thin, especially since Slim Jim Phantom used a minimal drum kit of snare, cymbal, and bass drum. Listening to the performances of "Fishnet Stockings," "Rumble in Brighton," "Double Talkin' Baby," and "Rock This Town" reminds you why this band, rockabilly or otherwise, was one of the most exciting of the early '80s.