Louis Jordan - The Aladdin "X" & VIK Recordings 1953-55 (1953/2006/2020)

Unlike his previous recordings on the Decca label, Louis Jordan's successful run on the charts was over by the time he began recording for Aladdin X and Vix between 1953 and 1955. These 28 songs are more refined than the natural humorous vigor of his previous Decca hits. In some cases, Jordan sounds ready for Vegas. Instrumental cuts "The Dripper" and "Gotta Go" are a lot of fun, but the ballads are droopy, with banal lyrics like "I had to call you on the phone/Because I feel so all alone." Even the novelties "Bananas," "Messy Bessy," and "Fat Back and Corn Liquor" sound a bit forced and outdated; needless to say, "Gal, You Need a Whippin'!" definitely lacks the good-natured wit and warmth of previous Jordan sides. While there are moments of magic on this set after all, this is Louis Jordan the overall results are a bit too polished. The single-disc 1977 MCA compilation The Best of Louis Jordan contains the most well-rounded selections of prime Jordan, but that doesn't mean fans of early R&B and jump blues shouldn't check this out.