Amazon.com Capitol initially released Roy Clark's first album in 1963 to little fanfare. Razor & Tie's reissue of this fully instrumental LP, recorded before Clark signed with the label, is valuable in that it showcases his remarkable six-string gifts on a "groovy" blend of traditional country-swing and the modern twist sound that was so popular with the kids at the time. Just when you think he can't pluck 'em any faster, he'll double-time at blazing speed with continued precision accuracy. The one drawback is that the total running time is relatively brief, at about 30 minutes. Twelve tracks in all, this record allows country fans to get in touch with some of the genre's roots, albeit in a "hip" setting, and confirms that "the guy from Hee Haw" can really play. --Jason Pascal
A Must-hear for Guitar PlayersAugust 23, 2009 Dustin DeMatteo A friend turned me on to this awesome obscure guitar record. Roy's done a lot, but this is my favorite style for him. While today's guitar players, knowing what shredding sounds like, may balk at the title "lightning", it's pretty fast for the times. Go ahead and play along with Twelfth Street Rag and Drifter's Polka, they reach a frenetic pace at the end. Nonmusicians will also like this record if you're into surf or country music, because it's a hybrid of both sounds, with some fab 60's vibe mixed in. Check out this rare gem. I wish there were more albums like this!
Roy Clark is an incredible guitar player but...February 5, 2009 TimMd(San Jose, CA) 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This album is not showing his lightning speed on most songs. They should have left "lightning" out of the title.
Less than expectedJanuary 24, 2008 James Wirth Roy Clark is one fabulous guitarist, but this album does not do him justice. There are two or three songs which are worthy of the album title. The rest are nothing special. I expected one hot tune after another, but most are nothing to get excited about and the arrangements are lacking as well. It was quite a disappointment.
The HeeHaw Wiz-KidSeptember 30, 2007 Tom(Clifton, NJ) Yeah, there is always a treat out there if you look hard enough and ask yer elders. Does anyone out there remember Roy's numerous guest appearances on the '70 TV Sitcom, "The Odd Couple"? He could just melt the audience with that acoustic and make you forget you were supposed to laugh at Felix and Oscar. What a gift. It's as good as finding those rare, early LP's of Glen Campbell doing nothing but picking a twelve string. Yeah....that's another treat you need to seek out! Enjoy!
Roy ClarkMay 13, 2007 L. Munster Got this for my dad for his birthday, and he loves it. No slow songs in the bunch!
![Roy Clark - Greatest Hits [Varese]](http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B0000014WL.01._AA75_PU_PU-5_.jpg)
