Instead of featuring selected tracks spanning an entire recording career, Clifton Chenier’s Rockin’ Accordion focuses on his first six years recording for a variety of labels from 1955 to 1960. This 27-track anthology is arranged chronologically, starting with Los Angeles record man JR Fulbright who recorded Chenier for Elko/Imperial at a Lake Charles radio station. Though the first half-dozen tracks are understandably raw, the future king of zydeco still tears it up in epic fashion. The remaining 21-tracks are easier on the ears, starting with Chenier’s breakout hit “Ay Tete Fee,” a cover of Professor Longhair’s “Hey Little Girl,” that was waxed on Specialty Records. Tracks from Chess (“Big Wheel”) and JD Miller’s Crowley-based Zynn Records round out the collection. Nine tracks not originally issued are included, giving the listener an idea of what Chenier sounded like during this era.

But if there was ever truth in advertising, this disc’s title would be it. The majority of these tracks are back-to-back up-tempo rompers, stompers, rockers and boogies with an occasional bluesy slow drag where Chenier’s vocals are painful enough to touch you emotionally, if not make your skin crawl. Some tracks include a piano in the arrangement; four of the Zynn tracks list piano-pounder Katie Webster who was a mainstay in Miller’s studio at that time. After 1960, Chenier would not record again until 1964 but that’s a story for another time.