Duane Eddy – Yep!

Duane Eddy – Yep!

Duane Eddy – Yep! is a classic 1959 UK rock & roll EP showcasing the revolutionary guitar sound that made Eddy one of the defining instrumentalists of the early rock era. Released on London Records in June 1959, the four-track EP brings together Eddy's distinctive twangy guitar style with a selection of energetic and atmospheric instrumentals from his hugely successful late-1950s period.

The title track, “Yep!”, was released in the US as a single in March 1959 and became another major success for Eddy, reaching No. 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 17 in the UK. Written by Eddy and his legendary collaborator Lee Hazlewood, the recording combines Eddy's unmistakable echo-drenched guitar with shouted vocal effects, honking saxophone and a driving rhythm section.

Backing it is “Three-30-Blues”, a slower, moodier instrumental that originally appeared on Eddy's Have 'Twangy' Guitar – Will Travel album. Contemporary reviews described it as an after-hours blues performance, providing an excellent contrast to the more explosive “Yep!”.

The second half of the EP features “The Lonesome Road” and “Loving You”, both of which demonstrate the versatility of Eddy's instrumental approach. His performances were built around the deep, reverberating tone of his Gretsch guitar, supported by the musicians who became known as The Rebels. This powerful combination helped establish the sound that would influence generations of rock, surf and instrumental guitar music.

Duane Eddy's success was central to the development of instrumental rock, with records such as “Rebel-'Rouser”, “Ramrod”, “Cannonball” and “Forty Miles Of Bad Road” becoming defining recordings of the late-1950s rock & roll era. His low-register guitar tone and use of dramatic echo created a sound that was immediately recognisable and helped establish the electric guitar as a dominant lead instrument in popular music.

For collectors of Duane Eddy vinyl, rockabilly, early rock & roll, instrumental guitar and vintage 1950s EPs, Yep! is a particularly appealing release. The UK London EP format brings four excellent recordings together and captures Eddy at the height of his original rock & roll success, making it a great addition to any collection of classic vintage vinyl.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Yep!
2. Three-30-Blues

Side B

1. The Lonesome Road
2. Loving You