On this day June 7, 1982, Stray Cats released the compilation album Built for Speed in the United States. It became their breakthrough record in America, climbing all the way to number 2 on the Billboard charts and bringing rockabilly roaring back into the spotlight.
Built for Speed combined tracks from the band’s two earlier UK albums into one high energy release. With hits like Rock This Town and Stray Cat Strut, the album showcased the group’s signature mix of vintage 50s style and modern 80s edge.
Its success helped spark a brief but memorable rockabilly revival and made the Stray Cats one of the most recognizable bands of the early 80s.
80s insight: Built for Speed proved that even in the era of synth and new wave, there was still room for slicked back hair, upright bass, and greased lightning guitar riffs.
Built for Speed combined tracks from the band’s two earlier UK albums into one high energy release. With hits like Rock This Town and Stray Cat Strut, the album showcased the group’s signature mix of vintage 50s style and modern 80s edge.
Its success helped spark a brief but memorable rockabilly revival and made the Stray Cats one of the most recognizable bands of the early 80s.
80s insight: Built for Speed proved that even in the era of synth and new wave, there was still room for slicked back hair, upright bass, and greased lightning guitar riffs.
