Tracy Nelson Country
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Audio CD (10 September, 1996)
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Reviews (7)

Brilliant traditional country album
Tracy Nelson is not a name that is normally associated with country music, but she could have been a great country singer, judged on this album.

The album opens with an excellent original song (Sad siuation). The remaining songs are all covers, except Stay as sweet as you are, a lovely song which Tracy co-wrote with Bob Arthur.

Some of the covers are of well-known songs, including Stand by your man (Tammy Wynette), I fall to pieces (Patsy Cline) and two Hank Williams songs, I'm so lonesome I could cry and You win again. Tracy also does a brilliant version of Don Gibson's Blue blue day. That's alright mama, the Arthur Crudup song made famous by Elvis, gets the country treatment and fits in well here.

Tracy also does an outstanding cover of Why why why, a song written by Dolly Parton and recorded by her on the Monument label. In 1969, when this album was recorded, Dolly was only just beginning to establish herself as Porter Wagoner's duet singer, so Tracy's choice of this song was astute.

This album is not typical of Tracy's other music, nor is it typical of country music of the time, as there are no strings here - this is very solid, traditional country.

How lucky we are to have this re-released!
My wife introduced the original vinyl album to me more than twenty years ago when we lived in Austin. What an amazing piece of work! Nelson's vocal talents and material are at their peak. Don't pass up the chance to get this. The only "country" album that even comes close is k.d. lang's Shadowland. I'm smiling as I write this, just thinking about Tracy's album.

One of the best albums ever!!
Even if you're not a country music fan, you want this CD. Tracy Nelson uses her stunning voice in ways that only the best jazz singers can, but on country standards [Think of Ray Charles' country recordings and you'll get my drift]. Her version of "I'm so lonesome I could cry" is one of those rare moments she produces - as good as her signature song "Down So Low." Even on the "corny" pieces like "Stand by your man," Tracy Nelson is able to make the song convincing without being trite. ... Read more

Asin: B000002N7A
Sales Rank: 58688

Bramble & The Rose
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (14 February, 1992)
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Reviews (1)

One of the finest bluegrass bands around
Lynn Morris and her band have been overshadowed in recent years by others, particularly Alison Krauss, but Lynn and Marshall are brilliant singers and all the band are talented musicians.

On this album, Lynn (lead singer on most tracks) plays clawhammer banjo on The engineers don't wave from the trains anymore (a nostalgic Tom T Hall song remembering steam trains and how much more exciting they were than diesels) - on other tracks she plays rhythm guitar.

David McLaughlin plays lead guitar on Hey Porter (the old Johnny Cash song - they love their trains!) - on other tracks he plays mandolin. Tom Adams plays banjo. Stuart Duncan (not a member of the band, but a guest on this album) plays fiddle.

Marshall Wilborn sings lead on the two train songs and two songs he wrote himself, My younger days and Heartstrings. He is also the band's bass player.

Lynn does a magnificent cover of Coat of many colors. Of course, nobody could ever quite match Dolly's version of this song, which is about a true life experience, but Lynn's version is as good as any other I've heard, including Emmylou's.

There are many other excellent songs here, including Love grown cold, a song written by Lynn, plus a fine instrumental written by Tom, Red line to Shady Grove.

If you like the bluegrass music of Claire, Rhonda and Alison, you will also enjoy the Lynn Morris band. ... Read more

Asin: B0000002KH
Sales Rank: 101988

The Kendalls - 20 Greatest Hits
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Audio CD (11 March, 1994)
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Reviews (3)

All their Ovation classics and then some
Lead singer Jeannie Kendall has a piercing voice that you either love or hate - I love it. Her father, Royce, provided harmony vocals - there were very few genuine duets and none of them are on this collection.

Heaven's just a sin away is the song they are best known for. It was a number one country hit and made a creditable showing on the American pop charts. It was their only pop hit but they had many more successes on the country charts. Of the other original songs here, Sweet desire, I'm already blue, You'd make an angel wanna cheat, Pittsburgh stealers. Old fashioned love, Everlasting love (not to be confused with the sixties pop hit of the same title), Don't call me your only sunshine and Heart of the matter are my favorites. This collection also includes great covers of Leaving on a jet plane (the John Denver song made famous by Peter Paul and Mary), You've lost that loving feelinfg (Righteous brothers), Put it off until tomorrow (Dolly Parton), Making believe (Kitty Wells) and Never my love (Association).

If you are thinking of buying a Kendalls compilation, there is at least one alternative to consider, 16 greatest hits, which contains the most important 13 tracks of the 20 here (though not necessarily the 13 best), plus three tracks that they recorded for Mercury (Teach me to cheat, If you're waiting on me, Thank God for the radio). The price (as I write this) is higher for fewer tracks. The seven tracks here that aren't on the other compilation are well worth hearing. There are other compilations but some of them may be-re-recordings.

If you enjoy traditional country, you will love the good-time music of Kendalls providing you like Jeannie's voice. You then just have to decide which compilation to buy - this one or 16 greatest hits.

Good harmony, upbeat tempo, and a genuine country sound
The Kendalls were hot for a brief period in the 1970s. This CD has most of their best work. There is their huge hit, "Pittsburg Steelers", done exceptionally well. I have always had an affinity for this father-daughter team specially the daughter's endearing screech. There are some good numbers here like "Heaven's Just A Sin Away", that make one smile a put a bounce in your step. I thought their versions of "Makin' Believe" and "Leavin' On A Jet Plane" were superb. Some numbers, like "I don't do like that anymore" are flat and sound like fillers.

All said, this is a very good CD that I listen to when I am in a mood for some genuine country night club music. If you don't care for the country twang then forget this CD. However, if you like the 'Kentucky sound' and some foot stompin' music rush out and get this CD!!

The Buoyant Harmonies of the Kendalls
In the 1970's this father/daughter team recorded some of the finest harmonies that rival the Everly Brothers, the Judds, and Tammy and George. Jeannie's voice had that Kentucky backwoods flavor that at times is as strong as Dolly Parton's.Their initial niche in the country top forty charts mined cheating songs. What is amazing is that these songs generally were of such an upbeat and celebratory nature as compared to the guilt or despairing nature usually associated with this topic (back then). Their band had the feel of a very good dance hall group with an emphasis on buoyant rhythms. This collection captures most of their good songs but includes two sixties songs: a Peter, Paul and Mary tune and a Righteous Brothers song which are oddly out of place on this cd. Many finer compositions such as Dark End of the Street or Train of Love could have served in their stead. Of the cd options available currently, this is the most comprehensive. For those that love that good old country music and have a hankering for cheating songs-this is the collection. If you think Garth and Shania and Faith are the end all be all of county music pass this one up. ... Read more

Asin: B0000023I3
Sales Rank: 52216

Sugar Hill Collection
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (18 July, 1995)
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Reviews (1)

Top-notch
One of the best classic collections of bluegrass available. ... Read more

Asin: B000000EYE
Sales Rank: 92181

Quarter Moon in a Ten Cent Town
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Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (8)

A great country rock album
This album has much to recommend it and has a similar country rock styling to Emmylou's previous album, Luxury liner. It features three of her own country hits and two other songs that were major country hits for others soon afterwards.

Two more bottles of wine was originally written and recorded by Delbert McClinton, but the song remained obscure for a couple of years. Emmylou made the song her own and topped the country charts with it. In the nineties, Martina McBride covered it and included it on her Wild angels album.

To Daddy was written and recorded by Dolly Parton but plans to release it were dropped when Dolly heard Emmylou's rendition of the song. Dolly's original version is brilliant - it eventually appeared on the compilation Essential volume 1 I will always love you - but despite her exuberance, Dolly is very modest about her own talents and it is entirely in character that she withheld her own version to allow Emmylou to have the first publicly available version of the song. It was another huge country hit for Emmylou, peaking at number three.

Easy from now on, the excellent ballad that opens the set, was another single released from the album, just failing to make the country top ten. Carlene Carter later revived it by including it on her album, I fell in love, one of my favorite albums of all time.

Leaving Louisiana in the broad daylight (a huge country hit for the Oak ridge boys) and I ain't living long like this (a huge country hit for Waylon Jennings) are both outstanding up-tempo songs that could have been Emmylou's own hits - she recorded them first - but you can only release so many singles from an album as a single and it is a tribute to the strength of this album that others could have hits with covers of her album tracks.

Among the other tracks are two excellent Jesse Winchester songs (Defying gravity and My songbird), while Willie Nelson puts in an appearance on One paper kid. Two other excellent songs, Green rolling hills and Burn that candle, round off this masterpiece.

Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town
This is another strong album from Emmylou Harris. It opens with the wonderful "Easy From Now On", one of my favorites from the album. Perfect song to introduce the listener to, it fared pretty well as a single as well. I also like her rendition of Dolly Parton's "To Daddy", which was a major hit at #3. The biggest hit came from "Two More Bottles Of Wine", a #1 hit. It's no wonder. My favorite from the set though is the ballad "My Songbird", perfectly sung (what could you expect) by Emmylou. The duet with Willie Nelson "One Paper Kid", is amazing. She rocks on the uptempo "I Ain't Living Long Like This", definately another highlight. Other highlights include "Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight", "Defying Gravity" and "Burn That Candle". This is truly an exceptional album that is still in high rotation in my CD player.

Average At Best
I Love Emmylou's Voice And Her Later Music But This Is Just Standered Country Music,Nothing Special Here.It Doesn't Stand Out So I Wont Give This Anything More Than 3 Stars. ... Read more

Asin: B000002KIB
Sales Rank: 73334

Anthology
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (03 November, 1998)
list price: $12.98
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Reviews (7)

Buy only if you like rerecords
I am a big Stella fan and have many of her songs on '45. So I was delighted to see an anthology and could hear the old songs again without the scratches. Was very disappointed as the songs, especially the hits are rerecords. If you like the original songs, don't buy this album. If you don't really care, then the songs are close enough to be a good listen.

High Energy Music From A Great Entertainer
This CD is a collection of great music that is very well done. I love the arrangements of each tune. Stella singing is right on and she sings each tune with high energy and much feeling, making this cd a pleasure listen to over and over again. The song "Legs" is great fun. "Mandolin Rain" and "Like Lovers Do" are my favorites on this CD.

Don't buy this CD
In case any of you have ever had a chance to hear the ORIGINAL versions of these songs, you might agree Stella's pretty good, though not as good as her sister. She had a string of Top 20 Country hits in the late 1970's that included one Top 10, therefore defining herself as a Nashville talent. Nevertheless, the normally incredible Renaissance pulled a fast one here and they obviously think that buyers are too stupid to realize it. These are ALL rerecordings of her music. So, if you want to try Stella, buy a record before you buy this waste of a CD. ... Read more

Asin: B00000DHIZ
Sales Rank: 318779

Back Home Again
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 January, 2000)
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Editorial Review

Some artists are born to be stars; others are just born to be good. Back Home Again is Rhonda Vincent's return to pure bluegrass after a decade spent trying unsuccessfully to balance genuine artistry with the commercial requirements of contemporary country. Vincent grew up in Missouri singing and playing mandolin with her family band, the Sally Mountain Show. Her father, Johnny Vincent, shares the lead vocal on Ira Louvin's "Out of Hand" and brother Darrin Vincent (of Ricky Skaggs's Kentucky Thunder) plays bass and sings harmony. The album's centerpiece is a hard-driving cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" that brings out the song's implicit bluegrass flavor. Other highlights range from the traditional "Lonesome Wind Blues" to the sad country ballad "When I Close My Eyes." Home is where the art is. --Rick Mitchell ... Read more

Reviews (15)

"high-powered energy emerges & it spells...Bluegrass!"
This her first release with a new label Rounder Records, has captured the energy and heart of this amazing talent, who by the way plays drums, mandolin and any other string instrument that is just lying around...and bluegrass is what she loves best, and when she plays...your in for the treat of your life.

Like her label-mate at Rounder Alison Krauss, Rhonda began playing at a very young age with her Father and Grandfather the Sally Mountain Show performing at various county festivals and fairs...the training ground that has given her the title "The New Queen of Bluegrass", she is a credit to bluegrass with 18 albums under her belt...remember the song "Somebody", from her "Trouble Free" album, knew she was going to be big someday.

The opening track "LONESOME WIND BLUES", draws you into the music, right off..."PRETENDING I DON'T CARE", says it all..."WHEN I CLOSE MY EYES", wonderful lyrics that will capture your heart...each song will allow you to see Rhonda in a different light, but one thing is certain...her light always shines bright. ...

Returning to her Bluegrass Roots
After a departure from her traditional roots Rhonda Vincent returns with quite an amazing recording. From first listen you realize that this women has one of the most distinctive and beautiful voices in bluegrass today. She actually makes this recording a family affair. Vincent's father, Johny, and her brother, Darrin, do quite a spectacular job with vocal harmonies. Vincents mandolin playing also shines through and shows this woman's complete versatility. Her interpretation of classics like Dollie Parton's "Jolene" and Jimmy Martin's "Pretending I Don't Care" are gems on this recording. Vincent has truly returned with Back Home Again, and shows once again that she is one of the most talented women in bluegrass.

The start of something big fulfilled!
Rhonda Vincent has been called the Queen of Bluegrass music and this first recording of this timely genre shows why she earned her name. It is simply startling that someone can identify so much with an idiom as Rhonda does on this first return. "Lonesome Wind Blues" will hook you immediately with her high and lonesome voice. "Keep Your Feet On The Ground" is another of those wonderful mid-tempo songs Vincent does so well. She even sings a number with her father on this CD. Glamor photo in the booklet as well as notes by Rhonda on her songs shows her to be an extremely thoughtful and glib personality. This comes with my highest recommendations! ... Read more

Asin: B00003XACN

Souvenirs
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (20 November, 1995)
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Reviews (20)

A GREAT way to get to know Vince Gill's incredible talent!
I almost didn't buy this album, mainly because I already own every Vince album I could lay my hands on. **grin** I finally did buy, it though, so I could play all those wonderful hit songs in my car CD player without having to change CD's all the time. This CD contains not only Vince's big solo hits, but duets with Reba McEntire (The Heart Won't Lie) and Dolly Parton (I Will Always Love You). Also included is Vince's version of the Eagles' hit, "I Can't Tell You Why." If you're not familiar with Vince's music, this album would be a great one for you to test drive. I'm sure it would make you a fan for life. If you are already a fan, this album is the crowning touch on an impressive collection.

The Best Voice Around
Vince Gill is the perfect musical artist. He has a voice from heaven and songs to go with it. He is a brilliant guitarist of the highest order as well. This greatest hits collection is as perfect as it gets. His rendition of The Eagles classic "I Can't Tell You Why" is downright perfect. It seems as if the song was made especially for him. His version is the best. He also teams up with Dolly Parton on her old hit "I Will Always Love You". I'll take this version over Whitney's any day!!. The rest is pure musical gold. "I Still Believe In You" remains to be one of the prettiest ballads in country music, or, well, in any musical genre for that matter. His up-tempo songs are just as memorable. "Liza Jane" is the best of that set. One of the things that has always helped Gill be a star is his incredible graciousness. He comes and helps or appears on anyone's record who asks him. He's incredibly kind. A real gentleman. That'll get you anything. Do yourself a favor and get this greatest hits CD of one of the best voices around. He definitley needs a second volume since he's had a number of hits since this. This is essential!.

An almost perfect collection
I was never a fan of Vince's. Something about him just turned me off(maybe because I could smell a sell-out even back then)& I sure ain't a fan of him now but in the early & mid-90's he had a string of hits any country fan couldn't help but love. So, if like me, you listened to country radio in the 90's & have strong memories of those years, you need this album.

However, I suggest you find a way to acquire Go Rest High On That Mountain, When Love Finds You, Which Bridge To Cross, What The Cowgirls Do & When You Come Around. Those are the only songs that keep this from being the ultimate Vine Gill collection. ... Read more

Asin: B000002OZD
Sales Rank: 9521

Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 February, 1995)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (3)

The legend started here
This, Tammy's debut album, includes her first hit, Apartment number nine. It was only a minor country hit but it was followed by Your good girl's gonna go bad, which was a major country hit. It didn't quite get to the top, but Tammy did not have to wait long for her first number one, although it wasn't on this album.

The album contains many covers of contemporary country songs, including Don't come home a-drinking (Loretta Lynn), Don't touch me (Jeannie Seely), There goes my everything (Jack Greene - Elvis and Engelbert both had pop hits with it), Walk through this world with me (George Jones) and Almost persuaded (David Houston). It also includes I wound easy, which is the only song ever written by Dolly that Tammy ever covered. At the time, Dolly was even less well known than Tammy.

Most of the above songs are well known and brilliantly performed, but the four obscure songs (All night long, Come on home, When there's fire in your heart and Kiss away) are all well worth hearing.

In Britain, this album was paired with Divorce, her third album, on a single CD.

Who Needs George?
Tammy's "No Show" husband is nowhere to be found on this CD. His absence will never be noticed. "Good Girl" contains 2 of Tammy's early popular releases-the title track, which rose to # 3 in the Spring of 1967 and "Apartment #9", which may be the best known country recording to NOT make the charts. There are interesting solo (!) versions of "Walk Through This World With Me" and "Almost Persuaded". Tammy didn't need David Houston either. This reviewer's favorite tracks were 2 that never made the charts at all: ""I'm Not Mine to Give" and "I Wound Easy (but I Heal Fast)". That had to be true for Tammy in her complex personal life. Billy Sherrill has packed a lot of entertainment onto one 10 track CD. "Good Girl" is an absolutely risk free purchase for anyone even remotely familiar with Her immense talents and a solid showcase of Early Tammy.

The First Songs of the First Lady
This was the album that introduced Tammy Wynette to the music world. It was a musical form of experimentation for Wynette and her producer, Billy Sherrill, trying to find the right songs for her one of a kind voice ("the voice with the teadrop with in"). The collection contains her first single, a minor hit, "Apt. #9", and her second single, a major hit, the title track from the album. Wynette & Sherrill win sometimes with the likes of 'Send Me No Roses', 'The Phone Call' and a cover of Jeanne Seeley's 'Don't Touch Me' but fall a little short with 'I'm Not Mine To Give', 'I Would Easy' and a cover of Loretta Lynn's 'Dont Come Home A-Drinkin'. 'Almost Persuaded', a #1 hit for David Houston and a song Sherrill had all his acts record at one time or the other, is included. It is interesting to note that Tammy sings a cover of 'Walk Though This World With Me' ... the then-current song by her musical mentor and future partner, George Jones. ... Read more

Asin: B000002B0Z
Sales Rank: 281037

Hand-Picked: 25 Years Of Bluegrass On Rounder Records
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 September, 1995)
list price: $12.98 -- our price: $11.99
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Editorial Review

Rounder compiled this superb 50-song set to serve as an introduction to bluegrass in general and to their own catalog in particular. Obvious marketing motives aside, the collection has few weaknesses and offers a broad look at the ever-morphing genre. Perhaps more than any other label, Rounder gave exposure to the renegade progressive and "newgrass" musicians who worshipped the style despite the fact that they weren't from the mountains. Folks like David Grisman, Bill Keith, Tony Trischka, and Bela Fleck push the music in new directions while others such as Del McCoury, Don Stover, James King, Jim & Jesse, and Vern Williams represent more-traditional concerns. Still others--Tony Rice, David Grier, J.D. Crowe, Nashville Bluegrass Band among them--adeptly fuse elements of tradition and innovation. This collection also highlights the important contributions of female artists including Hazel and Alice, Laurie Lewis, Claire Lynch, and Alison Krauss. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Rounder Rules!
This is undoubtedly the greatest bargain I've ever come across in many years as a CD collector - 2 CD's with 49 of some of the most classic cuts in modern bluegrass for LESS than the price of most single discs. This is the real stuff, too - J.D. Crowe & The New South, Del McCoury, Country Cooking, Dry Branch Fire Squad, The Bluegrass Album Band, Tony Rice, Jim and Jesse, etc., etc. If I were going to recommend a first CD to someone interested in exploring bluegrass, this would be it.

Great introduction to bluegrass
I think this CD is absolutely the best buy for your dollar. On it are a variety of bluegrass songs, something for everyone. If you are, like me, not familiar with some of the band/performers names that you see in the music store, these CD's will help you decide which artists you like enough to buy the whole CD's. One of my favorites is Blue Eyed Boston Boy, just love the harmony and the fact that the instrumental portions of the song are sparse, letting you concentrate much more on the lyrics. River of Jordan has always been a favorite of mine, and there are several others. There are a few, but only a few, cuts on the CD's that are hard to listen too (some of the vocals) but the instrumental parts of the songs are amazingly done. Some of my very favorites: Ricky Skaggs, Lynn Morris, Laurie Lewis, Claire Lynch, Tony Rice and Allison Kraus are featured on these CD's. Really, it's a great introduction to bluegrass or a nice addition to any collection.

Excellent bluegrass sampler
Rounder have priced this very competitively, hoping that people who buy this will think it is so brilliant that they will buy some of the albums from which the tracks are taken. To encourage this, the extensive liner notes give all the relevant information required to track down whichever album contains your favorite tracks. But although you might end up spending more money on Rounder albums, this compilation stands on its own merit.

What you get here, are 49 tracks recorded for one of the most important - perhaps the most important - bluegrass labels around. (Of course, Rounder do a lot more than bluegrass, but that's not relevant here.) Bluegrass music is generally upbeat, good-time music and that is the overall feel of this collection.

Among the 49 tracks, every aspect of bluegrass music is represented from traditional to contemporary and including all types of song that you might find on a bluegrass album. With such notable artists as J D Crowe, Ricky Skaggs, Claire Lynch, Alison Krauss, David Grisman, Tony Rice, Jim and Jesse, Del McCoury, Hazel Dickens, the Johnson mountain boys, Lynn Morris and Laurie Lewis represented here, this is a star-studded line-up. And I didn't name all the stars.

Famous songs are notable by their absence although some songs here are better known than others. Drifting too far from the shore (Boone Creek) is a traditional gospel song. When someone wants to leave (Allen brothers) is a cover of a Dolly Parton album, from her Jolene album. Golden ring (Dry branch fire squad) is a cover of one of the classic duets by George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Sourwood Mountain (Allen Shelton) is a cover of a traditional folk song.

As an introduction to bluegrass music, this is brilliant - it is one of the best there is for that purpose. Appalachian stomp (two volumes) and the various O sister compilations are other great alternatives. ... Read more

Asin: B0000004DW

Get Closer
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (13)

Some excellent tracks, but the whole is a disappointment
As much as I love certain tracks on this 1982 Linda Ronstadt offering, it just doesn't work as a unified whole.

The formula that worked so well for her in the 70s with HEART LIKE A WHEEL, PRISONER IN DISGUISE, HASTEN DOWN THE WIND and SIMPLE DREAMS has finally broken down, and the new decade did not sit well for her album work.

She still produces some excellent individual tracks though, especially the stunningly beautiful "The Moon's A Harsh Mistress", the rollicking "Get Closer", the amazing "I Knew You When" and the clever segue from the belting of "Lies" right into the girl-group energy of "Tell Him."

Unfortunately, the rest of the album is missing a certain urgency. Part of it is the tepid production, part of it is Ronstadt's emotional detachment. Her duet with James Taylor on the Ike and Tina Turner "I Think It's Gonna Work Out Fine", has absolutely no emotion or soul. "Easy For You To Say" is vocally beautiful, but emotionally hollow and even the Dolly Parton cover, "My Blue Tears", seems to be sung by rote.

It's tempting to want to give this album 5 stars, mostly because the good parts are so so good, but unfortunately, it disappoints as a whole.

Another Winner!
Released in 1982, GET CLOSER is in many respects a classic Linda Ronstadt album. It contains the style of songs most associated with her, from pop ballads to country. The album took over a year to record, and features musicians who had played with herfor years. In Kenny Edwards' case, he has played bass with Linda since the Stone Poneys. The title track was nominated for a best Rock Performance-Female Grammy, and the album was nominated for Best Popular Performance-Female. "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" is a duet with James Taylor and a cover of the Ike & Tina Turner hit. Linda also does a smooth cover of Billy Joe Royal's hit "I Knew You When". Another standout track is her version of Jimmy Webb's ballad "Easy For You To Say", which probably tops theoriginal. Also is an excellent cover of the Dolly Parton song "My Blue Tears", both excellent versions. Working with a surefire winning formula, GET CLOSER is prime Linda.

Winning formula works again
I love this album. It came out at a time when new wave was becoming popular and Linda Ronstadt was a great artist of the 70's . She's at her usual versatile best here. One of my favorites is the powerful remake of "I knew you when", which proved that Linda could still belt out a tune with the best of them. One of the greatest performances I've ever heard on an album is the unbelievable "the moon's a harsh mistress". It's simply breath taking. The song is timeless. Easy for you to say is also a great song of heartbreak which linda does as good as anyone. Mr. Radio is haunting and beautiful. The rest of the album is good stuff as well of varying styles of music from country, new wave and rock and roll. Something for everyone. ... Read more

Asin: B000002H1B
Sales Rank: 41498

The Essential Porter Wagoner
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 April, 1997)
list price: $15.98 -- our price: $15.98
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Editorial Review

Few remember that Porter Wagoner was actually signed and then dropped by RCA before he ever scored a single country hit. It took two independently financed and produced cuts to turn the tides: "Company's Comin'" broke the top 10 and convinced RCA execs to re-sign him. Once they did, they released the classic moral tale "A Satisfied Mind," which would sit atop the charts for a month in 1955. The two gems that kicked off his career also kick off this fine 20-song collection, which ranges up through Wagoner's 1976 duet with Merle Haggard. Wagoner offers brilliant hardcore barroom honky-tonk such as "Misery Loves Company" (written by Jerry Reed), "Sorrow on the Rocks," and "I'll Go Down Swinging" (written by Bill Anderson), but shows himself capable of sentimental balladry and saga songs as well. Even without the classic Dolly Parton duets--found instead on its own collection--Wagoner proves there's strong substance behind the Opry fame and the Nudie suit. --Marc Greilsamer ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The man who took Dolly Parton from obscurity to stardom
Porter was a successful country singer of the fifties and sixties but unlike (say) Jim Reeves or Don Gibson, he made no attempt to soften his music in any way to please pop audiences. He had American number one country hits with A satisfied mind (1955) and Misery loves company (1962) and had many other country top ten hits, among them being Carroll county accident (a number two hit in 1969) and Green green grass of home, which provided Porter with a top five country hit in 1965. This song became famous in 1967 when Tom Jones covered it and had an international pop hit with it, going all the way to number one in the UK.

Despite Porter's success with his own recordings and as an American TV host, he will be best remembered as the man who gave Dolly Parton her big break. Dolly was struggling for recognition when Porter selected her as a replacement for Norma Jean on his TV series and persuaded RCA to sign her up, backing his judgement by agreeing to stand any losses. He further backed his judgement by recording a lot of duet albums with Dolly and by covering many of her songs on his solo albums. Those duets are not featured on this collection but can be found on a separate collection in this series, The essential Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, which I've already reviewed. His uncompromising attitude to country music probably contributed to the break-up of his singing and recording partnership with Dolly seven years after it began. By that time, Dolly was the star and Porter was known mainly as her duet partner. To this day, most people first come across Porter's name via Dolly's music. While all of Dolly's fans (including me) are grateful to Porter for his part in Dolly's career, his music stands on its own merit.

This is an outstanding collection of Porter's own recordings, reminding us just what real country music was like in the fifties and sixties. On this occasion, the title Essential is appropriate. There are other songs I'd like to see made available on CD but this set contains everything you need of his solo music.

Classic, gloriously corny country music
Wahoo! Nashville really needs to start putting out more reissues that are as good as this one! Wagoner was the last of the unreformable hicks, gloriously corny, yet country to the bone. This disc covers a lot of his best material, including the absurdly maudlin recitations such as "Skid Row Joe" and "What Would You Do If Jesus Came To Your House?" People eat those novelty tracks up with a spoon, but you should also check out his awesome weepers, such as "I'll Go Down Swinging" and "Satisfied Mind." One of the best CDs in this series -- highly recommended.

I dig his sparkly "nudie's of hollywood" suits
Not only that I dig his music. Porter and Lil Jimmy Dickens are the sharpest dressing country singers around today. Of course these new guys out today don't stand a chance with there blue jeans and t-shirts. I still believe that old adage that a great custom made outfit ( suit and pants matching that is- not the tight fittin holey jeans with fancy coat look) is 80 percent of your act-plus you look like a star. This is a fantastic greatest hits package from Porter. And Porter don't you ever dare stop wearing those pretty suits.Misery loves company and The Carrol County Accident are pure country classics and are personal faves. ... Read more

Asin: B000002WZK

Country America Loves
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 March, 1997)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (2)

Good but somewhat different
Maybe the collection isn't their absolute best, but it contains several songs I really like which aren't on any of my other albums. If you are a long-time Statler Brothers fan like me, you'll find most of it typically enjoyable.

even the Statler Bros. can turn out a dull CD every so often
I rated this CD only 3 stars because it's just not that great. It's still a good listen, I suppose, but it has never really grabbed me. The only two songs I like much on it are "The Movies" and "All I Can Do". it still deserves three stars because it IS the Statlers, and they always do a good job of singing. I almost deducted another star from the rating because they sing "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain", a song they should have just left to Willy Nelson, who does a much more masterful job. This CD is for Statler die-hards. I have learned the hard way. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FF7
Sales Rank: 294117

Trio II (Two)
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (09 February, 1999)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

This long-awaited, highly anticipated follow-up to 1987's much-loved initial Trio offering doesn't disappoint. On Trio II, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt, and Dolly Parton weave a spell that's equal parts traditional and contemporary, country and folk, vision and voice. It's their seamless musical blend of these counterpoints--as in the sweet, sweeping harmonies on Neil Young's "After the Gold Rush" or the instrumentally spare acoustic presentation of the Carter Family's "Lover's Return"--that makes these songs such treasures. When individual voices soar and fuse together to create distinct new voices, when instinct leads the way for artistry to follow, the result is perfect harmony, pure magic. --Alexandra Russell ... Read more

Reviews (115)

The best singers almost at the top of their form...
While this is not as great as the first "Trio," Linda, Dolly, and Emmylou owe it to their legions of fans to go right back into the recording room and do another album even more lovely than this one.

Some tips for having a five-star album next time:

1.Do a Dolly Parton song. "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" is the standout here, with Emmylou giving this song such a plaintive reading.

2. Get Allison Krauss again. She's a bigger star than she was when this was originally recorded, but she adds significant value. (and maybe let her sing backup, too!)

3. Keep Linda's fingers away from the "echo chamber" effect. We've had enough of that with "Winter Light" and "Dedicated to the One I Love." Fortunately, it only appears here briefly in "After the Gold Rush." Think what you might about Neil Young, this song (even with its adjusted lyrics) is not terribly suitable for these three lovely folk/country/pop voices.

4. Bring back Peter Asher. Maybe he could convince the three women to inject a little more humor. (Finally time for Emmylou's version of "Mr. Sandman"?)

5. Find another spiritual song like "Farther Along." Nothing on Trio II quite hits the heartstrings like that song from the first album.

I have over thirty albums by these three ladies. This one, even with its flaws, is near the top of the list.

Ronstadt and company in fine musical form.
On the long-awaited TRIO II, Linda Ronstadt proves once again that her voice has lost none of its power or range. Though Parton and Harris have lost some of their upper register, the album still contains many gems. Most notable is the remake of "High Sierra" with Ronstadt on lead and Harris and Parton harmonizing on the choruses. Also lovely is "You Won't Be the Sun," with Harris on lead, a touching wistful ballad near-perfect in its emotionality. Also effective is Parton's surreal cover of Niel Young's "After the Goldrush." One minor problem here is the inculsion of "Blue Train" and "Feels Like Home," both of which surfaced on Ronstadt's FEELS LIKE HOME album (a result of the previous failed attempt to make TRIO II). While they are wonderful songs, there's so little vocal background involvement that one wonders why Ronstadt just didn't come up with two new songs for this successful attempt. In this age of "Star-Search"-inspired psychotic over-singing, it's a relief to hear three vocalists who still understand the power of the song and its lyrics.

Powerful voices
This album might not have been as successful as the original TRIO album from 1987, but I think it's even better. The song selection is very strong, and the songs suit these ladies very well. The harmonies are beautiful. There's nothing more I could ask for from this album. It opens with the beautiful "Lovers Return", which is a Carter Family song. "High Sierra" is a beautiful song, Linda sounds wonderful on this song. Emmylou takes the helm in a cover of Dolly's "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind". They do a great version of Neil Young's "After The Goldrush" which is just stunning. Linda is lead on "The Blue Train", which is a very nice song. Other highlights include "When We're Gone, Long Gone", "Feels Like Home", "You'll Never Be The Sun" and "He Rode All The Way To Texas". This album was originally recorded in 1994 but there was problems with the release and other factors, so it wasn't released until early 1999. Definately a gem! ... Read more

Asin: B00000F1D2

RCA Country Legends
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 November, 2001)
list price: $24.98 -- our price: $22.99
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Editorial Review

For the hits and nothing but the hits, this two-disc set documents the career of Waylon Jennings as measured by country radio. From 1965 to 1985, his craggy baritone and trademark Texas lope resulted in 13 country chart-toppers, with 36 of the 40 songs collected here cracking the Top 10. After his breakthrough with Gordon Lightfoot's "(That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me" introduced Jennings as a folkish balladeer, and subsequent releases found him struggling through overproduction, he hit his stride in the '70s as a Texas outlaw. Uncompromisingly original material such as "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way" and his duet with Willie Nelson on "Good Hearted Woman" marked his commercial triumph, while he extended his interpretive range with rock-oriented fare from the songbooks of Neil Young ("Are You Ready for the Country") and the Marshall Tucker Band ("Can't You See"). Though most of this music has been reissued before, the set features "Bob Wills Is Still the King" as a soundtrack studio rarity rather than the hit concert recording. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (14)

I miss Waylon
I'm not ashamed to say that I shed a few tears when I heard the sad news that Waylon Jennings had died. I was just a kid when the Outlaws caused a sensation in country music. This great set of Waylon's biggest hits will remind you of what country music was and what it can be again. Waylon was a true artist who sang from the heart. If you are looking for a fine collection of his hits for yourself or as a gift for someone you love, you will be pleased with this set.

A View From The Burbs
...Prior to buying this double CD after Waylon's death, the only Waylon I knew was from the Dukes of Hazzard and his wildly popular duets with Willie Nelson. I NEVER expected that I would become absolutely HOOKED on this double CD! This RCA Country Legends double CD set of Waylon's best fit the bill very well. It covers much of his popular material from 1965 through 1985. I immediately heard some songs that I had forgotten were his such as "Sweet Dream Woman", "Are You Ready for the Country", and "America". The smiles soon began. His version of Marshall Tucker's "Can't You See" put my toes a tappin and the Waylon bug began to bite me hard! What really got me going though, were several fabulous songs I had never heard before, but found electrifying: "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way", "I've Always Been Crazy", and the stomping early Rodney Crowell penned "I Ain't Living Long Like This". The Willie Nelson and Outlaw songs are well represented and continue to satisfy along with his early material, particularly "(That's What You Get) For Lovin' Me", "Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line", and "Rainy Day Woman". The songs that really sold me though, were the distinctively non-conformist screwball songs that I couldn't help but like such as "Bob Wills Is Still the King", "Clyde", "I May Be Used (But Baby I Ain't Used Up)", and "Never Could Toe the Mark". The coup de grace for my hopes of resisting Waylon's musical magnetism was the final cut on Disc 2 from 1985 called "Drinkin' and Dreamin'". Country fan or not, I will proffer the thought that every man on earth can sometimes relate to (or at least understand) these lyrics:

Everybody's looking for some way in,
I'm looking for some way out.
I've been wasting my time standing in line,
if this is what it's all about.
All I've got is a job that I don't like,
and a woman that don't understand.
So tonight at the bar,
I'll get in my car and take off for the promised land.

Hokey? Maybe. But it sure is fun to listen to! Each time I listen to these discs (and it has been ALOT lately), a new song from it lodges in my sub-conscious for the rest of the day. Waylon had his ups and downs in his life but, he has left us with a great trove of relateable music for many, many people.

Included in this offering is an eleven page set of liner notes chronicling the rise of Waylon and his battles for artistic independence. Also included are notes on each song and how high they reached on the Country and Pop charts.

Give this compilation a try if you have found yourself at least as curious as I had become of the music of this original musical Outlaw. The sound quality is excellent and the selection of songs is very good. If you are a little less sure about taking the double disc plunge, pick up a used copy from one of the Amazon sellers. Waylon may have been known as an 'Outlaw', but he has become a true good guy in my world lately.

Texas Gentleman who transformed country
Waylon Jennings holds a distinct place in country music, because it was he more than anyone else who first injected a true rock sensibility into the country music of the early seventies, and hordes of country musicians followed in his wake. Of course an earlier generation did the same - notably Elvis, Buddy, Carl and Jerry Lee - but what they did became rock 'n roll, while what Waylon did transformed country. (Although he is my all-time favorite country star, Johnny Cash's moves in this direction in the late 50s were tentative, and were not widely emulated.) And Willie Nelson - with whom Waylon is often paired - transformed country in a different way, as an articulate, melodic, dry-humored poet. But Waylon was the one who pulled this bored young rock fan of the mid-seventies across the radio dial to the country stations with songs like "Are You Sure Hank Done it This Way?", "Lucille", and "Lonesome, On'ry and Mean" (the last of which is shamefully excluded from this collection). Waylon brought a heavy, yet graceful and restrained beat to the familiar country themes, and handled them with intelligence and sensitivity, in a voice that was tough ("Only Daddy That'll Walk the Line"), tender ("Amanda"), authoritative ("This Time") and manly to the core. You hear the words he sings with a sense of being spoken to, and when he hurts, you feel it. Waylon also must be credited with shrewd selection of songs by great writer-singers, some of whom were little known at the time (Don Williams, Billy Joe Shaver), and who owe him a great debt. This CD is about as good a career retrospective as you're likely to find. It suffers only from the fact that Waylon himself lost some punch in his later years (the latest of which were not on RCA and do not appear here at all). But I count no less than 23 top-drawer, first-rate songs here (18 on Disc 1 - including the two from his much-maligned early Nashville phase, and 5 on Disc 2). I confess to not loving any of his duets, although they were among his biggest hits. Waylon is such a giant in the country music pantheon that, like Willie, his first name alone is sufficient to summon the admiration and love of millions. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OW5S

Little by Little
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (23 April, 2002)
list price: $17.98 -- our price: $17.98
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Editorial Review

Though firmly rooted in bluegrass, the Stevens Sisters--Beth and April--don't get bogged down by tradition on their second Rounder effort. Sure, they can harmonize like a female version of the Louvin Brothers, but their material is wonderfully varied, from the Judds-like "Walk On By" to the jazzy "Love Every Time." (And they do wonders with Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Tuesday's Gone.") Even their more traditional numbers, like Dolly Parton's lovely ballad "I'll Never Say Goodbye" (which features Dolly herself on harmony vocals), have a certain freshness that keeps them from being museum pieces. Backed by an all-star band that includes Sam Bush on mandolin and fiddle, Dobro players Rob Ickes and Al Perkins, bassist Byron House, and drummer Larry Atamanuik, the Tennessee-born sisters play the kind of tasteful acoustic country music that was once heard on mainstream radio stations. Those days appear to be over, and acts like the Stevens Sisters are only likely to be heard at bluegrass festivals and on the Grand Ole Opry. Nothing wrong with that, but music this good deserves a wider audience. --David Hill ... Read more

Reviews (6)

'Little by Little' Adds Up to a Lot
If there was perfect justice in the world, the Steven Sisters' brilliant "Little by Little" (and their equally terrific 1996 album, "Sisters") would garner all the raves in country music and the airbrushed fakes who plague us would be scrambling for record contracts and airplay. With an ear for great tunes, a genius for lush and supple harmonies and the good sense to avoid musical cliches and the dreaded pigeon-holing effect, April and Beth Stevens stand head and shoulders above the nonsense that seeps out of mainstream Nashville these days. From the kicky title track to their gentle and moving cover of Lynard Skynard's "Tuesday's Gone" to the harrowing "Don't Kneel at My Graveside" and everything in between, this is where "country" music truly lives.

Stunning
The Stevens sisters' shimmering harmonies are a crystal-clear Godsend to Music Row's Faiths and Shanias. This is East Tennessee bluegrass in it's purest, modern form, with lightning-fast picking, soft-as-rain brush percussion, from-the-heart harmonies which raise your hair as only siblings can do, and writing which includes jaw-dropping ballads alongside toe-tapping uptempo rockabilly-sounding gems. Don't miss this train.

Two Dolly fans carry on the tradition
This is Beth and April's second album. The first was so long ago that I'd given up hope of a second - but it was worth the wait. Their music is rooted in bluegrass and traditional country, but there are other influences in there too. Don't panic - they never stray far from their roots, so there's no crossover music here.

These brilliant sisters were originally inspired by hearing Dolly sing, so it must have been a dream come true for them when Dolly sang backup on one of the cuts here, a cover of Dolly's I'll never say goodbye - Dolly's original version can be found on Hungry again. More recently, Beth and April sang backup on Dolly's Halos and Horns.

There are a lot of other covers here, but nothing that's been over-recorded. Kim Richey and Shawn Camp get in with two songs each, while Beth and April do an amazing version of Tuesday's gone. I don't think Lynyrd Skynyrd (who wrote it) ever imagined it could sound like this.

One of my favorites is Wherever you are. This song was written by Mike Henderson, but I first heard it on Joy Lynn White's debut album, Between Midnight and Hindsight, which is still available from Amazon[.com].

There is at least one original here - Yours in Tennessee - but none of the covers are straight copies of the original. Beth and April always find a way to make each song their own.

This is an outstanding album from two East Tennessee natives who are well capable of carrying on the tradition of great country and bluegrass music. ... Read more

Asin: B0000640N9
Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop   

THE CIRCLE
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (10 April, 2002)
list price: $15.99
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Reviews (10)

Erin Hay - Traditional Country Diva!
If you love true traditional country music - you MUST have this CD. Erin Hay is following in the footsteps and musical styles of the great legendary ladies of the Grand Ole Opry, such as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and the late great Tammy Wynette. This CD covers a wide range of country music, from tear-jerking ballads to romping western swing. Erin is fast on her way to stardom, already being one of the 4 most played artists in Europe - where country music is still country!

One for fans of Dolly, Tammy and Loretta
To those (radio schedulers?) who think traditional country is dead and buried, a young singer like Erin Hay must come as something of a shock. I love contemporary country too, but there is room for both.

In her own words, Erin says it was Dolly who turned her on to traditional country. This is slightly amusing, as Dolly is often quoted as a major influence by Shania Twain and other contemporary singers.

The Dolly influence is obvious here, in the covers of False Eyelashes, Tomorrow is forever and If teardrops were pennies. The last-named song was recorded by Carl Smith and Carl and Pearl Butler some years before Dolly's version with Porter Wagoner. Erin acknowledges all three versions.

Most of the other songs are covers of country songs, particularly from the sixties, but the title song (The Circle) was written especially for Erin to sing.

This is an excellent traditional country album, as is Erin's debut, which contains no Dolly songs but does include covers of Tammy and Loretta songs, among others.

The Circle
Real Country at its best. I hope Erin can bring country music around to what it is supposed to be, REAL!!!! She has a pure, clear, soulful, heartfelt, perfect pitch voice. Just sit back and listen and enjoy. ... Read more

Asin: B000062YKR
Sales Rank: 306279

Rose Of Bethlehem
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 October, 2002)
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Reviews (6)

Great for Christmas
I was at work this month and happened to find this CD on the shelf next to the CD player. I put it in, not knowing who the group was or what their music sounded like. I was amazed when I heard O come Emmanuel. What a great song!! I listened to the rest of the cd and was instantly hooked on Selah. Their voices are amazing. I took the CD home and made my own copy. The rest of my family loves the CD!! If you're looking for a Christmas CD that doesn't sing about snow, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph or the 12 Days of Christmas, this is the CD for you. A great buy and something you can look forward to every christmas!!!

Excellent collection of Christmas carols
Nicol Smith, Todd Smith and Allan Hall make up Selah, a trio that I knew nothing about when I bought this album. All three of them are wonderful singers and each gets a chance to sing lead. The songs are a mix of originals and covers but all of them focus on the religious aspects of Christmas - you won't find Santa, reindeer or snowflakes here.

Silent night, O come o come Emmanuel, What child is this and O holy night are just distinctive enough to make them interesting, but no attempt has been made to do anything too clever with them.

Dolly Parton guests as duet singer on Once upon a Christmas, a song that she wrote for the Christmas album she did with Kenny Rogers in 1984. It was the title track and I think it is one of the best songs of its kind ever written. Dolly sang harmony (with Linda Ronstadt and Neil Young) on Emmylou's original version of Light of the stable, also covered here.

Those are the only songs that I'd come across before, though Rose of Bethlehem, written in 1992, may also a cover. This stirring song, sung by Nicol, provides a brilliant climax to a stunning Christmas album. Nicol also sings lead on What child is this, Joy and O holy night. From hearing these four songs, it comes as no surprise to learn that Nicol has recorded solo as well as with the men in Selah.

Perfect
This album is just perfect just as perfect as Be Still My Soul & Press On. It was just what you would expect from Selah, beautifully arranged, a pleasure to listen to and we are not even close to Christmas yet. I am waiting with bated breath for anything else they release. ... Read more

Asin: B00006JM1Z
Sales Rank: 2683
Subjects:  1. Christmas / Chanukkah    2. Pop