That's Why I Sing This Way
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (07 May, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Daryle Singletary's career has so far been an example of square peg traditionalist unfairly forced into the round hole of Nashville hackdom. His first recordings for Giant reflected the incongruity of a fine traditional singer shoved into the meat grinder of Nashville formulas, obscuring his real talent. Never imitating, his voice, in many ways an amalgam of all those he honors, glides through standards like Lefty Frizzell's "Long Black Veil," Merle Haggard's "Make Up and Faded Blue Jeans," and George Jones's "Walk Through This World with Me." He also presents some unexpected treats, reviving John Wesley Ryles's long-forgotten 1968 hit "Kay," Johnny Paycheck's "Old Violin," Conway Twitty's "I'd Love to Lay You Down," and the Loretta Lynn-Twitty duet "After the Fire Is Gone," sung with Rhonda Vincent. Dwight Yoakam, George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Johnny Paycheck all contribute cameos. A newly penned Max D. Barnes title track sums up this loving tribute, and Singletary's potential becomes abundantly clear. --Rich Kienzle ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A New Favorite
This is a terrific album.Every track is a winner.I don't remember many of these songs when they were originally released, but Daryle's cover versions are superb.My favorite is "Kaye"-what a great song.And dare I say, the duet of "After the Fire is Gone" with Rhonda Vincent is every bit as good as the original Twitty-Lynn version.This review could go on forever, because every track is worthy of praise.This CD is more than worth the price.

Country Music is Alive & Kickin'
And Daryle Singletary knows it.He wants others to know it, too.That's why he sings this way.Although the disc is nearly all cover songs, they are presented here fresh and new.Daryle knows his roots and he celebrates them.Thank God he escaped from Gnashville's meat grinder, and thank God for Audium Records, who continue to bring us these great country artists who can't get anywhere with corporate-owned radio (who insist we really don't want to hear this kind of music) and Gnashville labels who want to dig up redneck roots and wipe themselves clean of any "hick" image.Most of all, thank God for artists like Daryle Singletary, who still sing this way.If you're hungry for real country and honky-tonk, help yourself to this album.You will love every second.

A classic country CD - a must buy
Any fan of classic country music must have this CD.It is like a walk down memory lane.Daryle Singletary's deep and rich voice is extremely versatile.He is able to imitate the singing style of George, Conway and Johnny Paycheck and others without sounding at all unnatural.

There's not a bad song on this CD.But I think the cover of Johnny Paycheck's "Old Violin" is particularly well done and moving.Johnny adds the spoken word recitation at the end of the song that brings more than just this CD to an end. ... Read more

Asin: B000063NBM
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop   

Tattoos & Scars
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 April, 1999)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

This swaggering, tough-singing Kentucky duo consists of a pair of impassioned but unremarkable singers--Eddie Montgomery (brother of country star John Michael Montgomery) and his longtime musical associate Troy Gentry. They deliver a rowdy, whiskey-drenched, antiheroic brand of rocked-up honky-tonk that unabashedly conjures up memories of Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., and other rough-and-rowdy country "outlaws" of yesteryear. Montgomery and Gentry wear these influences well on serviceable cuts like "Hillbilly Shoes" and "Didn't Your Mama Tell Ya," but do them a disservice on unremarkable ballads like "Trying to Survive" and "If a Broken Heart Could Kill," and on their derivative-sounding cover of Charlie Daniels's "All Night Long." The utter lack of original material on their debut CD is somewhat suspect, yet on killer cuts like the painfully confessional "Self Made Man" and the morally insightful "Daddy Won't Sell The Farm" they do show a few sparks of innovation amid all the ragged honky-tonk smoke and fire. --Bob Allen ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Which album was that editor listening to??
Ok, so this is waaaay past due, but I was just looking through the comments on this CD and was dumbfounded by the main editor's comments. This has got to be one of the best debut albums that I've ever heard in my life. I will often listen to it several times through in a row, especially if I'm out driving. "Trying to Survive", "Self Made Man", "Tattoos & Scars" often get played multiple times on each pass, and of course there's the several that got big air play as well. I just don't get tired of this album. Like one of the earlier comments, "All night long" is probably its only flaw. While not a bad song, it doesn't really fit in with the rest. Overall, this is a must-have CD for any country fan...and even non-country folks would like a lot of it. It helped me transition from all rock to country, and I've never looked back!

Country with Cojones!
Dealing with themes of country boy alienation ("Hillbilly Shoes"), a bad boy's brokenheartedness ("Lonely and Gone," "Trouble Is," and "Self-Made Man"), rural pride ("Daddy Won't Sell the Farm"), and generation gaps ("Tattoos and Scars"), this CD doesn't disappoint male fans of "southern" music (fiddle, loud guitars, masculine subject matter, and non-urban attitude).If you bought "Carrying On" first like I did, don't waste anymore time.This CD, their debut, will not disappoint you.It was my favorite Christmas gift (2001)!!!

Tattoos and Scars best country album in quite some time
I probably should have written this review a long time ago, This album is GREAT, if you love kick you in the ...** country then this is the album to get, no filler tunes here. You get what you pay for. More albums should be like this. Brings back the feel of the 70's outlaws "Waylon, Johnny, Willie, and Kris" among others. Want good music then pick this up....NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Asin: B00000IIXF
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Carrying On
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (01 May, 2001)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

With their 1999 debut, Tattoos & Scars, the Kentucky-born duo of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry carved out a robust niche by tapping into the rowdy, long-haired country-boy spirit and stylings of '70s "outlaw" kings like Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., and Charlie Daniels. The duo has only one original song on Carrying On, their second album, and they mostly rely on studio musicians for their energetic neo-honky-tonk and full-tilt retro Southern-rock instrumental backing. Even so, Carrying On (with its telling double-meaning title) is a much more fully realized and compelling work than their bestselling debut. The antiheroes who inhabit honky-tonk ballads and country-rock anthems like "She Couldn't Change Me," "The Fine Line," "Lucky to Be Here," "Black Jack Fletcher and Mississippi Sam," and their spirited remake of Jennings's outlaw classic "Ramblin' Man" drive too fast, drink and smoke too much, show disdain for urban affectations, and occasionally even contemplate suicide when life and love go bad. And they make no apologies for it. In country's somewhat stifling era of yuppified political correctness, Montgomery Gentry's unreconstructed, unapologetic redneck brashness and fervor blows across the musical landscape like a hearty and welcome "southeaster." --Bob Allen ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Another good one from 'ol MG
This is yet again another great CD from MG. Sticking with the southern values it packs the good upbeat stuff that most country listeners would like to hear more often. My favorite on the CD would have to be "Cold One Comin' On". Other good songs would have to be "While the World Goes Down the Drain" and "Black Jack Fletcher and Mississippi Sam". The thing I like about this CD is the fact that MG isnt afraid to go their own way with the way they sing, and although some songs on this CD are similar in form to those on "My Town" they still sound unique and have a great beat to them. I still would recommend "My Town" for a first buy for this group but either this CD or "You Do Your Thing" would be next, followed by "Tattoos and Scars" if you feel like getting more CDs from this band (which im sure you will).

MG are great
these two guys are great their songs are funny yet tough and this cd is a must have for all country fans

SOUTHERN ROCK LIVES ON
This will be short and sweet. These brothers have brought real southern rock back to life. In the family tradition of the Skynyrd band, their music has the REAL HEART & SOUL of what it means to love your family, your friends, AMERICA, and good old southern JAMMIN' ROCK! Bring on the next one---we need these guys! ... Read more

Asin: B00005EBI7
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Rock    4. Outlaw Country    5. Pop   

Amigo
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (02 October, 2001)
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Editorial Review

David Ball's 1988 debut was sweet and melodic, complete with yodeling and a beguiling, light-on-its-feet traditionalism. Following his 1994 Top 10 single, "Thinkin' Problem," he wound up lost in the hat-act shuffle, which, had he stuck with it, would probably have destroyed his integrity as it had that of so many others. Amigo returns Ball to his Southwestern roots. The title song, which he co-penned with Kostas, has a '40s feeling that sets the tone for the entire record. Other Ball-authored material is just as fine, particularly "Missing Her Blues," the yodelfest "Texas Echo," and the gutsy gospel of "When the Devil Wants to Wrestle." Ball also includes a masterful interpretation of Merle Haggard's loungy "Trying Not to Love You" and demonstrates his flawless taste in vintage material, recasting the 1920s pop hit "Linger Awhile" as fetching, acoustic-driven Western swing and the classic "Just Out of Reach" as a waltz. He may not be swimming in gold and platinum discs nowadays, but with a package this artistically satisfying under his belt, who cares? --Rich Kienzle ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A friendly sort of albums, full of tales
Somewhere along the way I started listening to the so-called "alt-county" and to a number of Texas-based artists. David Ball, while not really in the alternative category, is another one of those distinctive voices from Texas who deserves a close listen because he not only has a parcel of talent as a singer and musician but also understands and studies tradition and form.

Mr. Ball, a vocalist who does not aspire to be another Nashville hair-hat clone, belts our some great stuff on "Amigo." He is smooth without being trendy and tells some great stories without resorting to gimmicks. The band performs flawlessly, whether adding a pedal steel flourish, a touch of Mariachi horns, or some honky-tonk piano.

"Amigo" is indeed a friendly sort of albums, full of tales of drinking, lost love, soul searching, soldiers, and other themes that resonant from the heartland. There is nothing harsh here but rather a collection of tunes that require a bit of volume and possibly some toe-tapping. And what a collection of songs---a dash of everything from ballads to swing, to the type of realcountry that floated across the AM radio back in the '60s.

This music is fun to play for your friends who don't like---or claim not to like---any country music in any form. If you can hijack the car stereo on a road trip and calm them down enough so they actually listen, they might just like it, too.

(I guess because it's such a big place that Texas can conjure up folks as different as the 13th Floor Elevator, Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Gourds, Lyle Lovett, Stevie Ray Vaughan, ZZ Top, MojoLingo, Breedlove, and Asleep at the Wheel, and still have room for David Ball.)

more than 5 stars
If you are looking for something towards the more traditional county, then this is for you. Really not twangy, but just a pure county.I only checked out David Ball after his "Private Andrwe Malone" song. But I really go for a traditional county flair.But after listening to the rest of the Cd I saw that it was just what I was looking for. A more traditional county style.Actually after listening to this CD I went further and checked out his previousCD's and they are along the same, traditional county and please get them. I hope he does have another CD come out cause I am waiting.

This is incredible!
A friend of mine suggested that I get this cd.She said it was awesome, so I thought I'd give it a try.I am definately happy I got this cd!It is wonderful!It's nothing but straight, pure Country traditionalism.It isn't contemporary in the least, but rather old-fashioned country in the style of the 1940s and 1950s.Some material is original, such as the deeply touching "Riding With Private Malone", and some are covers, such as a remake of Merle Haggard's "Trying Not To Love You".There are different styles, as well. Styles range from Western Swing in the beautiful "Linger Awhile" and "Swing Baby" to Southwestern in the songs "She Always Talked About Mexico", "Missing her Blues", and the title cut "Amigo".If you are tired of all the generic cross-over material found on much of the radio today, then look no further than here.This is so pure most programmers won't even know what it is.This is a wonderful album, and I recommend this for all music fans. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OW84
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Blue Country Heart
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 June, 2002)
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Editorial Review

Singer and guitarist extraordinaire Jorma Kaukonen was a devoted aficionado of early-20th-century rural music long before he cofounded Jefferson Airplane in 1965 and Hot Tuna some years later. On his new solo album, Kaukonen has found an imaginative setting to remind listeners how a fusion of styles and influences from both black and white musicians defined American country music in its formative decades. Included here are gems, both familiar and obscure, by the likes of Jimmie Rodgers, the Delmore Brothers, Jimmie Davis, Cliff Carlisle, and other country musicians who were clearly inspired by their blues cousins. Backed by the Nashville All-Stars, a supersonic string band comprising bluegrass masters Sam Bush (mandolin), Jerry Douglas (Dobro), Béla Fleck (banjo), and Byron House (stand-up bass), all playing on vintage 1920s and '30s acoustic instruments, Kaukonen revives and vividly reinterprets these blues-drenched country classics for a new generation of listeners. --Bob Allen ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Flying A DifferentKind of Airplane
Though the title of this CD gives a hint of what is to come, I had no idea what to expect when I bought it. When I first popped it into my CD player the music sounded so okie that I laughed aloud. This is Jorma Kaukonen? And unless you have followed all of the ins and outs of his career, you might have the same reaction.
I won't go into his musical past because if you are reading this, you are likely already familiar with him and his music. What you may not know of is his obvious fondness for bluegrass style music. If you are expecting guitar heroics, you won't find them here. If you are expecting a hard-driving rock recording, you won't find it here. But if you have any fondness in your heart for traditional American musical styles, this is a record for you! With Blue Country Heart, Jorma Kaukonen brings the listener forty-five minutes of fine toe-tappin', corn huskin', hoedown music.
My favorites here are Blue Railroad Train, Just Because (which features some magnificent banjo picking by Bela Fleck), Red River Blues, Bread Line Blues, Tom Cat Blues, Big River Blues, and Prohibition Blues. The listener will find that Kaukonen's voice is perfectly suited to this type of music and his musicians are first-rate.
I read a number of the reviews of this CD. A couple musical chauvinists complained of lack of authenticity. Do they really think that only people of a certain race can bring authenticity to the blues, that only hillbillies have bluegrass in their hearts? If they love the music of the original artist that much, they should be proud that Kaukonen is bringing that music to a new generation. If no one covered old songs, then memories of the great old songwriters would die with them and their contemporaries. I care less about authenticity than I do skill of interpretation, and on Blue Country Heart Kaukonen and company show great skill and feeling.
Yeah, I could listen to Jimmie Rodgers, with whom I am familiar, if I just had to be strictly authentic in my musical tastes. But until I heard this record, I never heard of the Delmore Brothers or some of the other writers. Now that I have, I am more likely to seek out the originals.
I think the record company missed an opportunity here to introduce Jorma Kaukonen to a new audience. With the current popularity of musicians like Allison Krause, and the attention to bluegrass generated by the popularity of the film "Wherefore Art Thou Brother?" this CD could have become a major seller. Kaukonen himself could promote the album by touring with Krause.
Jefferson Airplane/Starship/Hot Tuna fans might be surprised to find Jorma Kaukonen flying a different kind of airplane, but country music fans might find themselves wondering why they had never heard of someone as good as Kaukonen is before. They certainly would be surprised to know where he came from after hearing this.
I hope he does another like this soon. Four stars only because forty-five minutes is just not long enough.

Finger-pickin' Good!
After hearing Hot Tuna live recently I had to check this CD out. Like Jerry Garcia, Jorma began to study and play acoustic folk music back in the 60's. Those who enjoy late 60's Grateful Dead or Jerry's work with mandolin-bluegrass master David Grisman may find similar pleasures await them here.

Some will complain about Jack Cassidy's absence, but Jorma compensates by assembling a cast of distinguished members of the modern bluegrass movement, many of whom have worked with Grisman at one time or another. The songs on this recording may be more about blues than bluegrass, but these musicians have authority that spans all kinds of rural american music.

Jorma's warm grainy voice is in fine form and lends these songs his distinctive edge. If you like music that sounds like a bunch of hillbilly hippies pickin' away crazy on the back porch, this CD is worth your money.

Something special, no pretensions
Anyone familiar with Jorma Kaukonen will know that he has been playing this type of music off and on -- mostly on -- for many many years. Here he not only gets to display his own virtuosity, but he can do so in a way that is true to the music, something that wasn't always the case when he played in rock-oriented bands. Blessedly teamed with stellar bluegrass musicians, the band comes off as sharp and confident in this first-class recording. The sound comes through clear and pure, but not "produced", all the while maintaining an aura of witnessing a bunch of friends sitting on the porch, jamming on a Sunday afternoon. This recording is the closest thing I've heard to date that captures the essence of old-time musicians and musicianship back before music became an industry and a commodity.

PS: I see a previous post that disparages this recording based on the color of the artist's skin. I'm not sure of his motive, but the inference is that this record should be dismissed based on a belief that only one race 'owns' or can 'legitimatly' play the blues. The blues may have started in the Mississippi Delta, but it borrowed freely and cross-fertilized from all popular music at the time. Whether the idea for the blues originated from specific conditions by a specific group is irrelevent -- the blues represents the blending of creative forces throughout the country. Just as the blues have evolved past its roots as field chants, it has become first an American institution, and now an international one. Any musician can tell you that where ever he goes on this planet, if the people have heard about America, they want to hear him play the blues.

... Read more

Asin: B0000658AR
Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Blues-Rock    3. Country-Rock    4. Neo-Traditional Folk    5. Pop    6. Rock   

Inspirational Journey
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (31 October, 2000)
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Editorial Review

On this gospel-themed collection, the artist who brought "new traditionalism" to Nashville goes all the way back to the Rock of Ages. Old-time religion meets old-time country on "Feet on the Rock," with other material ranging from the Judgement Day literalism of "Which Way Will You Choose" to the mystically metaphorical "See Myself in You" to a stripped-to-the-bone, album-closing rendition of "Amazing Grace." The loping "The Carpenter" (one of three songs cowritten by Travis) features guest vocals from Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, while "Doctor Jesus," with its mournful steel guitar, could pass for vintage George Jones. Though some of the lesser tracks are stronger on sermonizing than musical appeal, the melodic uplift of "Baptism" could highlight any Travis album. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Randy's voice is tops!
This was one of my first Randy Travis CDs, as I "discovered" him with my sister not to long ago. Another sister of mine bought this with "Rise and Shine", and I failed to find anything special in it because I highly doubted Randy's new found faith in our Lord. But after learning how sincere he was, I really listened to this album and found it a treasure. Although I agree that "Rise and Shine" and the new "Passing Through" are better albums musically, I gave this five stars simply because Randy's voice is the best in the world. Period. No one else can combine perfect pitch with jaw dropping passion like he can. And this CD is no exception.

"Baptism" is one of my favorites, but there are others I enjoy. One track that especially sticks out is "Amazing Grace." His rendition is the purest- just the guitar and Randy. Nothing better. I get choked up when I hear it. Many praise and worship versions have been rendered with gaudy music and opera style voices attempting to harness the passion of the hymn. But Randy sings it and means it in his sweet, simple cowboy fashion- and suddenly, time stops and one has to listen to his every word. If you have never felt the meaning of Amazing Grace before, you'll feel it with this album.

This album also includes some nice photos of Randy inside :)

Kitka

Reflective, traditional gospel album (but no Rise and Shine)
At the end of my review of Rise and Shine, I recommended Rise and Shine over this album. There's a caveat to that recommendation. If you like the traditional country music of Johnny Cash, George Jones, and The Oak Ridge Boys, then you might like this album better than the more contemporary and upbeat Rise and Shine.

Inspirational Journey reminds me a lot of the gospel quartet music that my grandfather used to play on Sunday morning, although the songs are mostly just Randy with occasional backup harmonies. The songs on this album sound like traditional gospel songs-they're fairly slow-paced and reflect a lot of inner passion. For the most part, you could play this CD and be praying at the same time without being distracted. I think that's what I didn't like about it as much when I got it at the same time as Rise and Shine because it can fade into the background. But, of course, that's also why I play it a lot when I need a little peace and contemplation.

The instrumentation on Inspirational Journey is simple and acoustic. Randy's amazing voice really stands out on this album with minimal backing by bass, piano, fiddle, drums, and the occasional steel guitar. There aren't a lot of highly memorable songs on this CD other than Don't Ever Sell Your Saddle. Still, the choruses of Feet on the Rock, Which Way Will You Choose, Doctor Jesus, and Drive Another Nail are all catchy. The Carpenter is a great recording with Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter.

I made a new CD that combined my favorite songs from Rise and Shine and Inspirational Journey. Both albums could have been written in the same period with a savvy producer separating the songs by traditional (likes the popular 60s and 70s male vocalists) v. contemporary country. Both CDs are worth owning if you like gospel music and/or Randy Travis. Now, the third and newest CD is yet a third creature. It's mostly hymns and so even more traditional than Inspirational Journey.

spirit and artistry
Every aspect of this carefully chosen and crafted collection of inspirational songs is superb. The music will delight your ears and the words lift your spirit.
The musicianship is flawless, and Randy's tender, heartfelt interpretations filled with beauty. The simplicity of his "Amazing Grace" is a fitting final track; sung with minimal backing, it is a powerful rendition of this glorious hymn.
Randy co-wrote three of the songs, and all are wonderful: "The Carpenter" (w. Chip Taylor and Ron Avis), is a trio with Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, "Walk with Me" (w. Les Bohan), is a bouncy tune with words that are a lovely prayer, and "I Am Going" (w. Buck Moore), is about leaving this life with joy and no regrets.

Other favorites include two up-tempo songs: "Feet on the Rock" (Troy Seals/Buck Moore), "I put my feet on the rock, and my name on the roll~When it's called up yonder, I won't worry 'bout my soul", is a track where his entire band gets to shine, and "Which Way Will You Choose" (Ron Block), is an end-times admonition with fabulous fiddle work by Hank Singer.
The small booklet insert has the lyrics and recording info, and total time is 41'22.
If you like traditional country music, this CD is a musical journey well worth taking. ... Read more

Asin: B00004Z45O
Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country Gospel    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop   

Rise and Shine
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 October, 2002)
list price: $18.98 -- our price: $14.99
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Reviews (25)

Great musical variety with songs from the heart
After my sister and I opened the door to country music by accident one night watching GAC, I purchased Josh Turner's CD and enjoyed it so much. Another relative had bought both this CD by Randy Travis and Inspirational Journey. I had not paid much attention to them then, but with my new found interest in the country realm, I listened more closely.

Randy Travis's voice is one of those rare finds in this music world of layering, dubbing, and lip syncing. His pitch purfect clarity makes the musical variety Rise and Shine even more enjoyable. The songs are clearly Christian, touching the heart with their gospel messages. I can't just pick one favorite, because they all sound very good. The lyrics are powerful, Randy's voice is jaw dropping, and the musical arrangements are so well performed they outshine other typical, boring country songs of the day. Three Wooden Crosses received a great deal of attention, and I think it is a fantastic song. But there are many other gems to be found here.

One of the most interesting things I noticed about this album is that there are minimal backup singers and Randy's voice is not digitized once. Now that I'm a Randy fan, I realize it's because he had talent- something which a lot of singers lack. It was he who paved the way for other traditionalists. After hearing some of his earlier recordings, in my opinion Randy's voice has never sounded better. Buy this disc and it will blow you away. Great messages, great arrangements, fantastic voice- what more could you ask for?

Kitka

Awesome CD
I have always love Randy Travis's music.I heard 3 Wooden Crosses and several other songs on the CD and knew I wanted to buy when I had the chance.I am anxiously waiting for it to arrive.

My Favorite songs...3 Wooden Crosses, When Mama Prayed, and Pray for the fish to name a few.Great job Randy!When is the next CD coming?

SURPRISINGLY POWERFUL AND AWESOME!!!
Even though I've never been a huge Randy Travis fan, I knew I had to have this album after I heard "Three Wooden Crosses" on the radio. I figured that if that was the only song on the CD that I liked, it would still be well worth the money. Well, let me tell you- every song on this album is so touching, powerful and just downright good! The first time I heard the song "The Gift" I cried and the first time I heard the song "Pray for the Fish" I laughed. The album truly has made me feel closer to the Lord, and if I ever had a chance I'd say, "Thank you, Randy! You have truly used your gift for the Lord." ... Read more

Asin: B00006LERX
Sales Rank: 20796
Subjects:  1. CCM    2. Country    3. Country Gospel    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop    7. Southern Gospel   

Bandera
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (06 August, 1996)
list price: $10.99 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (10)

Outsanding songwriting and a great singer!!
I was turned on to Charlie Robison by my nephew. He brought a copy of his second album Life of the Party and I immediatelyfell in love with it. I then got a copy of Bandera and I loved it even more.. This guy has to me what Steve Earle had in his early years, with Guitar Town and Exit 0.. This is an album about every day people getting caught up in the act of trying to live in this old world. Charlie Robison is an outstandingsongwriter and a great singer as well.. If you like real country music with a twist and some soul get this album.. I listen to it all the time and I have been for over a year now.. I rank it right up there with Guitar Town.. It is well worth the bucks..

Before Life of the Party
What a great taste of music before major labels get thier paws on it. Don't sell out yet Charlie.

Great modern honkytonk album
This is probably Charlie Robison's best album to date... a great set of tuneful, tounge-in-cheek, wiseass honkytonk songs, chock full of great melodies and amiably snide humor.Thematically and vocally, this early, long-haired incarnation of Charlie Robison sounds a bit like what John Prine might have been like if he'd followed his hard country inclinations a bit further, rather than going the folkie route.At any rate, Robison has definitely got the goods, and this disc has one good song after another... Well worth tracking down a copy! ... Read more

Asin: B000005GG9
Sales Rank: 25836
Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Life of the Party
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (08 September, 1998)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Editorial Review

Despite its title, the first nationally released album by this Texas maverick establishes Robison as considerably more than a good-time Charlie. From the sardonic bite of "Sunset Boulevard" and "You're Not the Best" to the alcohol-fueled, nursery-rhyme whimsy of "Barlight," Robison provides a compelling blend of roadhouse swagger, whiplash humor, and an ornery streak that stretches from Austin to San Antonio. Label-mate brother Bruce Robison and Bruce's wife Kelly Willis provide vocal support, and the smoky balladry of the album-closing "Molly's Blues" would do John Prine or Steve Earle proud. Amid a musical landscape littered with alt-country wannabes and tinhorn rebels, Charlie Robison is the real deal, an artist who sticks to his guns. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Everybody needs a little Charlie Robison
Everybody needs a little Charlie Robison -- to make you laugh and cry and spill beer on yourself for one reason or another.

He gets better with age. If you're only going to buy one Robison CD, hold out for "Live" (four stars) or "Live Unchained" (five stars).

This one is an early work and of interest to Robisonophiles, but the rest of us can hear the same songs played better on his more mature albums.

Rough Hewn Alt-Country Classic
What you see is what you get with this Bandera, Texas native. A straight-shooting, hard-working, singing/songwriting country boy with wisdom beyond his years and a Dylanesque edge to his whiskey-soaked voice. His writing soars at times: "Loving County,""Sunset Boulevard," and "Indianola" are stellar first person tales of unrequited love and war."My Hometown" is the gem, a hilarious tale of a young man's ambition and having to come to terms with his own reality of buried dreams. Robison uses uncontrived blue collar commonality with the ease of someone who's convinced it's time to enjoy the fruits of his labors, and it's hard to argue with good old-fashioned hard work.

Better and better each time you listen to it
I had this CD for about two weeks, and each time I have listened to it, I find more and more to love.There is really not a weak song on this CD.From the uptempo movers( like "Poor Man's Son" and "Barlight") to the hillarious ("You're Not the Best") to the story songs (from the gritty "Waiting for the Mail" to the more light-hearted "My Hometown" to the love-and-crime ballad "Loving County"), Charlie can do it all.This is one CD that will not disappoint any fan of good and true country music. ... Read more

Asin: B00000AEG9
Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (05 December, 2000)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $9.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

The best soundtracks are like movies for the ears, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? joins the likes of Saturday Night Fever and The Harder They Come as cinematic pinnacles of song. The music from the Coen brothers' Depression-era film taps into the source from which the purest strains of country, blues, bluegrass, folk, and gospel music flow. Producer T Bone Burnett enlists the voices of Alison Krauss, Gillian Welch, Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, and kindred spirits for performances of traditional material, in arrangements that are either a cappella or feature bare-bones accompaniment. Highlights range from the aching purity of Krauss's "Down to the River to Pray" to the plainspoken faith of the Whites' "Keep on the Sunny Side" to Stanley's chillingly plaintive "O Death." The album's spiritual centerpiece finds Krauss, Welch, and Harris harmonizing on "Didn't Leave Nobody but the Baby," a gospel lullaby that sounds like a chorus of Appalachian angels. --Don McLeese ... Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (445)

SOME OTHER GREAT ALBUMS
I am a big fan of roots music.This album is a beautiful, captivating record that consistently delivers great music, song after song.If you enjoy this album and are looking for some similar great roots albums then I recommend the following:
1) Appalachian Stomp: Bluegrass Classics
2) Ain't No Grave: A Tribute To Traditional And Public Domain Songs
3) March 16-20 by Uncle Tupelo
4) Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs Of Stephen Foster
5) Every Sound Below by Tim Eriksen

added intense variety and beauty to my cd collection
first off, don't buy this unless you have seen the movie or unless you are very familiar with the artists on here.I had seen the movie first and enjoyed it a lot, and hearin this music when understanding its context made me appreciate its simple yet rugged excellence.truly, the simplest things are the hardest things to pull off, but this soundtrack does a wonderful job.The only problem I have with it is that the movie version of "i'll fly away," my favorite song when I watched the movie, has been omitted for a slightly weaker version.However the new version is still pretty darn good, so I won't deduct stars for that, especially considering the fact that most movie soundtracks do a terrible job.GET THIS NOW!

Deceived and Disappointed
The Kossoy Sisters version of "I'll Fly Away" was the actual song in this movie. Why they chose the Alison Krauss version for this CD stupefies me to no end. Needless to say, the movie version was far superior. In fact, I felt that this song was one of most uplifting songs I've heard in a long time. Understand that I have nothing against Alison Krauss at all, but I must admit that my jaw dropped when I realized that I'd once again been had by slick music industry con-artists. Beware. ... Read more

Asin: B00004XQ83
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Down from the Mountain: Live Concert Performances by the Artists & Musicians of O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 July, 2001)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

Country music reclaimed its traditional soul with the chart-topping triumph of the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. This concert sequel, recorded (and filmed) at Nashville's venerable Ryman Auditorium, reunites Emmylou Harris, Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss and Union Station, and other O Brother standouts. With little duplication, the selection extends the movie's revival of acoustic spirituals and Appalachian balladry, though the performances and pacing of the concert aren't quite as consistently compelling as the studio soundtrack. Among the highlights are a pair of originals by Welch and David Rawlings, the bluesy "Dear Someone" and the Everlyesque "I Want to Sing That Rock and Roll." Where O Brother interspersed archival recordings among the contemporary artistry, the concert finds Nashville gospel's Fairfield Four harmonizing on the chain-gang chant of "Po' Lazarus," while the late John Hartford (in one of his final performances) renews the deadpan whimsy of "Big Rock Candy Mountain." --Don McLeese ... Read more

Features

• Live
• Soundtrack

Reviews (53)

Check this out ..
This is a cool movie no doubt.
I would have rated it higher -- had I not known that some artists in the movie have never been paid for their performance in it -- hundred of thousands of copies sold -- but zilch has been paid to at least one artist that I personally know.
THey were giving this away on PBS -- to those making a donation --he (artist I know of)is ALL over this movie -- but he has yet to be compensated or recognized by the movie producers.

Just try it, it is addicting.
I never thought I was a fan of this kind of music till the "Oh Brother" movie, but this "Down from the Mountain" performance has added to my new love.The DVD or VCR of this is also a must see, where it was good to get to visit John Hartford one more time.I really enjoyed the backstage, inside glimpse at the performers on the DVD.Every single song on the CD is a good addition to the over-all pleasant experience, and I suggest you buy this CD if you are a true lover of good music, no matter what type of music you prefer.

One of my Top Ten
I purchased this C.D. after "Oh Brother..." spent the whole week of my vacation in the C.D. player of my car.In addition to live versions of some of my favorite songs from "Oh Brother..", it has EVEN MORE terrific bluegrass/folk songs from these great artists.Ignore the funny looks that you get when you blast this in your car - you will enjoy remembering "the good ol' days". ... Read more

Asin: B00005MJYJ
Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Country Gospel    5. Neo-Traditional Folk    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. Pop    8. Progressive Bluegrass    9. Southern Gospel