Editorial Review

Though it might not be fair to say that Toby Keith has mellowed, he has definitely matured. Rather than taking political potshots, he exchanges bully-boy bluster for a tone of wry bemusement on "Big Blue Note" and "She Left Me," tempering middle-aged pride with a confession that the years have taken their toll on "As Good as I Once Was." After flexing his muscles with the album-opening title track, which sets Keith's musical autobiography to the trademark lope of Waylon Jennings, he showcases the subtler side of his vocal artistry on "She Ain't Hooked on Me No More"--a duet with Merle Haggard--and "Knock Yourself Out," while turning almost tender on "Your Smile" and "Where You Gonna Go." For those who miss the old Toby, there's "Just the Guy to Do It," which proceeds from one of the cheesiest pickup lines ever ("Do blondes really have more fun/Or are they just easier to spot in the dark?") into promises to punch out an errant boyfriend. Yet even this song has more of a Caribbean lilt than the macho swagger of Keith's younger days. Read more

Reviews (57)

BORRRRRRINGGGGGG
This guy is so narcissistic I can't believe he's so popoular.In many ways he's no different from his yang the Dixie Chicks.Two self agrandizing peas in a pod

~TOBY IS BACK....SOME GREAT TUNES~
Great cd with some good tunes. Purchased for boyfriend that likes the song about not a good as I once was? I like the song myself. Purchased mainly for that song. Kinda fits when you get older but still have it somewhat going on~Worth buying!! Song makes you feel younger and brings back some old memories.

T_Rae_Rae_Powder_luver
Toby you are so great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Honky Tonk    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. New Traditionalist    7. Pop   

Editorial Review

"All my life they told me 'you're pretty good for a girl,'" Rhonda Vincent sings on this album's title track--a sly dig at the notoriously patriarchal culture of bluegrass, and at critics who qualify her as a "Read more

Reviews (15)

Average songs, average voice
If you've listened to Alison Krauss, you've heard the best.Rhonda's arrangements and voice were adequate, but nothing special, and I doubt I'll listen to the CD again.

Yes....she is a blue grass girl!
This is worth a listen.Rhonda Vincent is one of the most talented musicians and surrounds herself in so much talent.The whole band individually is impressive; but, together fantastic.They are so worth seeing in person.Crisp, clear and better than any CD.I say....GO GIRL!

First ever review
I have hundreds of cd's many of them purchased from Amazon and many of them bluegrass but I have never been moved to write a review before. In my opinion All American Bluegrass Girl is a fabulous album with amazing music. Rhonda sings beautifully and some of the instrumentals and riffs are fantastic.I visit the mountains of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee each year and this (commercial) cd is the closest I have heard to the "real thing". Well done Rhonda and your team, keep up the good work, I hope that you will get more recognition through this album, especially here in the UK. To the people who complain about the gospel and military songs, visit the real bluegrass areas especially in NC and Eastern Kentucky and you might understand where they come from. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Country-Pop    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Country's most reluctant superstar can always lend gravity to even the weakest of songs, so masterful is his phrasing and restrained, expressive delivery, and so artful his picking and the production that surrounds his Everyman baritone. On Read more

Reviews (47)

I liked it!!
Of course, I always like George Strait...but thought this CD was good.

Too Much Ballad, Too Little Honky-Tonk
I'm a big George Strait fan and was disappointed by this album.This is not as upbeat as some of his other works, which would not be a problem if the slower pieces matched up well against classics like 'I Can Still Make Cheyenne.'Sadly, they don't.Moreover, even some of the upbeat works on this CD were not up to the high standards that Strait has set for himself.The end result is a CD with a couple of good songs and a lot of chaff.
George Strait has done it again....
First of all i want to say that i like Big and Rich, I like a few songs of cowboy troys...now on to this album....
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. United States of America    6. Western Swing Revival   

Editorial Review

While Read more

Reviews (30)

All time Favorite
I used to listen to Johnny when I was just a young kid and I have always loved his music. When I saw I could get his Greatest Hits on CD I jumped at the chance.

Timeless Treasure
After hearing the "Ballad of Jim Bridger" while in Montana--It
North to Alaska
Had to have this song. Perfect for my video of the cruise we took to Alaska. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Honky Tonk    4. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    5. Oldies    6. Pop    7. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

In the abstract, there are two Martina McBrides heard in this ample collection, which features 14 hits from the Kansas-born singer's studio albums, along with four inspired new cuts. At one extreme there's the demure cover-girl-pretty warbler who serves up fervent and endearing love pledges like "Wild Angels," "Safe in the Arms of Love," and "I Love You." Then there's the mature, poised, socially conscious mother of two who grapples with darker topics like poverty and inequality ("Love's the Only House") and child and spousal abuse (the wrathful "Independence Day" and the ineffably sad "Concrete Angel"). There are certainly impressive samples of both Martinas on this anthology. On other cuts--like the bluesy, naughty new track "When God-Fearin' Women Get the Blues" and the angry "Life #9"--the forces of light and darkness, anger and felicity, commingle in a manner that's no less intriguing and provocative. Read more

Reviews (125)

It's what I hoped for
It's a well mixed "favorite song" cd.I had heard her song, "Independence Day" and became interested in hearing more. This was my first Martina McBride cd and I think it is a great way to meet the singer and get an overview of her work.She has a powerful and clear voice, and a thrilling performance style.I recommend this cd.

AMAZING.
this album is so good, i listen to it all the time. even if you have all martina's albums, you should still buy this, because you'll get four new tracks (plus a new intro to one of the new songs)! also included,(in the booklet) is martina's insight on all the tracks, and her producer paul's insight as well. this is
My favorite CD of all time
Martina McBride is my idol. If you like easy listening music, I would highly recomend this album. You will love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. New Traditionalist    5. Pop    6. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Back in their commercial heyday as a duet team, June Carter Cash always managed to bring out a lighter, more playful side of her often somber and serious husband, the famed "Man in Black." Among these 13 tracks (11 of them originally released on the 1967 album plus 2 bonus tracks) are familiar titles like the naughty, cat-scratch-fever hit "Jackson" and their soulfully twangy version of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me, Babe." But Cash and Carter also breathe understated fire and shared sensuality into more unlikely material, like their loping, folky reading of Richard Fariña's "Pack Up Your Sorrows," a pair of Ray Charles R&B standards--"I Got a Woman" and "What'd I Say"--and memorable original compositions like the class-conscious "Shantytown" and a nostalgic love lament called "Oh, What a Good Thing We Had." Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (9)

Excellent collection
Great selection of songs, the whole CD is infectious, you can tell they're having a great time!

CAN'T STOP SMILING!
I especially love the arrangement of Bob Dylan's "It
Hotter Than A Pepper Sprout
Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash are largely responsible for starting off the country star duet cycle in the late 1960's and they won every duet award to be had but they only record three albums together despite decades of performing together.This first album is the best, recorded actually before they were married.These tracks are packed with the sexual sparks these two soul mates displayed on the stage. Cash certainly seems to be enjoying himself more in the duets than in any of his solo work, he's clearly having fun!And who wouldn't, June gives such a delicious comic sass to their toe-tapping numbers.Their legendary hit "Jackson" is here as well as their sassy smash "Long Legged Guitar Pickin' Man".Just as good is their first duet hit, "It Ain't Me, Babe".The Carter Family adds their unmistakable harmony to "Shanytown" - with all these Johnny and June reissues on the market, there is a definate need for some of the 60's/70's Carter Family recordings to come out of the vaults.Johnny & June weren't as prolific as Porter & Dolly or Conway & Loretta or even George & Tammy but they certainly take a back seat to no one when it comes to producing great music together.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

East Tennessee-born singer Kenny Chesney has, in the course of his relatively brief career, proven to be an unremarkable but thoroughly competent singer who shows occasional flashes of brilliance when teamed with the right song. That happens roughly half the time on this 17-cut compilation disc, which, despite its title, actually includes four new songs, one rerecording, and a remix. Amid soppy country-pop chart fodder ("Me and You," "When I Close My Eyes") and second-rate ditties ("How Forever Feels," "She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy"), Chesney hits his stride on robust country ballads like "You Had Me from Hello" and the lead single "I Lost It." On other gems--like "That's Why I'm Here," a heartfelt tribute to the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program that topped the charts a while back; "Baptism," a great duet with Randy Travis; and his fine rerecording of "Tin Man," the song that launched his career in the mid '90s--Chesney even manages to attain an ephemeral but utterly moving transcendence over his vocal limitations and sometimes questionable song choices. Read more

Reviews (65)

A must for your CD collection
I can listen to this CD all day, every day.Even if you're not a die hard CW music fan, you'll still get enjoyment from this CD and know that you got your money's worth.

Love it
I love the old Kenny Chesney, but no so much the new stuff.I think he's gone downhill since No Shoes, No Shirt.For an old fan or a new fan, this is a must have CD.It has all of the songs that really highlight his voice and the types of songs that he sings well.It is also just catchy enough that fans of his new stuff will like it, too.

"All You Need to Know" About Early Kenny...
The title of this album seems pretty obvious: a collection of Kenny Chesney's greatest hits. Interestingly, most of his
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

It's easy to see why newcomer Jason Aldean scored big right out of the box--"Hicktown," an anthem for the way-off-the-interstate nation, not only captures the pride and the humor of the blue-collar crowd ("Well, you can see the neighbor's butt crack nailing on his shingles"), but was written by John Rich and Big Kenny of Big & Rich (with Vicky McGehee). That might be a lucky break for this Georgian's debut, but Aldean managed to nail four other John Rich songs, including "You're the Love I Want to Be In," which the singer cowrote with Rich and McGehee. Strong songwriting rules throughout, whether the subject is dysfunctional relationships ("Why"), hurtin' hearts ("Even If I Wanted To"), lonely truckers ("Asphalt Cowboy"), or reassessing one's own life in the reflection of a passing hearse ("Good to Go"). Producer Michael Knox tailors Aldean's sound toward one thing--fitting in on the radio--which means he borrows from everybody: "Amarillo Sky" kicks off with a Celtic, Keith Urban-like intro, "Lonesome USA" recalls the gangly twang of "Guitar Town"-era Steve Earle, and the rocking drive of Big & Rich is everywhere. Though Aldean shows promise as a writer, he's no special shakes as a vocalist. But he brings a solid Everyman's tenor to play (think Kenny Chesney), and he sounds as if he's lived every word. Make room for another chart-topper. Read more

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (31)

A peach from Georgia
This is perhaps one of the finest debuts to come out of Music City in a long time. Every cut is worthy of being a single, and Aldean's emotional delivery makes you believe every lyric. His style is fresh, edgy and leans a little toward rock while still maintaining a classic country feel. It's easy to see why he was named ACM Top New Male Vocalist.
Five Stars and Two Thumbs Up!!!
Jason Aldean is the greatest thing since Johnny Cash! With his amazing lyrics, inspiring melodys, and voice that's from the heart, he makes for an awesome listening experience. The way he sings the songs makes you feel like he's been through it. "Amarillo Sky" really captured our farming town and is an innspiration everyday. If you get this CD, you won't be disapointed. Five stars and Two thumbs up!!!!

a real troubador
this kid is the best of the huge new group of young singer songwriters lifting country to new heights. his music is so intelligently written, even the fun stuff is chock full of clever musical hooks, great lyrics, a great voice. he has a great career ahead of him, as this freshman effort has already gone gold. if you like your country on the rock side, you will love this disc, buy it now. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Torn and frayed, the voice of Lucero singer Ben Nichols epitomizes a band that spends half it's time on the highway driving to the next gig. But judging by the fun the Memphis four-piece appears to be having on its fifth album, that road may go on forever. Produced by David Lowry (Camper Van Beethoven, Cracker), the record draws a parallel with its 2005 release Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent choice
This is an awesome album. The vocals have an almost Springsteen sound. The lyrics are so powerful and heartfelt. "What else would you have me be?" is one of the best songs on the album, and "San Francisco" is my personal favorite. I recommend this album to anyone who can appreciate good,fresh music.

Sing me no hymns...
...pour me a tall glass of whiskey and let's have some fun rock n rollers. Lucero plays it on this album. It's a tasteful product all the way around from the album title, cover, art, pictures, song titles, song choruses, lyrics, guitar licks, lead licks right where you need 'em, f***in' lyrics again, f***in' cymbals with base and guts with f***in'...f***in'...vocals and drums! And 1, 2,3,4's! Let's pull out the fine china and f***in dance on it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Indie Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

No entertainer has gotten more mileage out of recycling material than Kinky Friedman. Since his musical career peaked in the 1970s, the self-proclaimed Kinkster has transferred lines from his songs--and one-liners from his performances--into a series of mystery novels, magazine columns, and, most recently, an independent campaign to become governor of Texas. This revival of Kinky's material takes its title from one of Friedman's campaign slogans (another is "How hard could it be?") and four of its ten cuts from Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country Comedy    3. Country-Rock    4. Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Barbara Mandrell hit her commercial peak in the early 1980s, when her only serious rival as the queen of country-pop crossover was Olivia Newton-John. With her TV variety series, glitzy stage show, and commercial success, some questioned whether Mandrell was country at all, though she reasserted her loyalty when she recorded "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool," revived here as a kickoff duet by Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney. The range of artistry assembled for this trans-generational tribute suggests that Mandrell's music remains deeply loved and widely influential, almost a decade after her retirement from music. Younger artists such as Terri Clark ("Singing Single in a Double Bed"), Brad Paisley ("In Times Like These"), and Dierks Bentley ("Fast Lanes and Country Roads") bring a hard-rocking edge to Mandrell hits, though Gretchen Wilson plays against type with the steel-guitar weeper "The Midnight Oil." Mandrell drew inspiration from outside country as well, as LeAnn Rimes reminds us with the string-drenched, rhythm & blues balladry of "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right," as does CeCe Winans with the sweeping gospel finale, "He Set My Life to Music." Best of all is the teaming of Willie Nelson and Shelby Lynne on the tender "This Time I Almost Made It." Read more

Reviews (4)

Tribute to Barbara
I just got this and it is the best,You all did her justice.I miss Barbara but this is a way to keep her with us still.You all rock and Reba sister friend you rock

LONG overdue
This project has been long overdue for this multi-talented, versatile entertainer.The mere fact that every artist contributing to this CD is either a current giant or a legend in the Country Music industry speaks volumes about Barbara's influence in the genre.
Great tribute to a missed artist
Since Barbara Mandrell retired in 1997, she has been badly missed by her fans. Having been a fan since 1981, I for one have missed hearing anything new from her. It was great to hear that this new tribute album was coming out. For most part the artists on the album do a great job. The only two songs that I feel are not so hot are Terri Clark's "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed" which sounds very lifeless, a surprise considering Clark is a huge Mandrell fan. The other less than stellar selection is Sara Evan's "Crackers" which again, sounds very lifeless. Reba McEntire & Kenny Chesney do a great job on "Country When Country Wasn't Cool" as does Lorrie Morgan on "That's What Friends Are For". I also liked Brad Paisley's price increase of the nickle candybar on "In Times Like These". Randy Owen of Alabama does a good job on "Years" but Mandrell's version remains the definitive version.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country Collections    3. Pop    4. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (20)

A new Randy Rogers
I must admit, I was very skeptical about the new Randy Rogers Band release, with there first major record label release I was worried that they would become just another Nashville sounding band.Well I was right, they were different, don't get me wrong I still like there music but it just isn't the Randy Rogers that I know and love, they have lost some of the sound that was so characteristically Randy Rogers Band.Obviously everyone is going to be talking about there latest single "Kiss Me In The Dark," while I do like the song its just so unlike any Randy Rogers song I have ever listened to.I also like the song "You don't know me," to me this is the most like any old song written by him, when people first listen to the new album in my truck this was the first song I played for them!The lyrics on this album are far different than anything the band has done before, its easy to pick up the outside influences, which I wish weren't there.I'm still drawn to these guys, you cant replace Randy Rogers voice, its one of the most unique voices in country music, I hope everybody at least gives there new album a chance, its still Randy Rogers and its still good, just a little different.If you are just now getting into the Randy Rogers Band then I would recommend "Like It Used To Be" and "Rollercoaster" from there previous albums, you wont be disappointed!

Passionate Musicfrom the Heart of Texas
If you've ever met Randy you will know that he is the Will Rogers of Texas Country Music. He never met a man he didn't like, but has met at least one woman who has broken his heart. Nights on the road playing and partying with some of the most talented artists on the Texas music scene have spawned some incredibly passionate songwriting partnerships on Randy Rogers Band's new CD. Anyone who has done any livin at all can't help but have memories stirred up from this collection of hard hitting songs. From true heart breakers like Whiskey's Got A Hold On Me and If Anyone Asks to sexy songs like You Could Change My Mind and the bedroom ballad Kiss Me In The Dark RRB really gets the blood flowing. Randy belts them out with a haunting honesty that hits deep inside you.The band's awsome insrumental talents aren't hidden by the over-engineering that clutters many Nashville produced CDs. You Don't Know Me written by bass player Jon Richardson highlights each musician's incredible talent as the music drifts from one solo to the next. I can listen to RRBs music over and over, it just doesn't get old. Think this aint true Texas music? Don't just listen to the music, go see Randy and the guys when they come to town. Get close and let it sink into your skin like mesquite smoke from a campfire on a hot Hill Country night.

Big label change = Sell-out
Man oh man, this great band has just done the unthinkable, they've gone and went commercial. I was hoping this wouldn't happen but when I heard last year that they'd start touring with their friend Dierks Bentley, my radar went up. Well, it's happened. It's shades of Pat Green all over again. I realize these Texas artists are getting noticed, but it blows me away that they go and change their sound so much to appeal to the mainstream. Randy Rogers was the best new outfit to come out in years, and it's just a shame that this puppy sounds like a hundred other CMT acts out there. You can try and justify all you want, but this is not the same sound as they had before. It's no longer authentic, honest music; this is fabricated assembly-line music. People may not like the negative reviews, but too bad. If the truth hurts, so be it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Editorial Review

An aptly named album if ever there was one, Read more

Reviews (42)

fun, but not appropriate for kids - violent lyrics
This CD is fun and musically intriguing, but not appropriate for kids... one song talks about "what can you do in a case like that but stamp on your mother, and your toothbrush, and on everything that's helpless." Another talks of being an immigrant to the country and says "and they beat me, and they banged me, and they left me on the ground." And another says "I'm a great sharpshootress. There is nothing that I can't shoot in the eyes, or the ears, or the teeth, or the fingers." Musically it's fun and goofy and intriguing, but I was appalled when I realized what I was encouraging my young child to listen to.
Breath of Fresh Air
Wonderful instrumentals and lyrics.A Shenandoah Lullaby is simply beautiful.I love the way the ending segues into Brahm's lullaby. His version of Arkansas traveller is refreshing.Teddy Bears' Picnic is a quaint song that few people have heard.There Ain't No Bugs On Me is my two-year-old daughter's favorite, judging from the way she belts out this song and giggles from time to time.I like all the songs on the CD.A breath of fresh air for parents who prefer real instruments to synthesized pop.

FUN!
This CD is great for the entire family. The songs are catchy and it's not a big deal if you're caught singing them around strangers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Children's Folk    3. Country    4. Country-Rock    5. Folk-Rock    6. Pop    7. Popular Music    8. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (1)

Doesn't get any Kinkier than this!
Kinky Friedman is a Lone Star treasure. Heck, make that a national treasure. For decades he's written and recorded alternately touching and hilarious country songs that marry traditional country musical values with a uniquely skewed lyrical vision. Lots of country singers claim to be rugged individualists, but Kinky is one singer-songwriter who truly stands apart from the pack.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country Comedy    3. Country-Rock    4. Folk    5. Outlaw Country    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

On his two early-1970s solo albums, collected here on one disc, Gram Parson lends his fragile, aching tenor to music that's the definition of what he called "country soul." Neither of these titles is quite as strong as the work Parsons had previously done with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, but with originals as great as "She" and "In My Hour of Darkness"--not to mention backing from Emmylou Harris and the core of Elvis's early-'70s band--both Read more

Reviews (70)

after over thirty years this album still holds up
I was one of the few to buy this album when it first came out. I listened to it daily for many months and then it was forgotten. Until the other night, when I saw the documentaryFallen Angel. After seeing the movie, I pulled out the old record and took another listen and I can tell you that it sounded even better than when I last listened to it. AndI am not a country fan but this is an album that transcends all categories. The words to many of the songs are pure poetry and the singing, sometimes with Emmy Lou Harris, is beyond perfect.I want to be listening to this album the day before I die.

A Country Romantic
The first time I listened to this CD (or more accurately, these 2 albums) I was not too enthusiastic--mostly because I had been hearing the name Gram Parsons permanently linked with "country rock." Well, as other reviewers have pointed out, not much rock in here. But the misnomer is not Parsons fault, and I really don't care too much for such labels anyway. Upon further listening, I found myself thoroughly enchanted. Yep, the blue-eyed soulfulness is apparent, even among the twangier tunes. And I can't argue with the notion that Parsons, clearly a romantic for country music, conveys a distinctively "rock 'n' roll" attitude throughout. All of it blends together magnificently. And the kicker, for me at least, is the presence of guitar legend James Burton--his contributions alone make the CD worthwhile.

a good saloon in every single town...
What do you say about this CD?When you drive across the country and every single city has its own radio station or five playing the kind of hybrid of traditional country and rock-n-roll invented by this man and essentially perfected on these two albums?My oh my, it takes a lot to leave a loudmouth like me speechless but here goes...
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country-Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

It might be tempting to describe Kentucky's Chris Knight as the poor man's Steve Earle (if the original weren't still doing a pretty good job at it). While the hard twang of the guitar and the hardscrabble lyrics recall Earle's early classic albums, Knight continues to establish himself on his fourth release as one of the most powerful (and underrecognized) artists in alternative country. Produced by Gary Nicholson and mixed by Earle's "twangtrust" partner Ray Kennedy, the album pulls no punches, whether rocking the roadhouse at the end of "River Road," venting anger at the developers who are treating Grandpa's land like "Dirt," or detailing a dead-end life in the title track. Yet the redemptive "Saved by Love" and the yearning "Too Close to Home" evoke equally strong emotions that balance the album's darker strains. If "Cry Lonely" isn't a hit for Knight, it deserves to be one for somebody. Knight's eye for detail and command of tone have the compression of great short stories, though Southern Gothic rarely rocks this hard. Read more

Reviews (9)

The Wolf Outside Your Door
"Enough Rope" continues the excellent work of this excellent artist.The set opens with the hot rocker "Jack Blue" with Kenny Greenberg's electric guitar stinging; and Dan Dugmore's pedal steel crying plaintively, "You don't go looking for trouble.Ain't that what the old folks say?Don't go looking for trouble, it'll find you anyway."This is followed in a 1-2 punch with the aching slow song "Cry Lonely" with Chris' vocal ringing with longing & regret, "You always say your heart is breaking & you hear the wolf outside your door; But I know you're just using me 'til you don't need me anymore."The wolf image is reflected in Wayne Brezinka's cover design."Saved by Love" is another strong song that tugs on the heartstrings with Dan Dugmore's pedal steel aching.Dugmore is a longtime musical veteran from Linda Ronstadt & James Taylor's heyday to more recently Keith Urban & Lee Ann Womack.His touch throughout this set is masterful."Rural Route" is a sweet country throwback to a more gentle time, "I built a fire up on the hill; sat in the woods & drank my fill; Talked to God all night; Took another shot & set me right.""Dirt" oozes anger with Knight letting the fur fly in his ripping vocals, "Company came from out of state to build another stinking factory; Them county politicians think they know just exactly what we need; But I sit down by the highway. I hear those big Cats growl.Where the quail gonna fly?Where will the rabbits run now?""Up from the Hill" is another classic rocker with a churning guitar line that sounds like something from Day Tripper-era Beatles mixed in with backwoods pedal-to-the-metal rock, "2 a.m. in the morning, he done pissed off all his friends; He'll come knocking on Vessie's door; She's the only one let him in.""Bridle On a Bull" is another classic rocker that'd fit comfortably on a Johnny Cash record.Knight seems to continue the saga of "William" from his self-titled brilliant CD that appeared on Decca with "William's Son" with more on the guy raised without enough love."To Get Back Home" is another burning rocker with Chris' voice ripping through mounds of emotion.The set ends with the slower tempo of the title track as Chris looks at a life that has a lot of blessings and a lot of dreams that may never come true."Enough Rope" is a powerful CD.The musicianship is first-rate; and the set is paced well with a nod to the faster tempo.Chris Knight seems to embody the lonely guy persona, a man who wants to do the right thing but every now and then gets just a little ticked off.This CD has hugged my changer repeatedly.Bravo!

KNIGHT ROCKS
JUST AWESOME, EVERYTHING STEVE EARLE SHOULD HAVE BECOME AND MORE. NO SELL OUT OR CMT COMPROMISE HERE.

Chris Knight's "Tunnel Of Love"
I'm only going to write this review for the people you are already on board with Chris Knight.I wish mass commercial success would open up for Chris Knight because he deserves it.There are very few people who ever came down the pike that are in Chris Knight's league.I always thought that Chris was a country version of Bruce Springsteen.That being said this is his "Tunnel Of Love" album.A little softer, not as dark, dare I say a little pop here and there?Just when you think he has a song that might break on the radio you realize there was one line in the song that said "strung out like some junkie in a back alley".Oops!That won't fly on country radio.There are still several hard rockers on here that will blow you away in concert as much as anything he has ever done.If you haven't seen Chris Knight in concert, go to his web site and find a concert to go to.When your at the concert try at some point during the show get close enough that you can see his face.His passion and intensity will give you goosebumps.No theatrics.Honest, real, humble, and intense. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Bass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Country-Rock    6. Drums    7. Guitar (Acoustic)    8. Guitar (Steel)    9. Pop    10. Vocals   

Editorial Review

A ghost, a band, a troubadour. Easily the strangest co-op project ever, and easily one of the finest and most evocative albums of the year. British socialist and folkie Billy Bragg was given unprecedented access to Woody Guthrie's unrecorded lyrics. Teaming up with alt-country band Wilco and quoting from more than 50 years of country, folk, and rock music, Billy and company bring Guthrie's politics, poetry, and morality to the end of the century and prove he's as necessary now as ever. Read more

Reviews (124)

Woody Guthrie Lyrics to Billy Bragg Tunes
You'll find yourself singing along after the first listen. California Stars and Ain't Nobody that Can Sing like me are new favorites for me.

Something to Bragg About, for Wilco ,too.
This is an example of the brilliance that results when two great talents join forces to write music and record the lyrics of American folk music icon, Woody Guthrie.Bragg and Tweedy collaborate seamlessly to set to music the words that Guthrie wrote over 50 years ago, and it still sounds fresh today.

Fantastic
This is a reply to those reviewers who think that Guthrie "really wasn't all that left-wing" or that Bragg is, by comparison, too "didactic" or "rabidly left-wing" (as some would have it).The fact is that Bragg can't imagine being as politically radical as Guthrie was, not because Bragg is a closet liberal, but because Guthrie was a part of a radical movement in the United States the likes of which is simply not to be found in the U.S. or Britain nowadays.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Folk-Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. Urban Folk