Editorial Review

Here is how the first album from this alt-country-flavored Raleigh, North Carolina, band was always supposed to sound. When Read more

Reviews (33)

good stuff
like any ryan adams work, there are brilliant moments on each and every record, moments of pure inspiration. this album is no different. mining town, hard luck story, and faithless street are all great songs. the other songs seem to have this type of pop punk feel to it, like the replacements. suffice it tosay, these songs are average in comparison to the more traditionally styled songs. forget all about the pundits who say that this is derivative music. it completely detracts from the enjoyment of it all. good country music by any measure.

no new ideas
Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams solo efforts are so derivative that I can't enjoy them. If you like Uncle Tupelo and Gram Parsons(I do), then by all means get their work instead of this pale imitation. When Adams tries to do something original it is usually not very impressive. If you must have some Ryan Adams, then I would suggest "Heartbreaker". It is also very derivative but at least he steals from more people and there are actually a couple of very good and fairly original tunes on this one.

Starting at the end and moving upstream
I was introduced into Whiskeytown through the solo work of Ryan Adams, their bandleader and main songwriter. Being a lover of comparable alt-country acts, such as Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar (both formerly from Uncle Tupelo, who later went on to lead Wilco and Son Volt, respectively), I figured I could not go wrong. Indeed it was so. This album, the first by this seminal act from North Carolina, will knock you out with its country sound blended with straight up rock riffs.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Americana    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Known for two big-idea concept albums, Read more

Reviews (32)

Different, Deeper, and Really Good
Here DBT experiments a little with being mature.Which means more reflection and, this is the key to why many didn't like this album, more 1st person and less stories, the latter of which has made for some of their better stuff.The music is also notably discordant, almost grating in places, but musically so.The strong hooks and licks are still there.Especially the multi-guitar work that helps define their sound.
Great band, only so-so album
This album is not nearly as strong as the three that came before it, but it is still pretty solid.I agree with the reviewer before me in regards to Jason Isbell:what was he thinking with these songs?Compared to the classics he contributed to the last two albums, his additions to this album are pretty lame.I can only guess he is planning a solo album and saving his good stuff for that.Mike Cooley has slowly become the best songwriter in the group, and his two songs on this disc rank with its best material.Again, not a bad album, but by DDT standards, it's pretty forgettable.

I bit depressing
Southern Rock Opera, The dirty south and Decoration day are real feats of accomplishment. Three of my favorite CD's. I'm not going to compare because I like to see a band grow and experiment. The only real complaint I have on this album is the mood. While my spirits are lifted when I listen to the blues like John Lee Hooker or rockin blues like Pat Travers, this album just simply depresses me. The songs are honest yes, but does honesty alone make it good? We all have hard times but the way DBT expresses lifes ugly painful side is just not enjoyable for me on this one. It becomes apparent that much of their hard times are brought on by their own poor choices (Aftermath USA). Yes, it takes honesty to sing about making poor choices in life then having to deal with it but in the end I don't feel sorry for them nor do I relate to that level of irresponsible living. I found the record more of a wallo in self pity than anything else. However I found the song "A World Of Hurt" to be extremely well written and performed and I'm tempted to keep the album just for that song alone. But it's hard to listen to a CD knowing your going to feel worse when it's over. I look forward to their next record. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Southern Rock    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (60)

wintertime is the only time
this is easily one of the best albums produced in the 20th century.who puts almanac in the title of a record?this really changed my life and taste in music- if it were possible to wear out a CD, then that's what woulda happened the winter I got this back in 97 or 98.problem is, now I just can't listen to it in warm weather, it's incongruous with the attitude the album has to me.

Other stuff to check out
I am a huge fan of alt-country, roots rock, Americana or whatever you wanna call it.This is a classic in the genre.Here are some lesser known albums in the genre that are fantastic.
Heartbreak in widescreen
The soaring steel guitar figure which opens "Excuse Me If I Break My Own Heart Tonight" is THE definitive alt.country riff of all time--for me, anyway.It doesn't get any better than this song.Desperation, awe, anguish, love, and a resolve to communicate to the other person that what they're doing is a tremendous mistake--all delivered in the form of a song that, musically, sweeps you up, propells you along, and makes you catch your breath.A fully realized vision.The rest of the album's pretty great, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Americana    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop    6. Roots Rock   

Editorial Review

Few artists take the sort of emotional risks that Lucinda Williams does. Pouring her all into songs of hurt, need, and desire, she turns every live performance into an adventure, as the first concert recording of her career attests. Coproduced by Williams, Read more

Features

• Live

Reviews (50)

Dark, gritty honky tonk music
I've never really been a big fan of Lucinda but wanted to give this Fillmore release a chance.Glad I did.
Not sure what to say
This is a good live recording, but owning better live bootlegs of hers, and having attended better concerts of hers makes me wonder who decided what got put in this release and why?It took me a long time to shell out the bucks for this, and had I read the reviews on Amazon first, I probably would have spent the money on something else.Lucinda still makes me weak in the knees and I'll still buy the studio stuff and certainly keep going to the shows.The Fillmore might be legendary, but her performances in Houston far exceed what transpired on these San Francisco nights.

Astonishing...
When I first heard "Change the Locks", I could not believe my ears. This is one of the most thrilling live recordings I've ever heard. Yeah, her singing is raw and yet you can hear every syllable. Just the way she sings "change-the...CAAAARRRRRRR I drive" blows my socks off.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Alternative Folk    4. Americana    5. Heartland Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Singer/Songwriter    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Here's the stuff honky-tonk heroes are made of: wistful heartbreak classics like Harlan Howard's "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down," Johnny Cash's "Train of Love," Hank Snow's "I'm Movin' On," Ernest Tubb's "Walking the Floor over You," and seven others sung by Jimmie Dale Gilmore, the Texas troubadour and member of the Flatlanders who was born with a teardrop in his voice. There are no surprises on Read more

Reviews (20)

you gotta get this one
After first becoming aware of this talent as part of the trio comprising THE FLATLANDERS, I began my search for this unique and interesting sound from this voice and guitar player.
flatland music
Another aspect of the cultural revolution that we are having to endure right now is the claim to the title to country music. A lot of people that watch country music channel on cable tv don't even like traditional country music. In fact they don't even know what it is. These are the people that liked Tony Bennett and Jo Stafford back in the 50's but didn't even know who Hank Williams was. And, they think of themselves as conservatives. What are they conserving? Jimmie Dale Gilmore is conserving the country music of tradition even while making it uniquely his own.

Awesome side-step for Jimmie Dale
Thank you NPR for doing an interview with JDG and clueing me to this album.As an absolute lover of Classic Country, I was worried that covers of great old tunes would turn me off, but Jimmie Dale does every one justice.I have several of his early albums and have caught him live a few times (don't pass up the chance if it comes your way), and this has just cemented me as a fan.What a nice tribute to his father, and what a nice album for the rest of us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Alternative Country-Rock    3. Country    4. Country-Folk    5. Honky Tonk    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. Pop    8. Progressive Country    9. Singer/Songwriter    10. United States of America   

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (6)

What A Treasure Of Texas
I'm afraid I'm just getting on the Don Walser wagon. If you got to see Second Hand Lion, In the closing credits they played Rolling Stone From Texas. I loved this Movie & was sure this would be on the Soundtract CD, But no. So now I own the Don Walser Cd. A great collection of country swing & old favorites. A very great cover of Don't Worry & That's Why I'm Walkin'. A great voice & wonderful Yodeling. Keep playing & singing Don. It's great. Jerry From Texas

Southern music hasn't been hiding!
This album, along with many, many others are descendants of Bob Willis and the Texas Playboys, among others, who were themselves descendants of "Pickers" who honed their music and their identity in the woods, plains, and lowlands of the South.It's not just a musical genre, it a way of life.Keep listening, Mary from New York, we've always been here.

Rolling Stone from Texas
I heard this song while grocery shopping -- they had the movie playing and went WOW!!!You are really missing out, this is great music!!!! A great find, on the order of the music from Oh Brother Where Art Thou -- where has this music been :) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Pop   

Reviews (3)

Nothing like a retrospective...
to help us see just how good these guys are. Makes the miles fly away. What better recommendation can there be?

In the movie "Eating Raoul"....
a Los Lobos song is heard on the soundtrack as Paul Bartel is chasing Robert Beltran in his old beat-up car. It is a great Mexican version of "Devil With A Blue Dress On". I wish that was on here as a bonus track. Still, this is a pretty good "best of" album because the first 75% of it is from their early period. There are only one or two tracks from the horrendous "Kiko", "Neighborhood", and "This Time" albums, but they are the better tracks. My copy of the cd has a bonus unreleased track from the "Neighborhood" sessions called "Border Girl". Yeah, I know you Los Lobos freaks will say that "Kiko" is their best album, but you have no idea what you are talking about. 99% of the world is blinkered and stupid and you twirps are right in there with the rest of the rabble.
Can't argue with the song selection....
... but, essentially this is the third retread of the same canon - Live at The Fillmore, Acoustic en vivos, and now this. It's a slightly better compilation than the other two, but, the wolves have a bit of Costello-itis: retread the same stuff ad nauseum. It doesn't sound particularly remastered.
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Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Americana    3. College Rock    4. Heartland Rock    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop    8. Roots Rock    9. Tex-Mex    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Ry Cooder might have been tempted to bill this as the Chavez Ravine Social Club. After generating such popular and critical interest in Cuban music of decades past with the Buena Vista Social Club, Cooder applied a similar approach closer to home, extending his fascination with the Mexican-American culture that flourished in 1940s and '50s Los Angeles. The result is an CD that sounds like it's aspiring to be something far more ambitious: a DVD, a theatrical production, even a time machine. Cooder and a cast of seminal Chicano artists present a song cycle that conjures an era of UFOs, the Red Scare, and political machinations that leveled the Chavez Ravine barrio to lure the Brooklyn Dodgers to Los Angeles. In his celebration of a vibrant community that doesn't know it's on the verge of displacement, Cooder enlists Thee Midnighters vocalist Little Willie G. (whose songwriting collaboration with Los Lobos's David Hidalgo on "Onda Callejara" highlights the album). and Pachuco patriarchs Don Tosti and Lalo Guerrero, with the latter reviving his dancefloor favorite "Los Chucos Suaves." The accordion of Flaco Jimenez adds conjunto flavor to "Barrio Viejo." Throughout the album, Cooder plays a typically tasteful, understatedly virtuosic guitar, assumes a variety of vocal roles--including a cool Chet Baker homage in duet with pianist Jacky Terrason on "In My Town"--and provides the provocative social context. Read more

Reviews (35)

Grammy winner, bar none
Ry cooder has hit the mark with his latest addition. The story begins with Palo Verde, Chavez Ravine and a Mexican American village fated to be torn down by the developers planning on a windfall profit from the construction of Dodger's stadium. The man ( J Edgar Hoover and Joe McCarthy ) are the villians who confront the Guardians of the people, branding them communists so they can clear the land of "squatters".
Beyond Sublime
There's really not much one can say in a new review that hasn't already been written here, and in many cases far more eloquently than I would have managed. But this is why we do this, after all, to share an experience like "Chavez Ravine".
Poignant
I knew next to nothing about Chavez Ravine and what happened there.I didn't read the extensive liner notes for a bit after I started listening to the CD. (Sorry, my bad.)I knew there was a theme, a story, to the album.Even though I don't understand Spanish, it was there. (Some of the cuts are in English, some are in Spanish--the comprehensive liner booklet provides lyrics and translations in both languages.)But, bottom line, that all just provides depth and background to a grooving, poignant musical experience.I love this CD.I love listening to the sounds, the beats, the music. This is my latest favorite album, the one I keep playing in the car."Third base, Dodger Stadium," "Poor Man's Shangri-La," "Los Chucos Suaves"--try not to sing along, try not to move.Not possible.
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Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Americana    3. Guitar Virtuoso    4. Latin Jazz    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Unlike the ever-experimenting Lambchop, to whom they are often compared, Calexico stick to their niche. Since Calexico don't spring as many stylistic surprises on us as the sprawling Nashville ensemble, their track record is also less erratic. While Read more

Reviews (32)

The Best
I don't write a lot of reviews, but i have had this album for 3 years or however it's been since it came out, and it's the best--just the best album I have ever heard--I listen to it constantly on random and shufflle and repeat.It's just frankly the greatest album I have ever heard.Buy it!Just buy it and there is no more certain thing in the world than that you will love it.It's a masterpeice in the best sense of the word.Masterful.Yeah!!!!

Complex, interesting, fun...
I absolutely love Calexico's version of "Alone Again Or" on the Austin Music Fest CD from 2004, and was more than pleasantly surprised at this CD. The best part about it: it's NEVER boring.
hauntingly beautiful
i'm not sure what the reviewer scott taylor listens to (and music is a vey personal thing, like religion i guess), but in my mind this is one the finest, most creative, hauntingly beautiful, and wonderfully mesmerizing albums i have heard in a long time. 'black heart' is a killer. please check out the dvd also if you have not seen them live. they are daring, challenging and diverse. some of my other favorites that exceed musical boundaries are coltrane, hendrix, miles, king crimson etc. so, judge for yourself, but give this one a chance if you truly love creative music. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Accordion    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Americana    4. Bass (Electric)    5. Cello    6. Drums    7. Guitar (Acoustic)    8. Guitar (Electric)    9. Horn Section    10. Indie Rock    11. Keyboards    12. Mandolin    13. Marimba    14. Organ    15. Pedal Steel    16. Percussion    17. Piano    18. Pop    19. Post-Rock/Experimental    20. Rock   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (19)

BUY THIS ALBUM!!!
This was the first Lovett album I purchased back in the early 90's...I love it....you NEVER tire of this album, and EVERY song is wonderfully done...my favorite is the earthy, soulful: "What do you do/the glory of love"...listen to the dialogue between the singers...so funny, yet so true.If you enjoy the "big band sound" with that horn section...buy this...you will NOT be disappointed.

Totally refreshing and a true original...
I worked in country radio for a few years down in northern Florida about the time Lyle's first album was released. We jumped on every single that was released from that debut album because he was just so distinctive and original sounding. A few years later I was at a station in New England and the "Large Band" album came out. So different from the first couple of albums yet still unmistakably Lyle Lovett. This man has the ability to evoke memories from all walks of life as well as make you smile, laugh, think, want to get up and dance and more. After hearing this album, I don't think there's a style of music the man cannot do well. Another reviewer spoke of Mr. Lovett as having no measurable talent or good looks. On the contrary...Mr. Lovett's talents are immeasurable. There's some amazing stuff going on here both musically and lyrically, and if someone's basing their opinion of his talent on just ONE album, that's just not the whole story on him at all. Artists as talented and diverse as Lyle Lovett are criminally few and far between, and he's proven that with each and every release.

Lovett's Best
This, in my opinion, is Lyle Lovett's best album.It's the one I lend out when I introduce people to his music, and it's the one I'm the most anxious to get back so I can listen to it again.The album has a perfect mix of his styles.Don't like country?Listen to the first half.Not into blues?Listen to the second.The lyrics on this album are about as clever as they ever get, and the music is even more addictive.Also, this is the first album with Francine Reed as a featured soloist.Buy it and be careful who you let borrow it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. United States of America   

Reviews (1)

Fitting followup
I had somehow forgotten that this one was on its way when I spotted it on the store shelf yesterday. Took it home with a little trepidation; after all, one never quite knows what to expect from a Jason Molina album. Will it be soft and contemplative? Loud and wailing? Turns out Fading Trails is somewhere in the middle, i.e. just right. Molina has made a career of capturing the plaintive sound of the rust belt, and here it's no different. A lot of great and sad songs, accented by pedal steel and some nice lead guitar noodling. Highlights include Don't Fade on Me and Lonesome Valley. A suitable companion to the self titled album and What Comes After the Blues. Seek it out. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Ollabelle are a six-person, New York City-based band that celebrates rural American roots music, as well as the joys of group singing. What started as a side project became a bona fide group, named in honor of country singer and songwriter Ola Belle Reed. They mix traditional songs (including "Jesus on the Mainline," "Soul of a Man," and "John the Revelator") with originals, the latter sounding every bit as timeless as the former. Lead singer Amy Helm has had no shortage of exposure to honest music, her father being Levon Helm of the Band. The rest of the band includes singing instrumentalists with varied but nicely overlapping backgrounds. While a number of the songs wrap themselves in spare and acoustic simplicity, they also embrace the more urban bearing of unobtrusively electric blues and funky gospel. Singing over a pulsing rhythm section or an organ-based combo, Helm sounds strikingly (and surprisingly) like Julie Driscoll (later Tippett), who fronted Trinity with Brian Auger in the 1960s. This debut is post-Harry Smith, post-Alan Lomax music at its finest. Read more

Reviews (20)

Is it gospel or not?
There seems to be much debate in the other reviews as to how to classify this material. Some of the songs ARE gospel and some clearly are not. But really- WHO CARES? You can classify some songs as this or that but the entire CD showsa range of styles,
Nice, but NOT gospel
If you are coming to this from Elvis Costello's Amazon Recommendation, a warning: This is very NICE stuff, very polite.
Best.Gospel.Ever.
I bought this on the strength of the powerful "Get Back Temptation," which I heard on Public Radio's "World Cafe" several months ago during my morning commute.There's a considerable range of styles on this album, from swamp-blues ("Get Back Temptation") to traditional Baptist church harmonies ("Two Steps") to smoky lounge jazz ("Elijah Rock," "No More My Lawd") to something approaching electronic punk ("John the Revalator"); yet it all fits together beautifully.This is some of the best Gospel music you will ever hear--Gospel music that kicks Satan's butt! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Folk    3. Folk & Traditional    4. Folk-Rock    5. Pop   

Editorial Review

Maybe it was that thigh-splitting encounter with a belligerent bull, but whatever put him there, Lyle Lovett is in a nostalgic mood on Read more

Reviews (50)

He phoned it in, but it's still better than most.
It's nowhere near as good as The Road to Encenada. But then, few things are. It's also not as good as Pontiac. But Lyle's average work is better than other people's best work.
Another Great Album
Lyle just knows how to present his music be it Big Band, Jazz, Country, or Rock. Do not try to classify just enjoy.

Worth the wait
It's been way too long since Lyle has released a cd of original tunes.I have been hearing most of these songs at Lyle's shows over the past several years; I'm glad that I can actually take them home now.While Road to Ensanada will always be my favorite, this is a close second.I enjoy the (typical of Lyle) ecclectic nature of this disc: from Cute as a Bug to Election Day to the two gosphel tracks.... it's all fantastic. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (82)

Worth every second!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This album is the type album where you like it or not. Personally I think this album is better than Z. But anyway, here's the spoop:
Tight but loose
Not everyone will like this album...but then again, how many albums have universal appeal?If you like meandering bluesy twang guitar jams, you'll probably like this.If you like concise, aggressive rock songs, you probably won't like this.There, now you can stop reading and decide whether you want to buy this or not.
This could have been a great album
What is with the echo??? It is terrible. However, the music is great. It really upsets me. I saw them open for Pearl Jam and I thought the echo in the mic was a bad sound system, but when I listened to the album I realized he did this on purpose. Why?
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country-Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (1)

An excellent cd overall
"Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette. Puff, puff, puff, but if you smoke yourself to death tell St. Peter at the golden gate that you hates to make him wait, but you just gotta have another cigarette."
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Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Americana    3. Appalachian Folk    4. Bluegrass    5. Country    6. Guitar    7. Old-Timey    8. Pop    9. Traditional Country    10. Traditional Folk   

Editorial Review

Do you like plaintive, moody, smart country-rock with gorgeous, strong female vocals? Hell, who doesn't? Since the heyday of the Cowboy Junkies or Mazzy Star, no other artist has plowed this fertile field so thoroughly. Hem's third album in their five-year career may be an odds and sods collection of rarities and covers, but it has a real, solid cohesion, thanks to the group's very apt grasp of atmospheric Americana. This is NPR rock at its best; it's tasteful and smart but never too edgy or weird. Their swell cover of "A Rainy Night in Georgia," for instance, is just the sort of song you want to have playing in your convertible as you snake through back roads late at night on an aimless roadtrip. Read more

Reviews (7)

Can't rave enough about Hem or this particular album.....
I really hate that this band is referred to as country, I do not like the country music of today.It is so contrived and to me sounds like pop music with a twang.Now don't get me wrong, some of thier songs certainly do have a twang, but it is more like that of the country of old...sort of reminicent of Patsy Cline.I like to think of Hem as more of a Progressive Folk band or Americana...but I am tempted not to catagorize them at all. With all that said, I love Hem. Sally Ellyson's voice is hypnotic.This compilation is wonderful as are all of their other works.Every album of their's is absolutely worth buying.If you don't have a lot of extra cash lying about though, I would say get this particular album.Why you ask, because it has a little bit of everything.But you will also have to get rabbit songs as it has Halfacre on it which is not to be missed.I love the arrangement on this album, it seems to just flow like honey from heaven. I am lulled into such a peaceful state listening to song after beautiful song on this thankfully long album.As a little aside, the song titled "ALL THAT I'M GOOD FOR" was written about a dog.When I heard that little tidbit of info, I made it a point to really listen to the lyrics.Sure enought it fits.I started the song on my cd player, grabbed my old hound dog curled up with her and sang the song to her and got teared up a little bit.Ok, now go buy the album and sing to your pets.They and Hem will surely love you for it.

Stick with their original albums
I discovered HEM in order of their released albums, starting with Rabbit Songs and then continuing on with Eveningland.If you, like me, own both of those albums already, I honestly wouldn't bother with No Word From Tom.I'd say at least half the CD is tracks from Eveningland and the rest is covers.It's not worth it.
A Lullaby for the Soul
No Word from Tom is a country and folk infused compilation slowly swaying in a hammock of peaceful contemplation. If you are looking for a peaceful escape with a soothing voice and breezy lyrics, then this will be a dreamy retreat from the stress of life.
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Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Country-Folk    3. Pop    4. Rock    5. Rock/Pop   

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. Read more

Reviews (29)

Totally underrated
Charlie Robison is an AMAZING song writer and he's been around a while and gets little recognition! He's married to one of the Dixie Chicks, but what people don't realize is that he was writing songs for her and other popular artists long before!

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. 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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Pop    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (11)

Great music at a bargain price
Sometimes there is justice in this world. The fact that the Flying Burrito Brothers' music is alive and well at the beginning of the new millenium bodes well for all of us. They were not well known back in 1969 and the early 70s. Their very brief time alloted to them in the film "Gimme Shelter" is indicative of their status in the world of popular music at the time. While they still may not sell a lot of records even today, at least their reputation as great musicians and as a talented group remains intact, and, if anything has grown with time. This collection has all the songs from their first two albums, which, to be truthful, are the only essential recordings by the Burritos. These recordings coincide with the tenure of the very talented singer/songwriter Gram Parsons, who is a legend today. Chris Hillman's contribution to the Burritos are often slighted, but he was a full partern with Parsons in the creation, playing, singing, and songwriting for the group. One could argue that the ying/yang of Parsons/Hillman, trading off roles of wild-emotional/calm-restrained really made the group what it is. They had talented collaborators, too, with the late, great Sneaky Pete on steel guitar, Chris Etheridge on bass for the first album, and Bernie Leaden on guitar for the second. Michael Clarke, like Hillman and Parsons a former member of the Byrds, provided the drumming on the second album. My only complaint about this collection is that the songs are not in the original order, but that's a minor complaint for this well-price offering.
Gram Parsons-The father of Country-Rock!
The first album is very mellow with great harmonies. It sounds like Buck Owens early in his career with the "freight train" songs combined with the late '60s Buck Owens and the finger picking of Don Rich with examples from "Where Does the Good Times Go" "How Long Will My Baby Be Gone" "Sweet Rosie Jones" "I've Got You On My Mind Again" and "Tall Dark Stranger." The second album has more variety from gospel to polka to a Bill Anderson-type song to old school honky tonk. What I mean is "Farther Along" "Man in the Fog" "High Fashion Queen" and "If You Gotta Go." These two albums really knocked me out musically speaking. I wish Country Music now sounded more like this. Really enjoyed it!

Walking the line
This two-fer CD gives consumers the opportunity to purchase remastered versions of the first two releases by this seminal band from the late 1960's at a ridiculously affordable price.The two discs were released in 1968 ('Gilded Palace of Sin') and 1969 ('Burrito Deluxe'), and in their later incarnation, the artists involved composed 3/5 of what was once known as 'The Byrds' (guitarist, keyboardist, and vocalist Gram Parsons, drummer Michael Clarke, and bassist and vocalist Chris Hillman).This band is often credited with pioneering the Country-Rock genre, although those kudo's must certainly be shared with Roger McGuinn's Byrds and Buffalo Springfield, and myriad other bands who dabbled in the effort.The Flying Burrito Brothers, however, certainly embraced the new, unfolding sound unlike any predecessor.Unfortunately, since youth culture was still thoroughly immersed in the sounds of acid-rock and the emerging heavy-metal genre, devoting entire albums to country-rock spelled disaster for the FBB's.Their debut album sold only 50,000 copies.