Editorial Review

There are several Cash boxes available, but Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (42)

Cash, Johnny
If There Was A Box Set To Own This One Would Be It.

Great Collection - Still Missing a Few Songs
Overall this is a very good collection, and probably the best one that's easily available.It's also very reasonably priced for the number of songs on the collection.My only complaint is that even with all of those CDs, there's still a few key songs missing.Until there's a truly all-inclusive box set available, this one is pretty good.

Awesome.
Johnny Cash fans.. you will love this set.It's got a great booklet that comes with it.
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Country Gospel    4. Country-Pop    5. Cowboy    6. Pop    7. Rock & Roll    8. Rockabilly    9. Traditional Country    10. United States of America   

Editorial Review

A lonely Westerner in Nashville, Marty Robbins salved his soul by cutting an album (in one afternoon) of mostly self-composed cowboy ballads. One of them was a four-and-a-half-minute epic, "El Paso," that broke every rule of Top 40 programming to become a No. 1 pop and country hit in 1960. Robbins was arguably the most surefooted and accomplished singer in all country music, and that was never more obvious than on these Western ballads performed to often breathtaking perfection with a very small group and a vocal trio. Other titles include "Big Iron" (also a Top 30 hit), "Running Gun," and Western classics like "Cool Water," "Billy the Kid," and "The Strawberry Roan." Three extra tracks flesh out the 1999 release, including "Saddle Tramp" (the B-side of "Big Iron") and "The Hanging Tree" (title song from the 1959 Gary Cooper Western). Read more

Features

• Extra tracks
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (53)

timeless masterwork
forget any labels...country, western, whatever...this is a timeless piece of art.people from all walks of life and fans of all genres will appreciate the soaring baritone of marty robbins, and the beautiful stories told on this record.an aboslute classic.

Marty Robbins
I was thinking this CD would be one of those that I like despite the cheesiness; but it's not cheesy.It's sincerely cool.Marty Robbins makes an even cooler cowboy than even Bob Dylan or Jerry Garcia.And the recording sounds better than most anything else from the 1950s.
gunfighter ballads & trail songs
We had this album in the 1960's and my dad loved it. It was a real treat for me to find it as a CD and get it for him...he loves it ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Cowboy    5. Hawaii    6. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    7. Pop    8. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

Marty Robbins has more greatest-hits compilations than most artists have hits. This 20-cut single-disc collection is one of the better values, with a representative selection that extends from gunfighter balladry such as "El Paso" (his 1959 chart-topper and biggest crossover success) and "Big Iron" to the calypso-tinged "Devil Woman" to his cover of Gordon Lightfoot's folkish "Ribbon of Darkness." Throughout his 30-year recording career, Robbins combined a tremulous tenor with canny commercial instincts, stretching the boundaries of country music while expanding his popular base. He was equally at home with a cowboy song ("Red River Valley"), a gospel tune ("You Gave Me a Mountain"), and a slice of Hawaiian exotica ("Aloha Oe"). Inexplicably, the album features the schmaltzy "Love Is Blue" at the expense of "A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)," a '50s pop smash that remained one of his biggest hits. Read more

Reviews (5)

Reincarnated Cowboy
Marty Robbins believed he was a reincarnated cowboy.Many of his songs came from dreams.All 20 of these wonderful songs take you to another place and time and tell delicious stories of love and adventure.Wonderful places to go - especially if you're a true Marty Robbins fan.
Mixed Emotions
You can take any given number of Marty Robbins songs and call them his greatest hits as the man had talent and versatility to spare.Certainly most of the songs on this package are exceptional but there are so many left out."A White Sport Coat (And a Pink Carnation)", perhaps his greatest crossover hit is missing in favor of Hank Williams, Sr.'s "Kaw-Liga" (done to death) and the so-so "Maria (If I Could").And the hit doesn't even appear on the follow-up album of "more greatest hits". What were they thinking?Early hits "I Couldn't Keep From Crying" and "The Story of My Life" are not here.And on it goes.You will probably enjoy most or all of the songs herein but if you can find it, it's better to go for "The Essential Marty Robbins 1951-1982" that covers some hokey early recordings before he hit his stride plus the ones named, other certified HITS and songs that were only mild hits or not hits at all but are a lot more rewarding to listen to than the less-than-blockbuster filler found here.Shop around before you buy.

Most of his best.
As always, there's a few songs missing here, but for the most part, it's a great and lengthy collection of most of his best stuff. Of course it has "Big Iron", "Devil Woman", "Streets Of Laredo", and his biggest hit "El Paso". I also like "Love Is Blue", and his version of "Ribbon Of Darkness". If I didn't get this album, I'd probably get one of his more western collections, like "No.1 Cowboy" or "Gunfighter Ballads & Trail Songs". Overall, if you're a fan of Johnny or Willie, you'll be a fan of Marty as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Cowboy    5. Hawaii    6. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    7. Pop    8. Rockabilly    9. Traditional Country    10. United States of America   

Features

• Original recording remastered
• Import

Reviews (14)

Wonderful Western Songs By A Great Group
This CD has some great songs sung by The Sons of the Pioneers. Ridin Home, Way Out There and Riders in the Sky are outstanding. This is the group that carried on after Bob Nolan retired. The singer who sounds like Bob Nolan is Tommy Doss who does a great job on Riders in the Sky and others. I bought this album in 1959 when it was originally available, and am happy it is now on CD.

Music just as fine as I remember it!
I used to listen to this album when I was a kid, the music drifting upstairs, my Dad playing along on the harmonica, as I was drifting off to sleep. Some nights, it's still an album of lullabyes for me.
"Cool Water"
The C/D contained most of my favorite Sons Of The Pioneer's songs. However, I was disappointed that their signature song "Cool Water" was missing the last four lines or verse, i.e.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Cowboy    3. Pop    4. Traditional Country   

Reviews (8)

I Look Toward Home
This album takes me back to Texas. "The Sons Of Katie Elder" sung by Johnny Cash and "Nevada Smith" sung by Merle Kilgore sound good but are a bit modern. "The Searchers" sung by the Sons Of The Pioneers really hits home. As the sun sets and the days grow short I ride away and I look toward home.
Bring back the yesteryear
When I saw the title, I immediately recalled the Ricky Nelson - Dean Martin duet in "Rio Bravo" as they were held up in the sheriff's office with trusty Walter Brennan and you know who, John Wayne.This CD brings back many, many memories, when Westerns were King of the small or silver screen.
A Family Favorite
This is a great CD for the old western lovers.My family made a game out of the first playing of it by having to guess the name of the song and who was singing it. (One person had control of the jewel case.)What was so great about it was there was nary a cuss word or drug use in it.Very family friendly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 40's    2. 50's    3. 60's    4. Cool    5. Country Gospel    6. Country-Pop    7. Cowboy    8. Exotica    9. Honky Tonk    10. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    11. Pop    12. Rock & Roll    13. Rockabilly    14. Swing    15. Traditional Country    16. Traditional Pop    17. V/a Compilations    18. Western Swing   

Editorial Review

Over the course of five mesmerizing CDs, Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (73)

Ship spoiled for a hap'worth of tar
This box set is nearly five star- nearly, but not quite. I have to agree with other reviewers about the fifth disc; it's unlikely that many are purchasing this without already owning the American Recordings, so the 'best of' fifth disc is bound to meanbuying the same music for the second time. The packaging is so good that it's a real shame that it's let down by careless, sloppy, disrespectful typos (e.g. 'Roseanne' is spelled three different ways). It's just as easy to get it right- and at this price it's fair to expect that the Lost Highway Label should have taken a little time and professional pride, just like Johnny did.

I liked Johnny...
...and I still like Johnny Cash. As I write this, having just recieved the box set today, it's playing in the bakground. It's outstanding, get it. If you buy and sell, if you exchange money for "things", and who doesn't, these are funds well appropriated.

classic cash
four cds of wonderfull music that are every bit as good as the 4 AMERICAN RECORDINGS albums that preceeded them. an essential purchase for anyone who likes their music real,honest and true. glorious. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Country Gospel    5. Country-Pop    6. Cowboy    7. Guitar    8. Old-Timey    9. Pop    10. Rock & Roll    11. Rockabilly    12. Traditional Country    13. Vocals   

Reviews (8)

NOT THE ORIGINAL RECORDINGS!!!!
An earlier reviewer claimed that some of these titles were remixes on this particular collection. They are way more than that - they are RE-RECORDED!
One of the best of the genre
This CD has most of MMMs best work.Geronimo's Cadillac is poignant.Wildfire was a chart topper in the mid 70s.By the way, MMM has a web site where you can buy the original CD which has the version of Wildfire with the piano intro and exit.It is still hauntingly beautiful 30 years later.Reminiscent of Billy Joel's early work ("The Legend of Billy the Kid") and Dan Fogelberg's first album, "Homefree".They don't make music like this anymore....

Wonderful Compilation From The Guy Who Sang "Wildfire"!
This is a wonderful compilation of an artist who has done a number of interesting career turns since crashing onto the popular charts thirty years ago with the folk-country crossover hit, "Wildfire". Many of the songs included here were in a terrific album released early in the 1980s, with the hit song "What's Forever For" propelling it up the charts. Murphey is always delightful and surprising, and from a guy who has done everything from "Geronimo's Cadillac" to cowboy albums, this album is a provocative turn toward more contemporary music, which may be difficult to classify, but is absolutely impossible to resist. From the opening "Carolina In The Pines" to the intriguing "Still Taking Chances", Murphey's songwriting, singing, and arrangement talents are wonderfully showcased, and each of the songs provides an interesting look at the nature of contemporary lives and relationships as seen by someone with common sense, an earthy appreciation for the values of the simple life, and an ardent celebrant of life. Although I like all the songs included here, my special favorites are "Love Affairs", "Cherokee Fiddle", and, of course, the absolutely captivating "Wildfire, an absorbing word picture and fable all wrapped up in a memorable and evocative song. Believe me when I say this one song is worth the price of the album, and compares well to anything by James Taylor, Van Morrison, or Paul Simon. I love this album, and it is permanently installed in my new 100 CD player for my convenience. I highly recommend it. Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Rock    4. Cowboy    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop    7. Progressive Country    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

With his highly personal early 1960s work, Johnny Cash had been trying the patience of the Columbia brass, who were less than thrilled with his commercial performance. When "Ring of Fire" topped the country charts in 1963, it allowed him to continue the many ambitious concept albums-history lessons close to his heart. The eight songs on 1964's Read more

Reviews (23)

THE WHITE MAN'S EVIL: Songs From American Indian Folk Singer Johnny Cash!
This is a bare bones CD release that really should have gotten the re-issue, re-master treatment ahead of some of the less artistically accomplished albums from Johnny Cash's early to mid 1960's era with Columbia Records. There are 8 songs in 31 minutes, but if you like any of these, you will probably like them all equally, as well!
Bitter Tears
There is no way I can cry bitter tears over this album.It captures the essence of Johnny Cash's greatness as a musician; his willingness to tackle social issues, no matter what others may have thought.I consider the ballad of Ira Hayes to be one of his best songs.In one short song, he has managed to capture the attiture of white america toward the American Indian.

Bitter Tears
Johnny Cash has been one of the music icons for many yesrs. He has recorded music covering a lot of areas. Bitter Tears dedicated to the American Indians was one of his best. American Indians have been left out in so many areas of our history. Their plight has been down played so much. Johnny touched on this in this recording. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Cowboy    5. Pop    6. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

This bargain introduction to nouveaux Westerners Ranger Doug, Woody Paul, and Too Slim features the kind of songs any singing cowboy worth his salt knows by heart. If there are few surprises, there's more than enough engaging musicianship and singing, highlighted by Ranger Doug's mellow croon and skillful yodeling. The arrangements are spare and exact, emphasizing guitar, bass, and some fiddle, but the real attraction is the trio's harmonies. If Riders in the Sky never quite live up to their heroes like Sons of the Pioneers and Riders of the Purple Sage, the playful affection they bring to these tunes is never less than charming. Read more

Reviews (11)

It is great pleasure to find the Item.
Although I have been looking for the CD, I could not find. But, fortunately, you shipped it. I am always listening it every morning.

Riders in the Sky - Cowboy Songs
I love this CD the Riders are great and so are the songs.

Very very very nice
This cd is light hearted and FUN! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Cowboy    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country    6. Western Swing Revival   

Editorial Review

This impressive--and frankly, fun--musical document is still sending out shock waves almost 50 years after its original 1952 vinyl release. The Smithsonian's six-CD reissue is painstakingly researched, annotated, and packaged (even boasting an enhanced disc for the techno-capable). Unlike field recorders, eccentric filmmaker/collector/musicologist Harry Smith assembled the Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (25)

The grandfather of the reissue records
This collection led to the "re-discovery" of many artistswho had dissapeared after when the depression crippled the recording industry. Mississippi John Hurt is probably the most famous as of now, but others, like Clarence Ashley were major finds at the time - and when Folkways sent a field crew to do a new record by Ashley he requested some assist from a young friend named Doc Watson. Watson was unknown outside his home town at the time but went on to become a major star in a field which has very few stars.
Necessary.
I dont think there is a need to go into to much detail about this *6 CD* set.If you can fork over the cash, just buy it. If you have any interest in roots music, just buy it. If you thought ol' Bobby Dylan and the Band made some great weird music in the basement of big pink in '67 .. for the love of god, BUY THIS!strange, unadorned, raw music , just buy it.

Essential
Much ink & many electrons have been devoted to explaining both Harry Smith (and a lot of explanation is necessary -- very interesting man) and this wonderful collection of recordings from the 1920's and 30's, so I won't go into too much detail here.If you'd like a good treatise on the work itself as a cultural object, and how it relates to other thematically similar items, I would reccomend Griel Marcus' book Invisible Republic.Read more

Subjects:  1. Acoustic Blues    2. Acoustic Memphis Blues    3. Acoustic Texas Blues    4. Appalachian Folk    5. Blues Revival    6. Country Blues    7. Cowboy    8. Field Recordings    9. Folk    10. Folk & Traditional    11. Folk Collections    12. Folk-Rock    13. Folksongs    14. Gospel Choir    15. Jug Band    16. Old-Timey    17. Piedmont Blues    18. Pop    19. Prewar Country Blues    20. Prewar Gospel Blues   

Editorial Review

A "cosmic cowboy" in the country-rocking '70s, Michael Martin Murphey revived his career as a cowboy traditionalist with this 1990 release. Mixing campfire chestnuts such as "Home on the Range, "I Ride an Old Paint," and "Happy Trails" with contemporary hokum such as "Cowboy Logic," the album returned the Read more

Reviews (22)

Pure Cowboy
I have loved this CD since its first release.It is Cowboy songs at their finest. I am purchasing another as a gift for someone who admired mine. Everything fits perfect, the voice, songs and players. Perfect. Just perfect.

Cowboy Songs
This is my husbands favorite CD.This is our third one since my husband has wore the other two out!

A career defining album and reinvention
Murphey has always been a cowboy...his second solo album was titled based on his classic song "Cosmic Cowboy."But early in his career his cosmic cowboy persona was a modernizing of the cowboy myth, a guy as he said could work cattle in the day and discuss philosophy in the night.This album was a return to his western roots, a tribute to the cowboy myth.And a very effective tribute it is.A mix of new songs celebrating the cowboy lifestyle and traditional cowboy songs, the album is very effective and is not only a highlight of Murphey's career but a good introduction to western songs.The booklet is almost scholarly in it's description of the history of the traditional songs. However, it is not dry, but a very entertaining and detailed filled stories behind the songs.Very highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Cowboy    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. Pop    6. Progressive Country    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Reviews (2)

My first Johnny Cash CD
Even though I grew up in Johnny Cash's era, I never listened much to country music.I became interested in his music after the movie 'Walk the Line' came out.I listened to samples of many of Johnny Cash's CDs on Amazon before selecting this one.It's now one of my favorites.The selection of songs is good, as is the quality of the recording.

You mean this album's been out two years with no reviews?
Back before country music became dumbed-down, there was a very eclectic mix of musical styles which melded to form what was known as "bad [boy] outlaw country blues," of which Johnny Cash was the exemplar."I Walk the Line" is an appropriate intro to the man who carefully crafted his "man in black" identity. That identity always brought together the two seemingly opposite sides of Cash's personality: The "Folsom Prison" outlaw (Cash let the legend build around himself he was an ex-con) and the gospel-singing, deeply-religious man.No matter, Cash's intelligent, complex tunes are a slap in the face at the kind of facile "I'm just a simple [country person], and proud of it, hyuck, hyuck, hyuck" [stuff] that the media puts out today...Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Cowboy    5. Guitar    6. Pop    7. Rock & Roll    8. Rockabilly    9. Traditional Country    10. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Poland-born, Brooklyn-reared producer and folk enthusiast Moses Asch maintained a suitably slack but ultimately productive relationship with Woody Guthrie. The notoriously unbound folksinger was free to stop by the New York studio unannounced and Asch would record whatever was running through the folksinger's fertile mind at the time. From the vast body of work the twosome came up with comes this cornerstone four-disc collection. All four CDs included in Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (16)

America in a boxed set
I chose this boxed set over the Library of Congress Collection because the latter did not list "This Land is Your Land."The re-mastered recordings are of good quality and the collection is comprehensive. Each of the four CDs contains a booklet of information about the songs and surrounding events.
Guthrie Box Set
This is a great collection.The recordings are great, and there is a lot of information provided in each cd booklet.

This land was made for you and me.

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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Cowboy    3. Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Folksongs    6. Political Folk    7. Pop    8. Popular Music    9. Traditional Country    10. Traditional Folk   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (8)

There willl never be another like him.
I truly believe that Marty Robbins was one of the most talented men ever to walk this good earth. His voice is a wondrous musical instrument that charms and thrills listeners with it's sensitivity and sincerity. That he wrote so much of his output is proof of his god given talent and the sheer variety and versatility he displays are quite astonishing. You can imagine Marty in the studio deliberately recording something entirely different from the previous release knowing that he would wow his wide fan base. There are all kinds of songs on this album sung by a man who loved to sing; you just have to listen to the voice and know this is so. There will NEVER be another like him.

A Fine compilation
Here's a good compilation of Marty Robbins' recordings.Beginning with his Do-Wop 1950's Rock-n-Roll sound, to his famous western ballads, and on up to his work on "Honky Tonk Man".All in all, a very good collection, although there are obviously some songs that could've been provided (for instance, where is "The Chair"?).The sound on this 2-CD set is great, no complaints there.Well worth your money and ear.B+

Wonderful Collection!!!!!!!!
I can't reccomend this collection enough. The last thing you'll
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country-Pop    3. Cowboy    4. Honky Tonk    5. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    6. Pop    7. Rock & Roll    8. Rockabilly    9. Traditional Country    10. Western Swing   

Reviews (9)

Enough to Satisfy
Just as people called Johnny Cash the "Man in Black" (as to how he usually dressed) and he wrote a song by that name and George Jones was "No Show" Jones (for missing shows) and wrote a song also, Marty Robbins was referred to in a review long ago as the "Cowboy in the Continental Suit" and wrote the song.It was not a spectacular hit.It's included here. Between the two El Paso songs was the middle of the story ("Feleena, the Girl From El Paso"). It's left out here; it was not a big hit but we learned she DID love only that cowboy in El Paso.Marty sings "Red River Valley" as well as it's ever been sung (nobody is sure who wrote it).Two songs written by a man Marty admired, Bob Nolan of the Sons of the Pioneers, are included.("Cool Water", "Tumbling Tumbleweeds").There are also two by Victor Young who wrote movie themes from the early 1930s to 1956, "Strawberry Roan" (previously done by Gene Autry) and "Streets of Laredo".With that history and Marty Robbins doing the vocals, a Western fan can't go wrong. Five stars.

An excellent introduction to Marty's western material
The other reviews have stated what this exactly is:A compilation of 20 of Marty's classic western songs.William Fairchild, the deal with El Paso being edited is that's what's on the stereo album master which is the source Gusto/TeeVee used for this track rather than the mono 45rpm master which has the additional verse.If you would have bought the Legacy/American Milestones series remaster of Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs or the Bear Family Under Western Skies boxed set, you would have known this already.

Very good, but incomplete :-(((
I love Marty Robbins and all the music on this CD, but was VERY disappointed to discover that an entire verse had been omitted from his all-time greatest cowboy outlaw song "El Paso."In case you don't have a photographic music memory, the missing verse is right after he shoots the cowboy.Here is what is missing:Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Pop    4. Cowboy    5. Hawaii    6. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    7. Pop    8. Rockabilly    9. Traditional Country   

Reviews (4)

Stephanie covers a wide range of emotions
Have been a big fan of Cowboy and true Western Music for a long time, but never made the effort to pick up one Stephanie's CDs. Then I got to see her in person at the Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering in Ellensburg, WA (a great event in its own right). Changed my whole perspective on things. Bought this CD there and it has been in my changer ever since. In fact, I just ordered two more of her CDs based on the strength of this one. The sentiment of Some Things Cost Too Much, Ikey and Crocus in the Snow is overpowering. You've Been a Friend to Me (with Ray Benson from Asleep at the the Wheel) and Yodel Blues (with Ranger Doug) are great songs and fun. I encourage you to buy this CD. Stephanie, its good to know you.

What a killer song!
I bought this album because of one song - "Ikey".Every once in a while you hear a song that tears the heart right out of you,�key is just that king of song.I choke up every single time I hear it, and when I try to sing along, it just gets worse.Listen to it in a quiet room and follow the words very carefully, and, if there's any depth to you at all, you'll have the same reaction.
What a great record!
For your information: Yes, I know Stephanie personally, she is one of the nicest persons I've ever met, a great musician and a gifted songwriter.Read more

Subjects:  1. A stunning, all-new collection of Stephanie's original songs and poems, with guest appearances by Garrison Keillor, Ranger Doug, and Ray Benson.    2. Americana    3. Cowboy    4. Folk    5. Traditional Country    6. Western Swing   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (6)

Ulitmate MMM is the Ultimate
How could you pack more first class music onto a single disc?Granamo's Cadillac, Calico Silver, I Feel Good, etc -- all great road trip music!Buy it, play it and sing along as loudly as you can, with the top down!
Excellent, But Still Lacking
There are great songs on this album, with my favorites being from the Austin years and "Blue Sky..." . But I wholeheartedly agree that this cannot be an "ultimate" collection without "South Canadian River Song" or "Alleys of Austin", both great songs which defined the early years for this performer. It's certainly worth having, but you'll still need a vinyl copy of the original Cosmic Cowboy album.

This is one of the best MMM possible...but it could be even
The songs that were chosen for this album were fantastic. Each one - especially the old ones - could be played today to show songwriters how to really write songs. And MMM's voice and abilities means he can do all styles and do them well. Any fan of MMM - early or late - will love this album.Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Rock    4. Cowboy    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop    7. Progressive Country    8. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

Chris LeDoux takes criticism for his rock & roll cowboy shtick, but his music has more guts, and variety, than the rest of major-label Nashville combined, and just as much melody. Though sometimes overproduced, the man's a stylist who bends his material to his will and inhabits it--be it a love song, a novelty tune, or a modern rodeo tale--like few others. And his well-worn baritone leaves little doubt about the pounding he himself took on the rodeo circuit. These are not his 20 biggest hits--some weren't even singles--but they are fan favorites. There are the duets (with Garth, Charlie Daniels, and even Jon Bon Jovi), grinding guitar romps ("Life Is a Highway"), serious rodeo and cowboy mythologizing ("Hooked on an 8 Second Ride," "Western Skies"), and even a Springsteen song ("Tougher Than the Rest") that serves LeDoux's own tough-tender persona admirably. Read more

Reviews (23)

Sorry
I'm going to spoil the party. But first I want to make clear my bona fides: Chris is my favorite singer of all time, I have all his CDs, I've loved his music for more than 25 years, and I was a member of his fan club for a long time (till the founder died). BUT... I am so tired of Capitol/Liberty reissuing Chris compilations (this one, best of, box sets, live, early years, rock 'n' roll collection, etc.). And a year and a half after Chris' untimely passing, it still hasn't ended ("Anthology" and "Ultimate Collection"). Enough! As much as I love Chris LeDoux, where does this CD come from? Greatest hits? As great as he was, he had NO hits! This is just shameless commercialism, although at least Chris' widow and kids benefit.

Awesome
The best of a legend but in one package. Chris Ledoux left us way to early. This should have been his first of many greatest hits.

Happy
I am happy with the product and service. I came in good condition and quickly. thanks ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Cowboy    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. Pop   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (7)

The finest set of western swing ever. Timeless fun!
Western swing fans will be dancing in the streets over this brilliant box set. It features 99 cuts dating from 1932 through the late 40's. They run chronologically and features all the great architects of western swing: Milton Brown & his musical Brownies, Bob Wills & his Texas Playboys, Light Crust Doughboys etc. Even if you're not a fan of country music, you may enjoy this one. It is genuine feel-good, stomping music with honkytonk pianos, fiddles, drums, guitars and even saxes. This is without a doubt the best buy for any fan of this genre. It is timeless fun! Crank it all the way up, pop open a cold one and all of sudden it's 1938 and you're in a Dallas honky tonk.By the way, the liner notes in the booklet are outstanding with dates, pixs, stories. Most interesting was that the Crystal Springs Ramblers from Ft. Worth were a favorite of Bonnie and Clyde's at a popular dance hall down there. Great job by Proper Records!

Good Luck in trying to find something better !
I read some of the other reviews and I can apperciate a lot what other folks are saying. I really agree with the one who said that todays Country Music makes them sick. What in the name of God does a naked Faith Hill rolling around a bed under the sheets singing some half baked so called Modern Country have to do with the music that I was raised on and grown to love. As the Great Bill Monroe stated "That junk ain't part of nothing",(I saw that on a FH video that was being played on cabel TV). What a moral let down, instead of appearing as one of our Country Stars she looks a lot more like a B-girl- that's where we are today. I said all that to say this: If you love WesternSwing like I do then you will love this set - it really has a lot of good stuff and takes you back to the days of Bob, Milton,Tommy,Leon, Spade and many other outstanding Western Swing artists. This set was a real welcome to my Swing Collection.
A Great Overview Of Western Swing
This 4 volume box set by Proper is a fantastic overview of that great American musical art form Western Swing.
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Box Sets (Audio Only)    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Country Collections    6. Cowboy    7. Honky Tonk    8. Instrumental Country    9. Philly Soul    10. Pop    11. Post-Bop    12. Rock & Roll    13. Smooth Soul    14. Soul    15. Soul-Jazz    16. Traditional Country    17. Western Swing   

Editorial Review

This concept album ranks with the most thematically ambitious of Johnny Cash's career, though the title's a little misleading. Instead of a collection of train songs (the sort featured in the Cash catalogue from "Hey Porter" to "Orange Blossom Special"), he alternates the spoken-word narrative of a rail trip that crosses the country (and cuts across centuries) with songs about the characters you might meet along the way. From a Kentucky coal miner ("Loading Coal") to an Oregon logger ("Lumberjack") to a convict on a Mississippi chain gang ("Going to Memphis"), Cash inhabits the various manifestations of what he calls "the heart and muscle of this land." In "Slow Rider" he combines the folk standard "I Ride an Old Paint" with the gunfighter legend of John Wesley Hardin. The reissue of this 1960 release adds four bonus tracks, story songs in a similar spirit but without the narration. Read more

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (8)

A classic, one of Cash's best LP's
Although it may intially be hard to g