Editorial Review

Garage-rock hero Jack White producing honky-tonk legend Loretta Lynn? And Lynn comparing him to renowned Nashville producer Owen Bradley? Yes, we all know the world is rapidly shrinking, but now we've seen everything. Most stunning of all--they nailed it. For the first time, Lynn has written all of an album's songs, and her lyrics are as cutting and incisive as ever. On the powerful, biting "Family Tree," she brings her babies to the home of her husband's mistress so that they can see the "woman that's burning down our family tree." Throughout she cunningly tackles tried-and-true honky-tonk themes of love gone bad, drinkin', cheatin', and murder. Lynn even offers a compelling slice of theological fatalism ("God Makes No Mistakes"). White's production--mostly stark and atmospheric--ranges from more-traditional country to straight-up White Stripes, with most tracks falling somewhere in between. White duets with Lynn on the rousing one-night-stand story "Portland, Oregon," but he does not need to sing to leave his personal stamp. At 70, Lynn seems thoroughly engaged and delighted; at times she delivers some of the most emotionally potent singing of her career. A decade earlier, Johnny Cash turned to rock and rap producer Rick Rubin, and the move resuscitated Cash's career. Now, Jack White has done the same for Loretta Lynn, another country legend whose music is simply too raw and honest for the contemporary country crowd. Read more

Reviews (103)

An album that is as brilliant as it is improbable
Who'd a thunk it?Loretta Lynn, the grande dame of country music, retired for most of a decade with only a single mediocre album to show for her return to the business after her husband's death, teaming with punk-garage genius Jack White to produce the best album of her career.I only recently discovered this beauty of a disc.I had Lynn's MCA collection ALL TIME GREATEST HITS, which contained about all of the Loretta Lynn I ever expected to own.But going on a White Stripes binge lately it suddenly inspired me to sample the album I remembered he had done with Lynn.It simply bowled me over.
AWESOME
Loretta Lynn rocks.Awesome cd."Portland Oregon" is one of the best songs I have heard in a long, long, time.No one says "Oregon" like Loretta.Rock on, Loretta!

Yeah, Hey!
It is the rare CD that leaves me wanting more.It is rarer still that I hear anything out of Nashville that engages me, period.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Country    6. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

Though the title describes the contents of the latest release by the veteran mandolin virtuoso and his crack band, it hardly suggests how far this musical interplay extends beyond bluegrass convention. The soaring strings of "Crossing the Briney" suggest the soundtrack to an imaginary movie, while "Going to Richmond" and "Goin' to the Ceili" both springboard from Irish reels as well.There's a clarinet break in the jazzy "Gallatin Rag," and accordion graces a couple of the other tracks. Skaggs pays tribute to a couple of other bluegrass progressives in "Missing Vassar" (in homage to the late Clements) and "Dawg's Breath" (for David Grisman). Though all of the musicians get ample opportunity to showcase their chops, what's most impressive is the cohesiveness of the ensemble, the way they serve the music and support each other instead of simply showing off. Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Instrumentals
As one who thought Ricky Skaggs's "Brand New Strings" was a bit too mellow and lacked the usual bluegrass drive, I was pleased to hear the hard edge was back in this instrumental album. Although the instrumentation and feel is definitely bluegrass, it has a nice variety of tunes (major keys, minor keys, Appalachian, Celtic). A few of the tunes include non-bluegrass instruments, such as an accordian and/or a clarinet. In my opinion, it worked well, but I can see where a purist might find it disconcerting.
pretty good overall
Finally, an all instrumental album from one of the hottest bands in bluegrass! After seeing them recently in concert I couldn't wait to get my hands on this recording. It did not disappoint, for the most part. The picking is phenomenal all across the board, with taste and musicality taking presidence over pure hot licks. However, some of the tunes really just don't do it for me. They feel kinda dry. That being said there sure are some golden moments. Jeff Taylor has some great accordion solos that surpass his work on the Charleson live cd. The star of this recording, in my opinion, is Cody Kilby. I've never heard such a full, driving, clean sound like that. There is something about the way this guy plays that just makes the group sound fuller and drive more when he solos. Its an instant change. Favorite cuts: "Crossville" "Goin to the Ceili" " "Wayward to Hayward" and "Polk City".

Different . . . but good
I have been a fan of Ricky Skaggs for well over 20 years, and I believe I have heard just about every song he has recorded during that time. Personally, I really enjoy high-energy, fast driving pickin' and my favorite albumns are the ones Ricky released when he first returned to bluegrass. I have liked his past couple of releases, but they have definitely been a little different from his "suped up" more traditionally sounding cuts. "Instrumentals" seemd to find its place somewhere in between. There is a mixture of stellar musicianship and creatively written, celticly influenced melodies that are very catching. You're not going to find a band with more raw musical talent, unless you hand pick from a group of all-stars, and even then some of them would come from Kentucky Thunder, so an album featuring nothing but instrumentals could never fail coming from these guys. Andy Leftwich shines as usual, and I personally think this is Cody Kilby's best recording since joining Ricky's band. Jim Mills shows why he is unparalleled on the 5-string, and Ricky, of course, shows why he has been a mainstay in bluegrass music and on the mandolin for over 30 years. This one is a little different, but I'm not disappointed. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

A megahit with young country fans, Kenny Chesney may seem like anaccidental star, but he's succeeded largely by understanding what his followingwants to hear. Read more

Reviews (93)

Great Voice
Kenny Chesney has a geat voice and all the songs on this CD show his great talent

Coutnry tunes for the beach!
This is the all time best Kenny Chesney CD!I love the title tune, makes me want to head to Mexico! sit on the beach and drink cervezas while watching the sun god down.Keep up the good tunes Kenny.

THE BEST
This is simply the BEST KENNY CHESNEY ALBUM YET. No wonder why it's QUARUPLE PLATINUM ALREADY!!! This will put Kenny in the superstar category forever. Buy This. One of the Best Country Albums Ever. His voice is in tip-top shape. I love every song on this album and know em too! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop    3. Country & Western   

Editorial Review

This is Hank Jr. in his late-'70s/early-'80s version, that brief moment after he'd discovered a sound and persona that wasn't just inherited but before he devolved into a good-old-boy caricature. Not that Bocephus isn't engaging in some posturing here already--the preposterous "Texas Women," for example, could stand unaltered as a Read more

Reviews (16)

Country of today is pure Pop!
This is great. Generally, Country Music is weak. Tim McGraw, Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Randy Travis all create simple music for simple people. That is a fact.
Now This Is Real Rebel Country
Even though trendy folks like Gretchen Wilson and Big And Rich are abusively gripping to his coattails, you have to remember that Hank, Jr. wasn't always the popular kid on the Nashville schoolbus.It took them years to recognize him as a true performer who stood on his own.Perhaps it was having to deal with the shadow of his father, or just that Nashville didn't want him to be a popular act, Bocephus never received his due until he was well into his career.
"Hank, Whyyyy Do You Drink...Whyyyy Do You Roll Smoke?"
Hank Williams Jr. made me a Country Music fan. He mixes the perfect blend of Southern Rock and Country into his songs, creating music that even folks who dislike country music can learn to love; but make no mistake, it's without question classic Country music, and dang good music at that. This CD is a list of hits from 1979-1981, and if you're new to Hank's music, it's a good place to start getting acquainted with him. Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Rock    4. Outlaw Country    5. Pop    6. Southern Rock    7. Traditional Country   

Features

• Enhanced

Reviews (9)

You may not love me, Danielle, but I love you!
Considering you can find this album in most places for under $10, you have to admit that the price would make anyone stop twice at this new country beauty. Not to mention the voice that lures you in and slaps you on the cheek before leaving your mind bruised by her lipstick promises.
HA !!! The nextShania Twain; WRONG !!!
Ohio native hmm,from North Carolina duhh,now that is settled ,this woman can not sing?? Maybe for some of you Country fans,who seem to like anything labeled country ,she is horrible ,not bad looking ,but no shania twain ,and shania writes most or all of her own music who used to sing in the ole days of Canada ;ROCK!!! nuff said on shania ,this young lady needs to go back to N.C. and open a bakery and quit hurting people's ears,you want real country with a little rock Buy Carrie Underwood's C.D. plus she is a great live performer!! saw Daniel (haha) live; went to sleep 3 times not bad on the eyes just Boring and untalented...

The next Shania Twain
Here is some real pure talent not to mention song writer and absolutely gorgeous! This gal is going to be big in the country music business. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Pop   

Reviews (5)

Highly Recommended!
The long awaited solo debut from Arizona Americana artist Dave Insley shines with talent.Dave's down home voice and oustanding songwriting skills create an album of pure pleasure.The CD captures your attention from the first notes to the last with an outstanding variety of tunes.There is something here for everyone--ballads, honky-tonk, rock and roll and pure country.The title track, "Just Call Me Lonesome" is arguably one of the best country songs ever written.This is a CD you will definitely want to add to your collection!

Look No Further for Real Country Music
Dave Insley knows how to write a song.His lyrics are clever, quirky, fun to listen to; his melodies are haunting, or toe-tapping, or just plain bouncy; and he can really, really sing them.With a thundering baritone voice that commands attention and yet remains as comfortable and homey as any weekend honky-tonker, Insley sells his own songs with a precision and style that only a very few other singer/songwriters manage.With "Call Me Lonesome," his first solo CD, this former Nitpicker and Trophy Husband demonstrates every one of his formidable skills, which also include producing the disc.
Hard Working Arizona Artist Produces Another Excellent Album
My first listen to Call Me Lonesome by Dave Insley put me in some out of the way Arizona honky tonk on a Saturday night with plenty of beer, whiskey, and unsavory characters.Insley has obviously lived an interesting life so far, maybe a tad on the dangerous side, and this well lived life comes though loud and clear on nearly all of the cuts on the CD.He mixes his genres seemlessly and that weathered baritone voice is comfortable in all of them.I especially liked the first cut, "There's Gonna Be A Few Changes Made Around Here".It catches your interest right away and the entire CD won't let you go until it is done with you.The song titled "Maricopa Mountains" is as beautiful a tribute to the great State of Arizona as I have ever heard.Move over Dolan Ellis, Dave Insley is here to stay! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (10)

The great folk poet
The only reason for not buying this album is if you intend to go for the box set.The three Roger Miller compilations currently available offer about the same value in terms of tracks per dollar.This particular one is a genuine 'Greatest Hits' album and you won't go wrong if you buy it.
Good price & great delivery time
I really liked the price which I though was a great bargin and the delivery was very prompt which is what I expect.

genius...
Roger Miller had a syncopation of lyrics that only he could sing.As a matter of fact, when he made the rounds of the publishers in Nashville they told him 'We like your stuff but our A&R guys can't find anybody who can sing them."
Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country Comedy    4. Country-Pop    5. Honky Tonk    6. Nashville Sound/Countrypolitan    7. Pop    8. Traditional Country    9. United States of America   

Reviews (8)

If this album doesn't win a Grammy, there just ain't no justice in the universe.
It's difficult for me to describe how great this album is because I just don't know where to start.Maybe here: there isn't a track on this CD that you're going to want to skip over, even after repeated listenings (and while comparisons of James Hand to Hank Williams Sr. seem natural, as great as he was, ol' Hank had a few tracks that got on your nerves).
original material with a traditional western and honkytonk sound.
first rate singer/songwriter in the cowboy/honkytonk traditional sound genre.accompaning musicians and arrangements are perfect. proves there ie hope for 50+ boomer musicians who have never had a commercial release before. i heard him initially on NPR in an interview and suggest you check out that program.

James, Not Hank

Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Country    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop    5. Western Swing Revival   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (75)

Just Okay...Not What I Expected From Her AT ALL
Well I absolutely ADORED Gretchen Wilson's first album "Here For The Party"--it had fun songs and sappy ballads, and it was just so balanced and great.With "All Jacked Up", I expected pretty much the same thing, if not better.Most of the upbeat songs all sound the same--beer drinking, tobacco chewing, etc.There are only 3 ballads, but with the exception of "He Ain't Even Cold Yet" (which is just "okay"), they're all pretty good.I'm not saying that all of these songs are bad, I just wanna know: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VARIETY, GRETCHEN?!?!Now I still do love Gretchen, and I look forward to her next album, but I hope it's better than "All Jacked Up".

Gretchen Wilson is hot as Georgia asphalt!
Gretchen Wilson is what you look for in a sexy, soultry, country and western "Diva". Her background makes her perfect for the grand ole anything! And she is great to look at, great looking gal!
She's the real deal
Maybe it's because she's from Illinois (not too far from where I grew up).Music is in your blood.I saw her in concert for DirectTV, and she likes variety.I loved the comment to the audience "well we've done country, bluegrass, jazz... I guess it's time to ROCK!".Her band is excellent.She covers Heart and Zeppelin with style.I enjoy both of her CD's too.I guarantee I'm gonna pay to see this artist live. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country-Pop    4. Honky Tonk    5. Pop    6. Traditional Country    7. United States of America   

Reviews (25)

High lonesome . . .
A lot of water has passed under the bridge since this fine anthology of Vince Gill's earliest songs was first released, but it's a classic and sounds as good - even better - today as it did in 1995. Many excellent comments about this album have been made here already, and I'm seconding them with a nod to my favorites on the album:
Classic collection of Vince Gill

Outstanding Collection
An outstanding album.This has to be one of the finer collection of any artist, and the quality of sound is incredible and crystal clear.If I have one criticism of Vince Gill, it is the fact that he has never abandoned his pop oriented roots (Pure Prarie League);but, all it takes is one listen of his guitar picking, and all is forgiven.Vince is at his best when he adopts the lonesome sound of Bluegrass to his voice;he is very good at it and although he has numerous mainstream Country hits, he will be best remembered for his bluegrass influenced vocals.The best offerings here are "Take Your Memory With You", "Pocket Full of Gold", and "When I Call Your Name (with Patty Loveless)".Also included are the more rowdy songs "Liza Jane" and the nearly identical "Dont Let Our Love Stop Slippin'". I'm not sure if I agree with the inclusion of Vince's cover of the Eagles' "I Cant Tell You Why", or the two duets with Dolly Parton and Reba.But, they are part of Vince's library of songs and if you enjoy the "pop" sound, you'll appreciate their inclusion here.All in all, a very good album that showcases a fine voice and musical talents of Country Music's "Nice Guy". ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

Shame on Capitol!!
These are all great songs, but Capitol should be ashamed to release yet another Chris LeDoux compilation. Where is some unreleased material?
Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Editorial Review

Martina McBride is something of a marvel. Throughout her career she has managed to walk a tightrope between Nash-Vegas commercial concerns and the high art of well-crafted songwriting and serious singing that makes up modern country at its best. Her hits in the Nineties ("Wild Angels," Independence Day," "Life #9," "Safe in the Arms of Love") were beacons of light in a darkness of clichéd and over-produced cowboy-disco tunes. Read more

Reviews (76)

Almost could be the best collection within itself
Well, disclaimer first if you like her works and style you like it, if don't don't (I shared it with friends around and this is the polarization about it). I think the sound quality is very good, so I enjoy it very much and can repeat it without much earaches.
In My Daughter's Eyes
My wife and I first became hooked on Martina McBride when we heard her sing "In My Daughter's Eyes" for the first time on the CMM Awards in 2003. The song has a special poignant meaning to us because our own daughter, Rebacca Jane Oldfield, married Montanan rancher, Warren Emery Flynn,that year. The song spans the divide between the continents and shows that love means letting go as well as holding on and will live on in our daughter's eyes.
Martina, at her best.
This is one of my favourite Martina albums. She has a wonderful voice, and her songs are often well-chosen.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Country-Pop    6. New Traditionalist    7. Pop   

Editorial Review

Dwight Yoakam occupies a singular position in contemporary country. No artist has better balanced mainstream commercial success with artistic, alt-country credibility, while somehow managing to embody both the music's most traditional and its most progressive impulses. Read more

Reviews (49)

Best Dwight Yet!
I have been a fan of Dwight Yoakam's music for years and this is his best CD yet. Very dry recording as if Dwight and the band are performing in your living room. As usual, great songwriting and musicians.

the best album I ever heard
this is just the best album I ever heard. on every album there's a track that don't sound that good as you want but on blaim the vain everything is perfect. my favorit is the titel track blaim the vain. I'll pretend rocks like the 50's. so, buys this album, you won't regret it
Dwight's doing what he does best.
I highly recommend this album for any long-time Dwight Yoakam fan.Unlike with some of his albums in recent years, he's not just going through the motions resinging other people's songs.In this album, it's the real Dwight and it all sounds really good.Listen to the snippets and you'll like them all! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Bakersfield Sound    3. Country    4. Honky Tonk    5. Neo-Traditionalist Country    6. New Traditionalist    7. Pop    8. United States of America   

Reviews (4)

Oaks' New CD: Front Row Entertainment
Prime Cuts:A Feeling Like That, Smaller, Jonah, Job and Moses
The Boys are THE BEST!!!
I have been listening to the Oak Ridge Boys for 29 years now (since 1977 & the ripe old age of 6)! I have everything they've recorded since crossing over to Country, from Gospel, in the late 70's (plus some of their earlier, & more current, Gospel work). I have to say that this latest cd of theirs is a favorite of mine &, possibly, THE favorite. "Front Row Seats" is full of their signature POWER harmony &, as usual, each of the Boys gets a turn at the helm.
The Boys are BACK!!!
While the Oaks have been consistently releasing new music over the last 5 years, this is their first mainstream-country album since 1999's "Voices" release. The result is a project that sounds just a modern and fresh and anything on radio today.
Read more

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

Editorial Review

With Read more

Reviews (98)

Disappointing country
This is a very disappointing album for a country lover. I can't understand how someone who sings Suds in the Bucket (from Restless) can come out with such a crass pop album good for 14 year olds. The only good song is I learnt that from you. Too bad...

Not Sara's best...
Well, as I said in my review for No Place That Far, I had Sara's two latest albums and decided to get her first three.No Place That Far was excellent, but this one pales in comparison.Although the songs are decent at the very least, I just don't feel these are Sara's best.As Simon Cowell would say "a very average performance."Don't get me wrong.If you like Sara even just a little bit, I still recommend getting this cd.It's just not as good as some of her others.Now, with that said, I must add that I've only given it one listen through on my way to work this morning and I hadn't had my coffee yet :)So maybe some tracks will grow on me.
Not great but well above average!
I am really glad I chose this CD.It has a great sound and each of the songs flows from the last into the next easily.I have heard better albums, but overall I am very happy with it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop   

Features

• Box set
• Original recording reissued
• Original recording remastered
• Import

Reviews (25)

Disappointment
Although the voice is John Denver's the songs are NOT the performances we are accustomed to hear on the radio. Some songs sound like they were sung in an enclosed space.The volume varies considerably from song to song.
Excellent CD, but should've been placed in chronological order.
John Denver wasn't only a person of heart, he was able to resonate this facet into his songwriting and singing. These CDs are an excellent collection of his music -- most of my favorites are here. As my review title suggests, though, I believe it could've been laid out better. Denver was an autobiographical writer -- so much so that his songs fit into the particular contexts of his life. Here's my suggestion of how the tracks should've been placed in the order they were recorded (and in the order I placed them onto CD-Rs!):
Perfect Title
"Legendary" is perfect for this collection of John's music. His music was his soul, and this collection is example of what made him a legend.He was taken from us too soon, and we should all yearn for what could have been.The song, the passion, his style, and his message will probably never be realized from any artist again.Any JD lover should have this in their collection.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Folk-Rock    4. Pop    5. Pop/Rock    6. Popular Music    7. Rock/Pop    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. Soft Rock   

Reviews (21)

An impressive major-label debut
Cherryholmes self-released two previous albums, but this is their first with the backing of a label (Skaggs Family).One listen reveals why this band won the International Bluegrass Music Association's Entertainer of the Year award in 2005.