Editorial Review

On September 13, 1995, this like-minded triumvirate of country-folk singer-songwriters joined forces for a good old-fashioned song swap. The music's warmth and relaxed vibe make it sound like it was recorded on someone's back porch in Texas as opposed to Nashville's Bluebird Café. Pulled together for an Interfaith Dental Clinic benefit by Guy Clark's wife Susanna, the three old friends sing songs and tell stories in an intimate acoustic-and-a-stool atmosphere in front of an appreciative audience--what more can you ask for when you have such compelling songwriters? The ravenous cult fans of these artists will want to add these delightful performances to their collections, but newcomers will get an engaging and useful primer on the modern Texas troubadour style. Read more

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Reviews (23)

Great company for lonely nights
Townes Van Zandt's performance on this album made me appreciate his earlier recordings all the more, but he was still my favorite of the three.Hearing him do "Pancho and Lefty" in that rusty old voice made me weep, and his monologue about having a gold tooth extracted as a gambling debt made me laugh till I wept.It means even more now, knowing that this was very likely one of his last public appearances.
3 Brilliant Songwriters in a Relaxed Setting
Did you ever wonder what would happen if three of America's best songwriters got together to share songs and stories? This disk answers the question. Earle, Van Zandt and Clark are arguably among the best songwriters this country has to offer (Texas branch) and on this disk they share their songs with each other in round-robin fashion before a very small audience. Stripped of studio arrangements, the three performers proudly display their wares for what they are - classic songs that ought to last long after the songwriters are dead and gone.
Why songwriters are not always good performers
When I first saw this cd, I thought "This has got to be great!"
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Folk    4. Folk & Traditional    5. Heartland Rock    6. New Traditionalist    7. Pop    8. Roots Rock   

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Reviews (2)

"ten selections of Christmas from Tennessee Ernie Ford"
Fuel 2000 Records presents "The Best of Christmas", featuring the beautiful baritone voice of Tennessee Ernie Ford, ringing strong and clear with dedication to a small babe wrapped in swaddling clothes...this collection gives an overview of carols and Christmas songs...with the Roger Wagner Chorale and arrangements setting the tone and mood of the Holiday season.
The Best of Christmas
The Best of Christmas from Ernie Ford is still "The Star Carol". Oh that someone would remaster that classic album! This CD is very acceptable and has at least two (that I can remember) cuts from "The Star Carol": Adeste Fideles and Sleep, My Little Lord Jesus. I found the addition of the children's voices somewhat overpowering and a bit annoying at times, especially as all I wanted to hear was Ernie alone. I wonder if most cuts weren't from some TV special?Still, it's a very nice Christmas collection with most of the songs reflecting the Christian values of Jesus' birth. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Country-Pop    4. Pop    5. United States of America    6. Xmas Vocal   

Editorial Review

The landmark original 1975 release, these 10 songs provided a bridge between traditional and progressive bluegrass. The presence of Jerry Garcia greatly expanded the bluegrass audience, exposing thousands of fans to mountain music for the first time, but Garcia's melodic banjo picking and soulful baritone are also essential ingredients. Former bluegrass boy Peter Rowan contributes three now-standard original cuts, and the band covers material ranging from traditionals and Stanley Brothers favorites to the Rolling Stones. Fiddle master Vassar Clements represents the tradition, soaring freely through the verses and breaks with astonishing fire and grace. It remains an important historical document, although the two recent Acoustic Disc volumes (also recorded during the band's only tour in 1973) offer even greater performances and more selections. Read more

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Reviews (29)

A Bluegrass Classic
This truly is a seminal bluegrass album, and ranks well above the other two recordings by this band, which are available on David Grisman's Acoustic Disc label. But the fadeout on "Land of the Navajo", while Peter Rowan is still singing, is a flaw that is hard to forgive. A more complete performance by Rowan of this vocal tour de force can be found on "Telluride Bluegrass Festival: Reflections, Vol. 1".

Amazing album
This is one of the best Bluegrass albums of all time.
Great album, but the price is outrageous!
I grew up listening to this album (Vinyl LP) on my Dad's stereo at home, and now that I'm off at college I'm trying to collect some of the albums my Dad has on record but I don't have on CD. But how in the world is a college student going to afford to pay upwards of $50 for one album?? That is insane, it's musical extortion, can't people be a bit more reasonable? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Traditional Bluegrass   

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• Live
• Original recording reissued

Reviews (7)

Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass at its best
Several of my favorite albums that were out of print for a while are finally back in print, including this gem from one of the most eclectic bands around.They refer to their music as "polyethnic cajun slamgrass," and you will know why when you here their music, which blends just about every western music form in a jam rock format.As a jam band, they are at least on par with Widespread Panic, but are more creative.Once you hear their version of Memphis Minnie's "When the Levee Breaks," you will be an instant fan.A far cry from the Led Zeppelin cover, they turn it into a reggae/blues/bluegrass jam that will leave you with your jaw on the floor.Further listening:Widespread Panic's "Light Fuse, Get Away"-- best live blues/southern rock jams since the Allman Brothers.Jerry Douglas's "Restless on the Farm"-- bluegrass, blues, rock, middle-eastern, and everything in between.Actually, try everything Jerry Douglas has ever recorded.The Tony Furtado Band's self titled release-- bluegrass, blues, celtic, jazz, rock, all done with an improvisational spirit by some of the best musicians around.Sonny Landreth's "Levee Town"--blues, rock, cajun and country by one of the most inventive slide guitarists around.J.J. Cale's "Naturally"--just plain great songs from the guy Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton, and everyone else wanted to be.

Fun Band To Listen To - Especially Live!
This is an excellent album for all music fans. There are so many music styles the "slamgrass" band Leftover Salmon covers on this album. Rock, bluegrass, country, and even the latin flavored first track"Carnival Time". Songs like "Reuben's Train","Come On Home", and "Rocky Road Blues" make you want toget up and dance. Their cover of Led Zeppelin's "When the LeveeBreaks" is a totally different twist to the original tune. Highlightson this album include the laid back "Bend In the River", theupbeat "Jokester", and the catchy "Stay Away Monday".If you're a fan of good and fun music, pick up this album.

Wham, slam, thank you Salm.
Never heard of them before. Took a chance on this CD. When it ended (after my first listening) I gave it a standing ovation! Unbelievable!High energy, top-shelf musicians having a great time! As a matter of fact, Ijust ordered four tickets to a show in Chicago (450 miles away). Luckily,they added a third show when the first two sold out. This CD has instantlybecome a life-changing event!Absolute satisfaction guarateed, assumingyou have a pulse. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Trad Rock    2. Country-Rock    3. Folk-Rock    4. Jam Bands    5. Pop    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

Having enjoyed one career as half of the folk duo Ian & Sylvia in the 1960s, Tyson, a real-life Canadian rancher, branched out into cowboy music in the 1980s, making an authentic contribution to a genre that sees too many silver-screen cowpokes and comedic galoots. While his songs have long been covered by Judy Collins, Jerry Jeff Walker, Suzy Bogguss, and others, his albums, especially the platinum-selling Read more

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Reviews (11)

Back in Longview
Ian Tyson as much a part of Canadian music as anyone could be and it was neat to be transported back to the energy of his live performances. Having lived in Alberta for twenty years we made every attempt we could to hear this man live. His songs are varied and unique and tell a story that opens up the imagination to a way of life which is fast disappearing. I liked the fact that this CD was recorded in Longview and enjoyed the contributions of the musicians as well. Myron Szott continues to show his fiddling artistry on this CD. Great fun.

It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This
Okay, okay... as with any "Live" recording, there isn't the purity of the studio. In my estimation, this is what really makes this a fantastic CD. It's Ian Tyson at his best, heard the way he should be heard, live onstage. To my ear - perfect!
My first really cowboy recording and I was blown away. This guy is nearly 70, sings on key, the lyrics feel real to me, and I enjoy live recordings and this is one of the best I've heard. Despite the the theme of some of the songs there is an optimisim that shows through thus is a very upbeat album. Will now have to start backfilling with other Tyson albums.Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Contemporary Folk    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Cowboy    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

This 1989 taping for the Read more

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Reviews (5)

Live from Austin, TX
a great CD, with many of Waylon's greatest hits, very enjoyable

PURE GREATNESS!!!!!!!!!
This DVD captures Waylon before the health problems took hold of him. His playing and vocals are simply awesome!!! You also get the honor of seeing the steel-guitar genius Ralph "Moon" Mooney perform his magic on all of the Waylon Jennings classics! I highly recommend anyone who appreciates great country music with a driving beat to buy this one for the ages.........

A legend in fine form...nothing better!
Waylon Jennings was a powerhouse of musical energy.Few of his recorded performances capture that like this 1989 concert, performed on April Fool's Day.There's no joke here, though...Waylon was among the best performers the music industry ever saw, or will ever see!
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Outlaw Country    3. Pop    4. Progressive Country    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

This Boulder, Colorado, quintet does many things well, but nothing great. This double-CD set, culled from 13 different performances, shows off their breadth as they move from electro-bluegrass to fusion to funk to prog-rock like kiddies in a toy store. While they certainly have the chops to pull it off, they wind up playing away from their strengths too often. Everything from bluegrass stomps like "Shenandoah Breakdown" and Jimmy Martin's "Hold What You've Got" to jazz staples made famous by Dave Brubeck, Weather Report, and Miles Davis, to the Meters' "Hey Pocky Way" is fair game. There's an infectious energy and a lively experimental spirit at work, and their stylistic range keeps things interesting to say the least--especially over the course of a long live set. But without a bit more focus and some more compelling originals, there are too many low points to suffer through, especially for those of us listening at home without benefit of the live vibe. Read more

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Reviews (26)

Good Live Stuff.
String Cheese has a thick, lush sound.True, this may not be the best live String Cheese release.But it's still a darn fine record and their sound really shows through--personal favorites of mine include the instrumental "Birdland", "Don't Say" (infinitely singalong-able), and "Mauna Bowa", a great instrumental which is probably my favorite track on the record.One of the few things I don't like about this record is the fact that it's a compilation of different shows rather than a single one, which makes the improvised transition jams seem somewhat disjointed.

A must-have for SCI fans
I've enjoyed the sounds of SCI for a couple of years now, and have found this cd to be one of my favorites. Like most jam bands, SCI works best on a live basis and their energy and excitement is really felt through the tracks of this cd. I love how both bluegrass and funk intertwine within the different tracks--with this cd you get a taste of everything and a real feel for the band's true talent on the stage! Although a popular cover, SCI's version of the classic jazz theme "Take Five" is one of my favorite cuts off this album. It sounds different everytime you listen to it. "Jellyfish" and "Texas" are also always enjoyable, and I think the boys do a mean cover of the traditional "Shenandoah Breakdown." Kang is crazy on the mandolin! They also do total justice to Arthur Neville's, "Hey Pocky Way," with a wicked jam in there too. If you ever get the chance, see these guys in concert! They always promise an unforgetable show!

in the defense of Billy
unlike the above, I found the SCI release of Carnival 99 to be very fullfilling, enough so to go buy the rest of there titles.The release is best approached from a very simple stand point, the music is fun.Its not a prolific, standard shattering release, its just some songs that display the groups diverse ability and taste, both in covers, and there original works.You'll find a song that really sticks out, and over time find the rest of the album, to be very new and evolving.And while no recording will ever be able to capture the energy of there live shows, Carnival 99 will give you a taste of a very original, very independant sounding jam bands.Dont approach it as a critic, just listen to it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jam Bands    2. Neo-Psychedelia    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

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Reviews (8)

Back When Pat Was Still Good
I haven't seen Pat in concert since his "Three Days" album, but he use to put on a great show.This was recorded druing that time and it comes across on the record.Orginal, energetic, and flat out good, this album will be appreciated by any Texas Country Music fan or fan of Pat.

BEST BILLY BOB'S EVER
Live at Billy Bob's is the "essential" Pat Green cd, so if you've never heard him, get this or "Here We Go (Live)" first. Both live albums are awesome, but Billy Bob's has better sound to it. I give this and Here We Go both 5 Stars, so either is a fine choice. GO PAT.

Darn Good Texas Country Music
Pat Green has revitalized interest in Texas country singers.This is a great album and doesn't sound "Nashville" ('cause it was recorded at Billy Bob's!).Pat Green's songs are written about all the good things in life: partying, girls, and Texas.A great album for anyone trying to escape the country music fallbacks of wining, crying, dog-left-me, wife-left-me, ain't-my-truck-great style of music. ... Read more

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

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Reviews (3)

Good album and touching song
This album is a must for any Husker fan if just for one song.Track 18 THE NEBRASKA SONG is on here and it is the tribute song to Brook Barringer, the QB for the Huskers that was killed in a single engine plane crash 10 years ago on Apr 18, 1996.This took place after his Sr season befor the NFL drafted where he was projected to do well.He had became friends with the band.They have sung this in concert in Nebr and it has been one of the most touching things seen.

Good Variety of Songs and Singing Styles
This album has shown the country music world that Sawyer Brown isn't just a novelty song singing group. Some of the better songs on this CD are remakes. "This Night Won't Last Forever", an excellent cover ofMichael Johnson's version, is actually better as a Sawyer Brown tune. Theother remake is the title track and is also better than the original. Othergreat "original" material is "Another Side","Talkin' 'Bout You", "Small Talk" and "TransistorRodeo", my personal favorite on the CD. Sawyer Brown has come a longway from their mostly filler albums of the 80's. They just keep gettingbetter.

have seen them live - highly recommended
This CD is a major accomplishment for Sawyer Brown.A life long countryfan I can tell you that anyone who has followed Sawyer Brown's career won'tbe disappointed in this album. ... Read more

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

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Reviews (8)

My favorite singer live from her own theme park
Dolly established her theme park in the region of East Tennessee where she was born and raised, and sometimes performs there herself. These recordings were made in 1994, and remind us of Dolly's musical as well as her geographical roots.
Best of Dolly
Being raised as a Dolly Parton fan for over twenty four years I find no problem swearing up and down that this is the best record she has ever produced.Beautifully realistically raw.This record takes captive the very heart which is Dolly Parton.Her reindition of Barbara Allen and In the Pines is absolutely wonderful.This is a must have CD.And all honestly it has remained through out the years as my favorite CD in my over 300 CD collection of country music.This is a must have CD.Get it today.

Heartsongs- Live From Dollywood
This CD was very good.It had songs that I had grew up listenning to, and some songs that I have not heard.If you are a Dolly Parton fan, You really should check this CD out.I feel confident that you will enjoy it as much as I have. ... Read more

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

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Reviews (1)

A Classic
I love this CD set. It is every bit as good as their 15th anniversary set. These guys are a national treasure. My favourites are Satan's jewelled crown and Pictures from life's other side. Usually live recordings are a bit of a flop with me. These guys do great live recordings.I love John Starling in particular,but they are all great players and/or singers. Fantastic music. This is a labour of love. These guys would sing and play for their supper ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Pop    4. Progressive Bluegrass   

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Reviews (9)

Great stuff; even better REALLY live
If you're a Commander Cody fan and you have all the Cody/Airmen stuff you can find, then get over to the "K" aisle and start picking up on Bill Kirchen.
The First Four Tracks Alone...
The first four tracks along are worth the price of admission.With Track 4, "Hot Rod Lincoln", you will understand why Bill Kirchen is known as a "Master of the Telecaster".It wasn't until my middle age that I began to understand the importance of "Live Music".Bill Kirchen is an actual *musician* who sounds as good on the road as he does in the studio, sometimes better. "Rockin' over China" and "The Finger" are good finishers for this set of excellent live music.
top notch
A truly fine performance by a master. I enjoyed the songs, humor and variety. The portion where he imitates a couple dozen other guitar greats is worth the price alone. Sound quality of disc is very good. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (14)

One of the 3 or 4 Dwight Yoakam albums you need to own
Even if you have his greatest hits, the Reprise box set, or albums containing the studio versions of these songs, this live album is STILL a MUST. The energy and musicianship, not mention Dwight's own incomparable vocals, are fantatsic. And there are great live versions of songs you can't find anywhere else, like Rocky Road Blues, Fast As You, Long White Cadillac, Two Doors Down and more. Whether you're just now catching on to the genius and talent of DY's music, or are already a fan with lots of his albums, this is one you won't regret owning. It'd certainly one of my top 3 favorites.

The Debbil Himself Stirring up the Rabble
Now, if this doesn't stop you, nothing -will-... unless you're truly the adventurous sort. I am -not- a country music fan. I'm not even a Dwight -fan- (unless I'm seated in front of a stage he is -on- or a movie he is -in-.) I admit to being a rocker, and a -progressive rocker- at that.
Disappointing ...
This live album is a disappointment. Dwight Yoakam's Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Bakersfield Sound    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Country-Rock    6. New Traditionalist    7. Pop   

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• Cast Recording
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Reviews (11)

Doogiebek
I purchased two of the Patsy Cline CDs as family gifts. They were a big hit to the over 50 crowd. Patsy is a favorite.

If you are a Patsy Cline Fan
This is a wonderful collection/story that honors Patsy Cline.It is entertaining and the recordings are great!You will enjoy this CD tremendously, if you like Patsy Cline.

Homage at its best!
I saw Mandy Barnett play Patsy at the Ryman in Nashville and was sure she was lipsyncing. I was truly blown away. She has Patsy down to a "T". Of course anyone who expects the real Patsy will be disappointed because this is just an excellent interpretation of the famous country star. I would recommend this for anyone who saw the play or intends to. It is a wonderful reminder of a real friendship between Loiuse (through her story telling) and one of country musics pioneers.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Original Cast Recordings    3. Pop    4. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

While much of Willie Nelson's band and setlist have changed so little over the decades that some find his performances as predictable (and perhaps as comforting) as a religious ritual, this 1990 taping from Read more

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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country-Pop    3. Outlaw Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Country    6. Traditional Country    7. United States of America   

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Reviews (3)

The best, simply the best!
I was a late listener to Danny's music. I thought I'd heard "the best" and owned a lot of great player's music. Then someone loaned me Hot Rod Guitar, and I've never been the same since. Gatton is the most unorthodox and inventive player I've ever heard. In Concert is SUPURB (inadequate word, actually)! It seems there's never a moment that he doesn't surprise me and his playing makes me laugh consistently (I think, "it's impossible to do that on a guitar!"). Buy this CD, and appreciate greatness! I'll bet Danny and Lenny Breau are having a time!!!

Danny's Last Hurrah
Recorded a month before his tragic suicide, this new trio of Danny's plays mostly jazz at this date (with some rockabillty thrown in; Danny was never far away from bluegrass). He opens with a fast blues, as usual, and plays numbers that he has played many times before.One difference is that he is playing on a new guitar: with two necks, one a regular Tele, and the other a six string bass.To judge by the applause, he is playing to a small house at the Birchmere.Not to draw a bigger crowd, to a genius of his caliber, must have been disheartening to say the least.But Danny seemed to prefer his small band of hard core devotees to road travel, so he sort of chose it. I love this cd
I was lucky enough to have seen Danny Gatton play live and this cd really reflects what his show was like...great! I also like that it was mixed and produced by his band,it just makes it more real somehow.The liner notes are by the people who knew him and worked with him and they're reallyinteresting. It's so sad that he's gone but this cd is what it was likewhen he was alive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Neo-Traditionalist Country    2. Pop    3. Popular Music    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll    6. Rock/Pop    7. Rockabilly Revival   

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Reviews (4)

the best
Rc is one of the best out there.He should be ranked up there next to rek and lyle, he has that texas dancehall sound that few people do

Live country from deep in the heart of Texas
Creager springs from the same Texas circuit as Pat Green, Cory Morrow and others. It's a country music orbit that mostly ignores Nashville, christening its own stars with loyal fans who enthusiastically pack the dancehalls and clubs for their tour schedules. This new Texas crowd takes its cues from the detailed, grounded writing of Jerry Jeff Walker, Guy Clark (whose "L.A. Freeway" is covered here), and even Jimmy Buffet (whose "A Pirate Looks at Forty" is covered here in a fine sound-check recording). Sing-a-long favorites like "Having Fun All Wrong" and "Love" harbor the sort of lyrical detail (not to mention twang, fiddle and rock 'n' roll energy) that would sound out of place on today's country radio.
Yeah!
I went to the live recording of this album at green hall, and I waited all summer for the CD to come out. I love his live preformences and you can crank up this cd in the car or house and get lost in the music. Anyone outside of Texas should listen to the music, even if they don't get the meaning behind some of the songs. Having fun all wrong, is one of my favorite songs, it holds so true to living in Texas, the bluebonnets are always worth the drive! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

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

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• Enhanced
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Reviews (2)

elegance at its best
this cd--dvd-- is just what i have waited for--the god given talent of crystal gayle is proven to be one of the best this world has to offer--soothing, pleasing, and undeniably one of the best voices this planet has to offer---the jazzy green door, the classic dont it make my brown eyes blue and many other favorites prove crystal never left. this is one voice you can listen to all day and night and never tire of--she pulls you into the song with her and you cant help but become one with the angelic voice of crystal gayle--a must have

Gayle Serves A Delightful "Evening Live"
Prime Cuts: Everybody's Reaching Out for Someone, Half the Way, Talking in Your Sleep
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country-Pop    3. Pop    4. Soft Rock    5. United States of America    6. Urban Cowboy   

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Reviews (3)

Two stellar bluegrass albums on one CD.
This CD is a re-release of two extraordinary LP albums by Earl Scruggs, and the Earl Scruggs Revue.The "Live At Kansas" is an excellent presentation of their live shows, it includes the side comments, the excitement, and the fun of their live concerts.In the bluegrass genre of music these two albums are considered "Classic".

Earl Scruggs Dueling Banjos
This CD is outstanding!!! I use to thing that bluegrass had to be strictly old fasioned and no electronics but this CD is one of my favorite by Earl Scruggs an friends!

banjo magic
The master of the 5 string banjo is represented here on 2 albums which chronicle a period of transition for Earl Scruggs. The Dueling Banjos album consists of studio recordings done with his band "The Earl Scruggs revue" Blending the old standards with some new exciting songs (all instrumental) it's a great example of good solid muscianship and taste- hallmarks of Scruggs work on the banjo. It also showcases his son Randy on guitar. The Kansas state album captures a live show with all the energy intact. A good mix of brilliant banjo work, gospel, southern rock; You can feel the place rock with excitement over this band. Highly recomended!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Leader    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass