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Reviews (2)

One of my favorite Country Gentlemen CDs
I have a lot of Country Gentlemen LPs and CDs since they are one of my most favorite bluegrass performers. This one, however, is unique because of the live environment.I have many of the same songs from other LPs and CDs, but actually prefer these live versions.This particular set of Country Gentlemen performers, among the many who have been with the group's main man, Charlie Waller, seems the best to me, and in front of an appreciative audience, they are clearly doing their best work.You cannot go wrong with this CD. Worth every penny.

An awesome addition to any collection
Given that this project was recorded just after the release of "Award Winning", it is a same it lay dormant for a while.This project is the classic example of the class act of Waller/Lawson/Emerson/Yates.Fromthe opening with "Fox on the Run" to cuts from "AwardWinning" ,it is a must for any Gents fan.I wish there had been avideo with this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Contemporary Bluegrass    3. Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. Traditional Bluegrass    7. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

In 1949, 26-year old Hank Williams struck a deal with the makers of Hadacol to sponsor his first syndicated radio series. Without it and these two-CD transcriptions of music and between-song prattle, we might never have heard what he was like in his molassified, hayseed ("if the good Lord's willin' and the creek don't rise") glory. Williams was a master of simplicity, both in his writing and in his relaxed performance, where his otherworldly voice often snapped and splintered like a dry branch. But aside from letting Miss Audrey, the Nashville Yoko Ono, get up on stage, he was also his own best producer, allowing members of his Drifting Cowboys band to stretch out in small solos and put their stamp on an entire era. "Play it like you mean it, boys," he always said. Then, as now, authenticity sells. Read more

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Reviews (5)

It's Health and Happiness Time, with the old "Lovesick Blues" boy, Hank Williams.
This 2 CD set features all eight "Health and Happiness" radio shows recorded by Hank Williams.These shows were all recorded in October of 1949, over two succesive Sundays.They were made to advertise the patent medicine "Hadacol", although no mention of the product is made on these CDs.The shows are taken from transcription discs, which were sent to radio stations to play on the air.The eight shows were 15 minutes long with commercials, which aren't included here (the commercials were to be read by a local disc jockey and weren't on the discs).The shows open with Hank's theme song, "Happy Roving Cowboy", during which Hank and the Drifting Cowboys are introduced by announcer Grant Turner.Then Hank plays one of his hits before a commercial break.Back from the break, another song is played before another commercial break.Unfortunately, on the second, third and fourth shows, this song is sung by Hank's wife, Miss Audrey.Audrey was a regular part of Hank's live shows, even though she couldn't sing worth a lick.Back from the second break, Drifting Cowboy Jerry Rivers plays about a half a minute of an old fiddle tune.Then, it's "hymn time" as Hank sings a country gospel song.The show closes with Hank saying, "If the Good Lord's willing, and the creeks don't rise, we'll see you again before long", before Jerry Rivers plays the fiddle tune "Sally Goodin" until the fade out.Hank and his band are excellent throughout these shows, Miss Audrey is not.The shows are a bit scratchy in spots, since they were recorded from very old records.But they are still sure to be enjoyed by any fans of old Hank.

Essential to own, but sometimes disappointing to listen to
These CDs receive five stars for content, but sound quality unnecessarily pulls them down to four stars. All of the Health & Happiness Shows in one place
This is actually the first and only release in history of the complete Health & Happiness Shows.The recordings were mastered from transcription discs from the Country Music Foundation and the surface noise is left intact for the authenticity, plus you don't hear any of the commercials aired at the time these were broadcast on the radio.The shows were about a half hour each and for the most part ended with a hymn, the phrase, "If the Good Lord's willing and the creeks don't rise, we'll be sure to hear from you again" and the fiddle tune "Sally Goodin'" while the start of each show is done with Hank singing the cowboy tune "Happy Rovin' Cowboy."The shows were recorded at WSM radio and were broadcast nationwide.As a plus, the liner notes are great as well.Old time radio buffs, country music collectors, and Hank fans must have this set in their collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Honky Tonk    4. Pop    5. Radio Shows    6. Traditional Country   

Editorial Review

This 1986 performance from Read more

Features

• Live
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (3)

If it's Worth Doing, it's Worth Doing Right...
...but that's not the case here. Steve Earle and the band put on a great show, and fortunately it was recorded, but the sound lacks low end. I suspect the problem is the mastering, and not the recording itself since everything else seems right. This was my first Austin City Limits disc, and it will be my last. There's no excuse for this.

Young Steve
This shows that Steve Earle was at the top of his game before all the self imposed destruction.He left the top and came back to the top.If you are a fan then you should own this.I am not usally fond of live cds/albums but this is one of the few exceptions.

Powerful live view of Earle's landmark early work
One rarely gets the opportunity to re-approach a classic album such as Earle's "Guitar Town" with fresh ears. But that's exactly what this CD and DVD provide with their looks at Earle's 1986 Austin City Limits appearance, expanded from the 30 minute television edit to the full hour performance. Riding the crest of his landmark debut, and with half of his follow-up, "Exit 0," in his hip-pocket, Earle lights up the stage with a giddy passion fueled by his incredible initial cache of material.
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Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Heartland Rock    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. Roots Rock    8. Singer/Songwriter    9. United States of America   

Editorial Review

A 45-minute trip to bluegrass heaven, these 17 songs combine the talents of two unparalleled musical forces: Bill Monroe, the inventor of bluegrass, master of the mandolin, and owner of a bone-chilling, mountain tenor voice; and Doc Watson, the flatpicking genius with a soulful, mellow vocal tone. Much of the material stems from the legendary Monroe Brothers recordings. Their sublime harmonies carry plaintive ballads including "What Would You Give in Exchange for Your Soul" and "Banks of the Ohio," and uptempo numbers such as "You Won't Be Satisfied That Way." The roaring fiddle tunes are simply mind-blowing: "Soldier's Joy," "East Tennessee Blues," and "Fire on the Mountain" all rank as virtuosic masterpieces. If it's possible, the pairing exceeds all expectations. Read more

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Reviews (6)

You've already lived too long without this album
Buy this one.This is one of my 5 favorite albums of all time.The harmonies just kill me, and the instrumentals are enough to drive me mad. Doc and Bill pickin' a few licks!
Great album.Traditional fiddle tunes/hoedowns and early bluegrass tunes (most of them written by Monroe) played in an intimate relaxed setting.Some of Monroe's best Mandolin picking.Doc is exceptional as always. Like a hoe-down on Heaven's back porch ...
Monroe and Watson are, of course, masters of their considerably crowded domain, and this recording shows why.Just a couple of amazing musicians having some fun together -- relaxed and loose but with plenty of sparks a-flyin'.The fingers are picking fast and furious.The vocals are superb, and some of the instrumental runs are simply breathtaking.Recording quality is more than acceptable.Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Country    3. Mandolin    4. Old-Timey    5. Pop    6. Traditional Bluegrass    7. Traditional Country   

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Reviews (6)

Absolute Great CD!
Have listened to this CD 100 times!It is really good and gets the blood going!

Coe's Country/Rock--Live!
This album contains a mixture of David Allen Coe's classics and new material, including some co-written with Kid Rock.Most of the songs are performed in a country-rock style.Coe is playing to a very enthusiasic audience, and his interaction with the audience between songs is part of this album.I'm glad that interaction was left in, because it is entertaining and helps one understand the atomosphere of the Iron Horse Saloon.My favorites are "Son of the South," "When I Was a Young Man," "Only God Knows Why," "Drank My Wife Away," and the classic "Take This Job and Shove It."I have to be in the right mood to listen to this album, but when I do listen I always enjoy it.I feel it was money well spent.

The Iron Horse Saloon comes to life with this live album!
I am so glad this cd was released because despite being a fan I have not been fortunate to see him live because the age limits happen to be 21 at the places that he goes to around here. This cd helped me almost vision what its like to see a musical genius at work. There is a certain energy to live recordings that is not there in the studio records. Its not the same but it is better than nothing. I will now analyze each track on the album.Read more

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

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Reviews (6)

Authentic, Pure and Fun!!!
This live set captures the essence of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and the connection they've cultivated over these many years with their fan base.Typically someone not enamored with "Live" albums, I found myself fully engaged by the artfully delivered performance of the NGDB captured at Red Deer.Their unique blend of country, folk, and rock is an enjoyable experience for all. A Great Show With The NGDB
I've long been a fan of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. I can still remember "Mr. Bojangles" from the early 70's. And while pop & country radio weren't exactly kind to these guys throughout most of the 70's, they still hung with it. They had a number of musicians in & out of the band. But through it all, they remained strong, played their brand of music, and stayed true to their roots. Pay homage to some of the orignators of country ROCK
Before the Eagles, Alabama, Diamond Rio, Lonestar and all other country rock bands...there was the Dirt Band.Considered by some to be the first to implement rock 'n' roll in country, these boys did it and, unlike other bands, still held true to their country roots.The only problem with this cd and the individual albums with these songs on it, is the fact that John McEuen was not with the band during this time, so the songs lack the incredible talent that he brings with the fiddle, mandolin and of course the mandolin that the albums have.Overall though this is an incredibly fun album.Without it officially being called the "Greatest Hits" album, it has all the great ballads, love songs and classic country rock that has made the Dirt Band last so long. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Rock    4. Pop    5. Progressive Bluegrass    6. Progressive Country   

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Reviews (9)

a real winner!
i can't believe how great this cd is! i'm not usually a fan of live recordings, but this cd is incredible! it's filled with all the power and passion that has made david an outlaw legend. the man still has it. get this cd now!

great CD
David Allan Coe delivers another fantastic album! great show
The main reason this one doesn't get as much attention as it should is that most fans liked the DVD version better, which makes sense, but if you are looking for a great CD of a DAC show this is it. This is great for listening to in my truck and believe me I've listened to it a lot. David does it all including rap, but he does not talk through every song like one person on here stated. DAC has done spoken word albums and even Hank Williams did spoken word so what's wrong with that? Truth be told, there is nothing dissapointing about this CD to me and all DAC fans should get this and play it for a friend. If you are not a fan you should give it a try. I think the new songs on here are very good. Somebody on here said they wouldn't be hits, but that's a given considering the current sad state of Country radio. Thank God we have DAC to entertain common folks with music that speaks volumes and touches the heart and lifts the spirit. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Honky Tonk    4. Outlaw Country    5. Pop    6. Progressive Country    7. Singer/Songwriter    8. Traditional Country   

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Reviews (2)

Not really a "concert" per se, tunes date from 1956-1962
The songs here come from so-called "transcription" discs. These 16 inch discs were furnished to every station with rights to broadcast "Prince Albert Opry Show" aired live Saturday nights on the NBC radio network (and whenever they were able for the stations that couldn't catch a live feed and used the transcriptions instead.) The recordings themselves were recorded by Opry house engineers. The recordings here come from 1956,1957,1960,1961, and 1962. It's interesting to note, as the liners point out, that at the time the first two tracks were recorded Patsy had not had a national hit, so it was unusual that she was given the coveted "guest artist" slot as a show of faith by the Opry. (To give you an idea, the week before it was Flatt and Scruggs, the week after Johnny Horton). In January of 1960 she was made an Opry castmember, though she'd still only had 1 chart hit ("Walkin' after Midnight")
A Great CD
This a live album recorded at the Grand Old Opry through a series of dates. The recording are sparse, which is a good thing because it really shows the strength of Patsy's voice. This one of the few collections you'll find where the tracks feature both parts of her career, as the honky-tonk girl and the balladeer. Not for the first time listener, but definitely for fans. ... Read more

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

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• Import

Reviews (3)

Small Towns& Big Dreams-Paul Brandt
As always anything by Paul Brandt is fantastic..can't figure out the music market here in the states not recognizing such a fine versatile artist..boy are they missing the bet.. Thanks for giving Pauls fans a chance to own his works..Billye J. Obray Colorado Springs,CO (PS I'm way over 13 yrs old)

A True Diamond in the Rough!
What a wonderful album!When you think country music; Paul Brandt is at the top of the charts...well, at least he should be. He is definitely the most underated country artist out there.This small town boy from Alberta has been overshadowed by the likes of Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Tim Mcgraw, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, JMM, Brad Paisly and many other well known country singers.Paul Brandt is one of a kind quality, the only artists in the same class as him are Garth Brooks, Tim McGRAW. Small Towns And Big Dreams
First of all I would like to make a corection the Realse date for this album was 2002 not 1969 (Paul was not born yet)Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country-Pop    5. Country/Bluegrass    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country   

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Reviews (2)

High octane bluegrass music in a live show
Playing Time - 55:55 -- The high octane of bluegrass music in a live show has been captured in the "All Star Bluegrass Celebration" produced by legendary Austin City Limits architect Terry Lickona. Available on CD or DVD, the intensity of this genre is seized in this documentation of a show featuring some of the greatest performers in the business. The many moods of bluegrass range from the hard-core traditional to quick-paced contemporary, enchanting gospel to powerful mountain sounds.
Lively disc of bluegrass legends and stars
Originally taped live at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, this celebration of Bluegrass' legends and current stars has been a staple of PBS fundraising nights all across the country. Now available on both CD and DVD, the program captures highlights from bluegrass founders Earl Scruggs and Ralph Stanley, legendary players Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss, and country stars like Patty.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Bluegrass Collections    3. Contemporary Bluegrass    4. Pop    5. Traditional Bluegrass    6. V/a Compilations   

Features

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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Editorial Review

Guitarist-songwriter Jerry Reed was all ablaze from the late '60s through the early '80s, kicking country radio in the behind with irresistible and often comical story songs of wild gambling streaks ("When You're Hot, You're Hot"), gator-baiting ("Amos Moses"), and D.I.V.O.R.C.E. blues ("She Got the Gold Mine, I Got the Shaft"). The three-time Grammy winner and ace session player framed his novelty tunes with guitar-slinging savvy and redneck chic, but he also earned the respect of Elvis Presley, who called him into the studio to lay down his licks on Reed's own "U.S. Male" and "Guitar Man." Surprisingly, it took Reed until now to record his first-ever all-live album of eight of his greatest hits, which he augments with two new songs. Yet unlike his mentor, Chet Atkins, who continued to experiment, grow, and veer into new directions in his latter years, Reed arrives at his first solo album in six years (taped in 2004 in Parsons, Kansas) as a nostalgia act. His voice faded, his lightning speed slowed a bit, he sails through the old favorites with hammy intros, more intent on keeping folks smiling than showcasing his chops. Worse, he spends his new tunes poking fun at old age ("Father Time and Gravity") and giving a Statler Brothers-like nod to that old country church. Still, Reed delights on occasion. His classic swamp tale retains its bite, and "Eastbound and Down," the truckers' refrain from Read more

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Reviews (3)

Really Alive!
Perhaps one has to make quite a few trips around the sun to appreciate performers who have done the same.Yes, Jerry doesn't sound like he did 30 years ago, but who does?Does this album having a driving beat? You betcha.The tempos on old favorites are the same as earlier recordings.Does Jerry sound like he's having fun?Yes, that hallmark orneriness still shines through.Does he share the spotlight on a gospel number?Certainly.Gospel music almost always features a tenor and bass as well as a baritone.Is there a little nostalgia thrown in?Yes, but Jerry has earned the right.The only mar is an intro edit that certainly shouldn't have found its way into the finished product.Nevertheless, I can't get enough of this album -- its beat, guitar licks, Jerry's way with a lyric, the humor and the history it represents.This compilation from a live performance warms my heart the way Rosemary Clooney's last albums did.Some performers mellow with age and reach right out and grab you.Jerry is one of those in my book.

Out of Steam
I have been buying Jerry Reed LPs, 8-Tracks and CDs since the 1960s. This CD is for people like me: completists. If you want to own everything by the man, get this one. But, if you're looking for a place to start, or round out, your Jerry Reed collection, this isn't the place. No surprise, after decades of singing and smoking, Reed's voice is pretty well depleted. Evidence of this is clear on the song "Brand New Me" -- a new original number which is quite good, but on which Reed has to trot out vocal assistance to finish. The other songs are lethargic shadows of the original. The recording is sloppy -- the first track starts with Reed talking in mid-sentence, and the applause track is clumsily added in a couple of places. If you want to discover what made Jerry Reed great -- and as a songwriter and guitarist he had few peers -- consider picking up one of the other fine CDs available here.
Great Sounding Live Performance
This is an awesome CD !!!! Jerry blows me away with his hits, and the sound of the recording is great. This is a CD you can just put in a drive for miles riding high on light hearted songs with great guitar work.. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

A roaring testament to Ely's vitality on stage, this set marries strong lyric-centered material with a protopunk country attitude.The alchemy is volatile, and Ely has never quite harnassed such power again. His timely association with The Clash was probably the inspiration he needed: he reworked classic material--"Me and Billy the Kid," "Letter to L.A." and "Bluebird," featuring the harmony of Butch Hancock--and squeezed the utmost energy from every song.His band--featuring Jimmy Petit, Davis McLarty, and David Grissom--was stripped down but rocked harder because of it, and Ely sang like he'd never get another chance.Believe it: This is one of the most exhilaratinglive albums, ever. Read more

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Reviews (9)

Joe Ely is Texas Music
This is a great album, much less an awesome live album. the recording and production quality is excellent, which is my biggest gripe with live releases.
One Of The Greatest Live Albums Ever, Seriously!!!!!
Joe Ely's live shows during the late 80's through the 90's are somewhat of a legend.If you were lucky enough to catch him live during that time, you know what I mean.Blistering and intense, a how-to on kickin' a** live.I was lucky enough, and I have seen many shows before and since (from the Stones to Willie and all in between) and NOTHING compares to Joe Ely.This album captures that energy like few live albums ever do.This is Texas Roadhouse Rock at its finest.From country to americana to staight up rock, and ROCK IT DOES!!!!!!'Cool Rockin Loretta' (a Texas favorite), 'She's Gotta Get To Gettin', 'Are you Listen, Lucky?', are much better live than they were on any studio recording.My favorites are BBQ and Foam, Row Of Dominoes, and Letter to LA.There is just something about this album that defies any genre or style.YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED, GUARANTEED!!!!
Hands Down, The Best Live Rock 'n Roll Album Ever!!!
Hard rocking honkytonk music of the highest order. Joe led the tightest 4-piece combo on the planet & had the smarts to employ the most evocative guitarist to come along since Duane Allman died (David Grissom). Then he gave him room to cut loose - solos, fills, & riffs straight out of Heaven! "Letter to L.A." alone is worth the price of the CD - seriously! "Row of Dominoes" & "Cool Rockin' Loretta" are too, for that matter. But although he lets Grissom shine, it's never to the detraction of the rest of the band. The solos are always riding the groove and interplaying with the other instruments, while always being built upon the melody & emotion of the song. There's something more than just playing music here-this band has achieved symbiosis.Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country-Rock    4. Pop    5. Progressive Country    6. Rock   

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

Features

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Reviews (4)

a masterpeice.
disc one of this double disc set is an enhanced version of the recording "in a new age", which was recorded on march 2nd, 1988. the original recording featured mickey, violinist marie rhines, and some bass accompanyment by edgar meyer. that recording was released on the ill-fated airborne record label.
Rain and Trains
The first CD is pulled together by the gentle sound of rain and distant trains. The sound effects accent a lonesome sadness, the same mood that made Mickey Newbury distinct so many years ago. Disc 2 has equally good music, nearly twice as much as what's on Disc 1. It's recorded live before an audience and Newbury gives a short history of each song before he sings it. There's nothing lost after all these years. This is good Newbury.

A great place to start
This dbl cd's contains a rendition of "In a new age" and a 70 minutes of live tracks cd. The sound is pristine, and many of Newbury's great songs are here. If you've never heard of Newbury, you have probably heard his songs, which have been covered more than 300 times, but his versions are the real thing. Highly spiritual, ethereal. One of the best american singer-sogwriters.Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Honky Tonk    3. Outlaw Country    4. Pop    5. Progressive Country    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. Traditional Country   

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• Extra tracks
• Live

Reviews (4)

this puzzles me.
I love this album.I love Van Zandt's voice, the atmosphere, and, most importantly, the songs.
Townes' last stand...
I get mixed feelings as I listen to this late career recording of Townes Van Zandt at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica, CA on February 10, 1995. His guitar skills had deteriorated considerably since his early recordings and his voice was showing the wear from years of alcohol abuse and constant touring. It saddened me that his once precise fingerpicking skills were nonexistent and that at times he seemed to be barely able to strum his guitar. His voice was also occasionally reduced to a croak. While some songs aren't exactly easy on the ear and have a somewhat sloppy feel (which is fitting I guess, considering the laid back feel of the performance), other songs do benefit from Townes' vocal style and guitar arrangements. In particular, Townes' version of "Two Girls" touches my heart each time I hear it, much moreso than the studio version. His gruff voice really adds to the wistful melody of the song. "Lungs" is another song that he really nails on this disc. Especially noteworthy is "Marie", one of his later songs, which is also one of the bleakest songs I've ever heard. When one hears Townes sing of the narrator's life on skid row, without a job and struggling with poverty, you can't help but feel that his lyrics on this song were partially autobiographical. The haunting end of the song is chilling. On a more upbeat note, "To Live's To Fly" is a song that benefits from Townes' road worn voice and the sparse guitar part included, and remains his eternal statement of hope. His duet with Barb Donovan on "I'll Be Here In The Morning" is also a standout. Overall, this CD is one that I wouldn't recommend to those unfamiliar with Townes' recorded work, but if you are a fan of TVZ this is a valuable document of his playing from the year prior to his death.

Live concert from the aging troubadour
This live recording was made at McCabe's in Santa Monica, CA, on February 10, 1995, less than two years before Townes' untimely demise.The artist was only 50 at the time, but his voice is heavy with the wear and tear of years of hard living.You really feel the passion of Townes here and the banter between songs is charming (though occasionally difficult to hear and a bit too self-deprecating).In addition to a good mix of his newer and older material, he plays some folk classics ("Banks of the Ohio" and "Wabash Cannonball"), as well as a track penned by one of his musical idols, Lightnin' Hopkins.Brent J. Brown's "Shrimp Song" provides some light moments.The contrast between Townes' weathered, deep voice and Barb Donovan's fresh, clear alto on the bonus track "I'll be here in the morning" is almost by itself worth the price of the album.This said, I would recommend "Live at McCabe's" for seasoned Townes Van Zandt fans, as the roughness of some of the cuts may turn off the first time listener.For an introduction to Townes, I highly recommend "Live at the Old Quarter", the two-CD set that was recorded in 1973, when Townes was in his late 20's.Once you've grown accustomed to the beauty of his poetry as expressed by the young, exuberant Townes, the tired, idiosyncratic sound of the mid-90's Townes will be better appreciated and more endearing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Folk    2. Folk    3. Folk & Traditional    4. Pop    5. Progressive Country    6. Singer/Songwriter   

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• Live

Reviews (2)

An essential listen for bluegrass fans
This is a great collection of the best performances by the best performers from the premier bluegrass festival held every year.With over 70 minutes of music and 18 tracks, the lineup includes everyone from Asleep at the Wheel to Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Ralph Stanley.It is rare that a group of musicians as superior and accomplished as those on this disc turn up on a live compilation, so get it now!

A little something for everyone
Playing Time - 74:31 -- Merlefest, the annual Bluegrass and Americana festival held in Wilkesboro, NC, is a tribute to Doc Watson's late son, Eddy Merle Watson, who died as the result of tractor accident in 1985. Doc and Merle had toured and performed together for about 20 years before Merle's passing.With the help of Ralph Rinzler, the first Merlefest took place as a benefit concert in 1988. Today, the festival has a reputation as being one of the best bluegrass, country and Americana festivals in the world.Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Appalachian Folk    3. Bluegrass    4. Bluegrass Collections    5. Country-Folk    6. Folk-Blues    7. Old-Timey    8. Pop    9. V/A Compilations   

Editorial Review

Singer-songwriters are loners, by and large, and few have enjoyed a close relationship of the sort that Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore have forged over the years. Friends since their west Texas childhood, they first recorded together in 1972 as the Flatlanders, but it wasn't until this superb 1990 live album that they reunited for a full set of cosmic, twangy folk. Trading songs back and forth, supported only by their guitars and Hancock's harmonica, the duo revisit Flatlanders classics, tunes by Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, Paul Kelly's "Special Treatment," and mostly a host of Hancock's best originals. Hancock has recorded frequently in such spontaneous settings, but not Gilmore: his singing truly shines, unfettered by superfluous backing and urged on by Hancock's easygoing harmonies. As single discs go, these 15 songs make for an ideal introduction to two singular voices. Read more

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Reviews (2)

None Better
I just saw these guys last night (with Joe Ely) and there are none better.Jimmie Dale and Butch sing and play in absolute harmony.Buy this recording while you can.When it's gone-you lose.

This is alt.country.This is the stuff!
I became aware of Butch Hancock when he opened for Cowboy Junkies in '89.Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Contemporary Singer/Songwriter    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. Country-Folk    6. Country-Rock    7. Pop    8. Progressive Country    9. Singer/Songwriter   

Features

• Live

Reviews (5)

Poor Attempt at a Bunch of (...)
I was really disappointed in this CD.I've never heard Pinkard & Bowden live before, and I hope I never have to again!Their studio-produced songs are so witty I quess I expected the same of their live comedy.The only tracks worth listening to are the songs, only a few of which were not poor (...) attempts at dirty jokes. I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this one!But if you enjoy this type of humor, I think Rodney Carrington is much better at it than these guys.

Good Stuff Here
Songs like "The Fifties Suck", "Elvis Was a Narc", "Libyan on a Jet Plane" and "The Universal Adjective" (not to mention "I Was a Froggy", the deadliest parody *ever*) deserve five stars.