Editorial Review

When George Strait's "She'll Leave You With a Smile" moved to the top of the country charts in early 2003, the handsome Lone Star crooner bested Conway Twitty for the most No. 1 singles by a solo artist. This collection of 50 chart-toppers, spanning 22 years, showcases the Cadillac of country singers at his best, blending traditional and contemporary stylings, but never straying too far from the core of his Texas barroom sound. "Fool Hearted Memory," from 1982, proves that Strait had his uncluttered production and straightforward vocal approach down from the start, no matter how many producers guided him to his peak. Through the years, the path to superstardom dictated that he trade the crisp Western swing of "Right or Wrong" and "Ace in the Hole" for squishy, mid-tempo crowd pleasers like "Check Yes or No" and "Write This Down." But he redeemed himself with such poignant heartbreakers as "So Much Like My Dad" and "…Smile." This retrospective's one new track, "I Hate Everything," about a man in a bar who's besotted more from pain than whiskey, doesn't match up with the singer's best material, but it's still got that irresistible Strait hook: average-guy sincerity wrapped in a down-to-earth heart. Read more

Reviews (110)

Great 50 Number Ones
If you love George Strait, and many of us do, this is a great collection of hits that have accompanied our own lives through many years. So many favorites from one of the very best!

George Strait 50 Number Ones
I love George Strait's music and have been enjoying this CD in my car driving to and from work every day.The CD has a lot of cuts on it I had never heard previously but you will love it.My only disappointment regarding the CD is the cuts are shorter I believe then you would find on one of his other CD's.
George Strait's 50 No. 1's
Disappointed that it did not have Amarillo by Morning or Something Special. They were number one and more popular than some of the songs on this CD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. Western Swing Revival   

Editorial Review

Though Willie Nelson's thematic albums in recent years have been hit-and-miss, this labor of love is a thorough delight. One Texas legend pays tribute to another and evokes the inspiration of a third, as Nelson puts his stylistic signature on the songbook of Cindy Walker, with arrangements channeling the spirit of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys (whose most familiar songs include many of Walker's).Nelson's conversational phrasing refreshes the familiar title track and brings out the soulful depths of heartfelt (and heartsick) balladry such as "Not That I Care." The nimble band features the interplay of Playboys alum Johnny Gimble on fiddle and the legendary Buddy Emmons on steel guitar, under the production of Nashville veteran Fred Foster. Saloon songs such as "Bubbles in My Beer" and "The Warm Red Wine" meet the mythic West of "Cherokee Maiden" and "Dusty Skies" and the weathered resilience of "Don't Be Ashamed of Your Age" and "I Don't Care," as the collection pays testament not only to Walker's range, but to Nelson's interpretive mastery. Read more

Reviews (19)

Willie sings Cindy
Cindy Walker has written some of the best known country songs for many, many years for some of the best artists we have had."You Don't Know Me", "Sugar Moon", and "Cherokee Maiden" will delight any country music fan, especially if you like Willie Nelson and the flare he adds."Bubbles In My Beer" is a fun song while "Take Me In Your Arms" can tug at your heart.This CD is a wonderful tribute to a lady who gave so much to the music industry.

Master minds at work
Listening to this cd I am amazed at the variety of talents all on one cd (why one though? I do hope there is a vol 2 in the vaults somewhere) Last month you could have asked me who Cindy Walker was and I honestly didn't have a clue - but listening to all these songs, that I already knew from a variety of artists; the woman bowls me over.
Willie is the Best!
Always loved willie's music, so naturally i went out to buy this one the day it came out. Very satisfied =) like the guy says, 5 stars isn't nearly enough for this album. Truely a classic. I think for all country music fans this is a must-buy. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Country's most reluctant superstar can always lend gravity to even the weakest of songs, so masterful is his phrasing and restrained, expressive delivery, and so artful his picking and the production that surrounds his Everyman baritone. On Read more

Reviews (47)

I liked it!!
Of course, I always like George Strait...but thought this CD was good.

Too Much Ballad, Too Little Honky-Tonk
I'm a big George Strait fan and was disappointed by this album.This is not as upbeat as some of his other works, which would not be a problem if the slower pieces matched up well against classics like 'I Can Still Make Cheyenne.'Sadly, they don't.Moreover, even some of the upbeat works on this CD were not up to the high standards that Strait has set for himself.The end result is a CD with a couple of good songs and a lot of chaff.
George Strait has done it again....
First of all i want to say that i like Big and Rich, I like a few songs of cowboy troys...now on to this album....
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Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. New Traditionalist    4. Pop    5. United States of America    6. Western Swing Revival   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (43)

Stands the test of time
I loved this CD when I bought it back in 2000.Played it countless times while commuting in my car, danced around the house to it on several occasions I won't say more about - and six years later I still enjoy listening to it!I could live without maybe three of the seventeen tracks, but overall I treasure this music.
What Country Music Is Missing--this album is not
As a resident of the Nashville area and having heard all the stories from insiders about the misdirection, if not indirection, of the major country labels, all one needs to do is to listen to "Ride with Bob," and one is suddenly aware of what is missing in modern country music.True that the album is "Texas swing," but it is a lot closer to country music than what is pouring out of Nashville these days.While I am not a prude, it is nice to listen to music that does not pound away at sexual and alcohol themes. "Faded Love" with Shawn Colvin and Lyle Lovett is my special favorite--Colvin's voice is as good as it gets. And if Willie Nelson and Manhattan Transfer don't convince you to play "Going Away Party" at your funeral,
The best they've ever done !
This is the pinnacle of Texas Swing!They add variety by adding cameos by other artists, with the ATW band providing instrumentals to the visiting star's vocals, and it works sooo well!I never get tired of listening to this album because it's not one of those that just drones on with the same tempo and style in each track - it has tremendous variety.Read more

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

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

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

Editorial Review

Though Bob Wills has long been heralded as a country-music icon (an inspiration for artists from Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson through Lyle Lovett and Asleep at the Wheel, and toasted by Waylon Jennings in "Bob Wills Is Still the King"), the Texas fiddler considered himself more of a jazz bandleader. The Texas Playboys' signature dance-floor style of Western swing encompassed blues, jazz, country, and pop standards, with a sophistication at odds with the era's image of "hillbilly music." This four-disc centennial anthology (a little late, as Wills was born in 1905 and died in 1975) documents the musical progression of the band and its music from regional phenomenon to national treasure. The 105 tracks (remastered, but all previously released) showcase the legendary "twin guitars" of Leon McAuliffe and Eldon Shamblin, the smooth crooning of Tommy Duncan, the irrepressible spirit of Wills himself, and a songbook of classics such as "New San Antonio Rose" (with lyrics added to the original instrumental), "Take Me Back to Tulsa," and "Faded Love." In jukeboxes and roadhouses throughout the Southwest, it is Bob Wills, not Benny Goodman, who remains the "King of Swing." Read more

Features

• Box set
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

What makes Bob holler?
I must own about 30 Bob Wills cd's and this has made many of them obsolete. If you are a Bob Wills fan there is no need for me to convince you of Will's and his band's virtuosity. For those of you who aren't familiar with Bob Wills and western swing music, I think you owe it a hearing. Wills mixed blues, jazz, big band, and western music and literally invented what we know as western swing. The list of great musicians who played with this band are impressive. Not many people realize that Rolling Stone magazine selected Eldon Shamblin as the greatest rhythm guitar player of all time.
A moving tribute to a great musician !
Born to a poor family in Limestone County, Texas, Bob Wills (the undisputed "King of Western Swing") has become synonymous with that style of music. In 2006, this 4-disc release in Columbia "Legends of Country Music" series is a great way to celebrate his centennial! Wills had learned to play the fiddle by age ten. By the late 1920s, he and Herman Arnspiger were performing in the Fort Worth area as The Wills Fiddle Band. In 1931, they were joined by Milton & Durwood Brown and called themselves Aladdin's Laddies. Disc #1 in this set begins in 1932 with recordings of The Light Crust Doughboys, the band formed after the Light Crust Flour Co. hired the band for radio broadcasts. Because of a trademark, Victor Records called them The Fort Worth Doughboys. By 1934, Wills had formed his own band, moved to Tulsa, and signed with Okeh Records. Disc #2 covers 1937-1940, and disc #3 spans 1941-45. Disc #4 begins with 1946 and ends with Bob Wills' final session (1973 in Dallas).
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Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Country Traditional    4. Pop    5. Traditional Country    6. Western Swing   

Editorial Review

With the help of producer Tony Brown, George Strait redefined his relationship to the contemporary country mainstream with this 1992 soundtrack album, which became the bestselling single release of his career. In the movie, Strait portrays a country star who walks away from the smoke and mirrors to get back to his down-home roots. The ballad "When Did You Stop Loving Me" is as pure country as it gets in this day and age, while "The King of Broken Hearts" and "Where the Sidewalk Ends" introduced Strait's audience to an exceptionally gifted songwriter named Jim Lauderdale. Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (43)

pure country dvd
This is an excellent love story that is rare to find, good clean and simple. Good songs by George Strait

If you like the movie, and his music, you'll like this CD
When I listen to this CD, the songs bring to my mind scenes from the movie, which I like very much.I can play it in the car and "watch" the movie scenes in my head.This is a great CD if you like Mr. Strait and his music. It is my favorite George Strait CD.

Strait Then and Now
George Strait's "Pure Country", album is fresh compared to many of his past albums.However, the album captures many of Strait's familiar sounds."Pure Country", gives listeners the classic country sound, such as "When Did You Stop Loving Me" that Strait fans have enjoyed on albums past such as "Right or Wrong" and "Ocean Front Property".The love ballad "I Cross My Heart", gives fans the classic country sound for a love ballad.The solo within the song uses a great steel guitar sound."Heartland" is an upbeat honky tonk sound, that Strait displays on every album.The tunes "When Did You Stop Loving Me" and "Heartland", are storytelling themes that personify Strait's lyrics with other songs such as "Does Ft. Worth Ever Cross Your Mind".George Strait creates and performs storytelling ballads that capture peoples vulnerability and relates to many listeners.Then Strait's album can take the listeners from vulnerability to an upbeat feel great tune. Strait has the ability to give his listeners everyday emotions that one can experience on each and every album.George Strait is a modern "throwback" to country legend Hank Williams, Strait's style is unique, however, he can be compared to Williams who also had a unique style.Both singers had the ability to relate to their fans through their music.Another album that should be considered is "Ocean Front Property", which also gives listeners that classic country Strait sound. George Strait is a country music legend and the album "Pure Country" helps to solidify his place among the elite in music. ... Read more

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

Editorial Review

Best known for 1951's "The Wild Side of Life," Thompson wed prewar Western swing to postwar honky-tonk and created a sound that proved viable both on the radio (where swing was usually ignored) Read more

Reviews (7)

GREAT value for your money with this swingin' honky tonk!
One of the best buys I've seen anywhere, Vintage collects the best of Hank Thompson's work for Capitol Records. The disc covers everything from his first hit, "Humpty Dumpty Heart," to "Oklahoma Hills," his final for the label. Swinging honky tonk is the best way to describe this music; it's not the same as Bob Wills' Texas Swing, but Hank's blend could definately get folks dancing. You can't go wrong with this for the price. It's also the original recordings, which is sometimes not the case with budget releases.

Hank is still about the Best around
Going back to hits like "The Wild side of Life" and "Oklahoma Hills" this collection of favorites is an outstanding buy for the low price of under six bucks (I paid 3 times that for my copy). This is Hank at his best and his band backing him up is supurb. Buy this CD if your are really into that vintage Western Swing- Honky Tonk- WWII Hillbilly stuff like I am...you won't be dissapointed!....and remember, "Whao Sailor"!!!
A Country & Western great
Hank Thompson was one of my favorites from the late forties thru the early 60s. This collection is a wonderful piece of nostalgia. I marveled again at songs I hadn't heard in 40 years. I smiled and nodded when I heard Whoa Sailor, and I shed a tear of guilt when I heard Yesterday's Girl. This is a great addition to any Country & Western collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bakersfield Sound    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Honky Tonk    5. Pop    6. Traditional Country    7. United States of America    8. Western Swing   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (2)

Asleep at the Wheel - 20 Greatest Hits
This is super album that helps me recall their many great songs.There could be a bit more documentation with the CD since this covers 30 years of their production.

What a Ride !
I remember buying my first "Asleep at the Wheel" album in the early seventies, so this band has been giving us fine music for over thirty years ! Of course, various musicians have come and gone, but there is one constant factor that keeps this band playing great stuff--Mr. Ray Benson--his leadership, talent and ear for a great song form the backbone of "AATW".
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Neo-Traditionalist Country    4. Pop    5. United States of America    6. Western    7. Western Swing Revival   

Reviews (5)

a real winner
wonderful collection- good clear sound- you can't go wrong with this collection-can't wait for Vol. 2

Great Records Of The Decade: 40's Hits, Vol. 1
Great. I love for the classsroom.

Great Records of the Decade:40's Hits, Vol. 1
This is music that even my high school class loves.It is fun and the kids identify with the well done music from years gone past.Fun!!!One of my kids stole my first one!LOL!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 40's    2. American Popular Song    3. Ballads    4. Nostalgia Collections    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Show Tunes    9. Standards    10. Swing    11. Tin Pan Alley Pop    12. Traditional Country    13. Traditional Pop    14. Vocal    15. Vocal Jazz    16. Vocal Pop    17. Western Swing   

Features

• Original recording remastered

Reviews (10)

merle haggard
this is just one of his many great albums. i would recommend it to any country music fan.

Great selection of songs by the "Master"
This is the best collection of songs by the "Hag" that I have in my collection. Will bring back many memories to Merle Haggard fans.

You've gotta love this CD - It's the best of Merle
I was fascinated to find out that Merle either wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on this CD.I would recommend this CD to anyone who likes the "real country" music. All you have to do is listen to this CD and you will know that Merle has lived what he writes about.You will like this CD! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bakersfield Sound    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Country/Bluegrass    5. Honky Tonk    6. Pop    7. Progressive Country    8. Traditional Country    9. Western Swing Revival   

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

When the hits come as effortlessly as they do to Strait, it's easy for an artist to lose interest. The man who ushered in country's hat-act era has spent a career bouncing from lifeless and fluffy to hard and soulful. This four-CD box tells the story from 1976 (when he cut the first of three singles for Houston indie D Records) through 1995. At his best--"Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind," for example--he defines the modern heart song, but lightweight stuff such as "Hollywood Squares" won't win him new converts. Read more

Features

• Box set

Reviews (61)

A Great Box Set
4 CD's of absolutely outstanding music, by a Living Legend.Here's a voice that has stuck with the traditional country formula since the late 1970's through the boy-band trash of Nashville today.George took the straight forward Honky Tonk approach of Lefty and Carl Smith, and combined them with a modern Western Swing that has made him one of the few distinctive voices remaining in Country Music.This box set is superbly recorded and I cannot imagine a better sound.I am partial to the first disc, and especially the first few "obscure" numbers of the 1970's....but, the 2d & 3d discs' coverage of Mr Strait during Country's late heydey (the late-80's) are every bit as good.You owe it to yourself to get this one;it's complete, and best of all, it's very affordable.A+

Everything+ From pre-1981 Debut To 1993's Easy Come Easy Go
Just like my title says, this box includes EVERYTHING worth listening to from every album till his 1983 "Easy Come Easy Go" album and more (With the exception of the Christmas album).I believe it includes everything which ranked #70 up and and some that never ranked at all, and tops it off with maybe 6 unreleased songs.Two of which became top 5 hits, and one being a duet with the man himself, Frank Sinatra.And also includes a nice little book with info about the songs among other things.Well worth the price for everything you get.

ideal
This is a must for any George Strait fan. It contains pehaps too many of his classics, including "Baby Blue," "The Cowboy Rides Away," "It Ain't Cool to be Crazy about You," and "You Look So Good in Love." This is a great set, and it has to be listened to many times to get the full effect. You won't mind because the songs are so good, with the selection being nothing less than perfect. Go George! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country & Western    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop    7. Western Swing Revival   

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 is the most live-sounding Don Walser album yet, no doubt because for the first time in many years he's backed in the studio by his own Pure Texas Band (the sole exception is the title song, originally cut for the movie Read more

Reviews (5)

We'll miss him
Don passed away earlier this month (September, '06).Makes this album and his others all the more special for Texans and non-Texans alike.Quite a man.His interview and singing on NPR prompted me to buy this and other Don Walser albums.He does Eddie Arnold almost as well or better than Eddie did himself.

Don Holds My Heart, But The CD Let Me Down
I fell in love with "I Will Hold You In My Heart" from the film THE HI-LO COUNTRY. I ran out and picked up the movie CD just for that one song! I expected the other songs of Don's CD to have the same caliber and seamlessness that "I Will Hold You In My Heart" does. Unfortunately, it doesn't. It has more of a "live" sound than a "studio" feel. I will do my best to appreciate the other tracks, for Don truly is the genuine article; he gives us his heart in his music. Don's God given talent, grace and love of the Old West, in "I Will Hold You In My Heart", is truly evident. But, I encourage Don Walser, as a new fan, to find a producer and engineer who can give him the chance to render the same effortless, lyrical and embracing music that the Martin Scorsese/Carter Burwell "studio mix" gave him in THE HI-LO COUNTRY. He deserves it and so do his fans!

The real sound of Don Walser
Except for the title track this album features Don and his band as you might hear them at any live show. The yodels are still there as well as the songwriting skills of Don and fiddler Howard Kalish. When was the last time you heard Springtime In the Rockies? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop    5. Western Swing Revival    6. Yodeling   

Features

• Box set

Reviews (11)

"What A Great Deal !
I own 2 other Bob Wills box sets - Anthology 1935 - 1973, which is a 2 CD set with a lot of good music on it, mostly old. I also have the box set "Encore" that has all Bob's newer stuff from the early 60's (when Tommy Duncan came back) to his recordings in the early 70's before his death (at this time in his career his band cosisted of a lot less members and no horns)both these sets are "pretty" good. But this set from Proper Records "Take me back to Tulsa" is one of the Best deals on the internet today. I paid about 18 bucks for this set "Brand New" and it has four CD's that are loaded with tons of great music going all the way back to when Bob was still playing with Milton Brown (Proper's box set "Milton Brown and his Brownies" is also pretty darn good,but it doesn't have that Wills Western Flair). Bottom line if you are a fan of Western Swing and can't afford at this time to put out about $700.00 for the two Outstanding Bear Family box sets then go for this one, over 100 Great songs you won't be disappointed....the price is right too! "Enjoy"Joe Kopeck - Parkville , MD.

"Come in, Tommy..."
This boxed set is amazing for the sheer volume of wonderful music it proffers at a fraction of what one would expect to pay for it.Concentrating on the early years, it presents Bob Wills at the dawn of his recording career and continues through the height of his creativity.This is the cream of early Bob Wills, and contains about 60% of his very best material (I am long of the opinion that Bob Wills never made a bad record in his life, and he continued to be productive through his so-called "lean years" of the 1950's, 1960's and beyond).But these tracks are the classics that most fans cherish above all.
HERE THEY ALL COME!
Some of these songs aren't on any of the other CD's and if they are, they're different versions.A couple you will want to hear if you haven't already are "Fan It" and "Pray for the Lights To Go Out"- MAN, ARE THOSE OLD BUT GOOD!!"Cowboy Stomp" is another one I hadn't heard before that's in this collection.Anybody who loves Bob Wills should have this, it is worth every penny. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Box Sets (Audio Only)    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Country Traditional    5. Country/Bluegrass    6. Pop    7. Traditional Country    8. Western Swing   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (14)

The Essential Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
If you really, really like Texas swing, this is a must-have CD.When listening, I can just imagine driving down some long, straight, lonesome highway on a hot Texas summer night in my '39 Ford (which I owned once) listening to these songs on the scratchy radio (which was in the Ford I owned).The songs are repetitous, but OH SO SWEET.I wish there could have been some historical documentation with the CD, eg some bio's of the artists, a bit of concert trivia, etc.

Aahhh-hah, I've found the essential single disc collection of Wills' hottest sides
This is certianly the best priced, easiest to find, and best single disc sampler of Wills' early years.The period covered here is his best 36-47, when western swing was fresh and new.Wills creatively blends hillbilly blues, and hot jazz, for some sizzling swing music.Exellent piano and steel guitar playing throughout.The musicianship is high, and this band is really tight, I mean Flether Henderson tight!As far as the music being fun goes, you get to hear Bob Wills yell in a high pitched voice at least three times in every song "ahhh-hahhh", which is half the fun of hearing a Bob Wills album.This cd features Wills' small swing combos, and several examples of his full big band.Exellent music that is still exciting today as it was in 1936!

Bob Wills will always be the king!
I am 20 y ears of age and I have always been a true Bob Wills fan! This collection brings together all his early hits but his best work in my opinoin was when he was with Columbia from 1935-1947. I have all of them on the comprehensive 11 CD box set entitled San Antonio Rose which features everyone of his Columbia recordings in cronological order! It is fantastic! Highly recommended for true Bob Wills and western swing fans! For starters only I recommend this CD for it contains San Antonio Rose and all his early hits. Ah-haa!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country & Western    3. Country Traditional    4. Leader    5. Pop    6. Songwriter    7. Traditional Country    8. Western Swing   

Editorial Review

The world can never have enough Buddy Holly songs. And as Holly hasn't been around since 1959, the music of Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys performs a public service, as Big Sandy not only channels the pure sincerity of Holly's tenor and the sweet innocence of that musical era, but writes songs such as "Love That Man" and "The Ones You Say You Love" that sound as fresh now as Holly's forever will. Yet Big Sandy and the Boys don't confine themselves to a single genre (neither, for that matter, did Holly and the Crickets), as the roadhouse twang of "The Great State of Misery," the horn-laden, Stax/Volt R&B of "Slipping Away," and the Western swing of "Yes (I Feel Sorry for You)" all combine for the platter party conjured by "The Power of the 45," which opens and closes the album. "Drop the needle in the groove and start to move," the song implores, and it's hard to resist the invitation. Read more

Reviews (2)

Turntable Magic
So, all right it's a c-d, but "Turntable Matinee" reminds those of us old enough to remember what it was like to set the needle in the groove and hear something special and not bat an eye at an occasional crackle or pop. This album is fantastic. Most are comparing it to Buddy Holly & the Crickets. There's some truth to that, but I'm hearing some Nick Lowe & Rockpile in there too. This album has a great "live" feel to it. I'm already looking to see what club they'll be coming to in my area.

A New Release from Big Sandy!!!
wow, sandy is back with a big time cd!! here's the deal
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Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Americana    3. Bass (Upright)    4. Country Boogie    5. Dobro    6. Drums    7. Guitar (Acoustic)    8. Guitar (Electric)    9. Memphis Soul    10. Neo-Traditionalist Country    11. Pedal Steel    12. Pop    13. Rock    14. Rock/Pop    15. Rockabilly    16. Roots Rock    17. Saxophone    18. Vocals    19. Western Swing Revival   

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   

Editorial Review

Based on Christopher Buckley's eponymous novel, Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Subjects:  1. Country Boogie    2. Folk Revival    3. Honky Tonk    4. Nostalgia    5. Original Score    6. Pop    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores    10. Traditional Pop    11. Vocal Pop    12. Western Swing