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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Travis Tritt-"Loving Time Of The Year" Classic Album Review
Alright guys, gals, and platter pals, it's all holiday offerings from until Christmas Day. Today, we look back at Travis Tritt's 1992 release, "A Travis Tritt Christmas-Loving Time Of The Year". A great holiday album, or a complete miss? Find out at Ultimate Twang
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Crystal Gayle - "Miss The Mississippi" on Today's Classic Album Review
Come over to Ultimate Twang for the full review on Crystal Gayle's 1979 release, "Miss The Mississippi". Containing three hit singles, it was her debut effort, after leaving United Artists for Columbia. 
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
"Merle Haggard's Christmas Present"-Classic Album Review
The year, 1973; the artist, Merle Haggard; the season, Christmas. Remember the 1973 Christmas season? All the presents, the fun, the weather. And in the background in many homes across the land, the album of choice was the new Christmas offering from the now-legendary Merle Haggard. Today's Classic Album Review looks back at that album, for the full review, please visit me at Ultimate Twang.
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"Merle Haggard's Christmas Present"-Classic Album Review
The year, 1973; the artist, Merle Haggard; the season, Christmas. Remember the 1973 Christmas season? All the presents, the fun, the weather. And in the background in many homes across the land, the album of choice was the new Christmas offering from the now-legendary Merle Haggard. Today's Classic Album Review looks back at that album, for the full review, please visit me at Ultimate Twang.
"Merle Haggard's Christmas Present"-Classic Album Review
The year, 1973; the artist, Merle Haggard; the season, Christmas. Remember the 1973 Christmas season? All the presents, the fun, the weather. And in the background in many homes across the land, the album of choice was the new Christmas offering from the now-legendary Merle Haggard. Today's Classic Album Review looks back at that album, for the full review, please visit me at Ultimate Twang.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
T. Graham Brown "Come As You Were" Classic Album Review"
Some late 1980's country blues on tap, today, as we look back at T. Graham Brown's "Come As You Were" album. "Darlene" and "Come As You Were" were the hit singles from the disc, while a third, "Never Say Never", just cracked the top forty. Good album or bad album? Read the full review and find out at Ultimate Twang.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Jimmy Dean's Christmas Card - Classic Album Review
It's back to 1965, for today's Classic Album Review. Music to listen to, while you sit by the tree, hot chocolate in hand, fire in the fireplace, the gifts all wrapped. "Jimmy Dean's Christmas Card" is the album, today. The full review is at Ultimate Twang.
Friday, December 10, 2010
"Highway 101" Classic Album Review.
It's back to 1987 for today's Classic Album Review, as we look back at the self-titled debut release from Highway 101. The album features four top ten singles, and is arguably the best of their releases. The full review and opinions are at my site, Ultimatetwang.com.
"Highway 101" Classic Album Review.
It's back to 1987 for today's Classic Album Review, as we look back at the self-titled debut release from Highway 101. The album features four top ten singles, and is arguably the best of their releases. The full review and opinions are at my site, Ultimatetwang.com.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
"Moody Blue"-Elvis Presley
Looking back at Elvis' 1977 release, "Moody Blue", the finaly album he recorded before his passing. The full review is at Ultimate Twang. Come visit!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Christmas With Marty Robbins
A holiday favorite from 1967, come over to Ultimate Twang
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The First Lady Of Country Music
Taking a look back to 1972, when albums were still vinyl or magnetic tape, a computer? That was still science fiction in the minds of many, and Al Gore hadn't invented the internet, yet. 1972 was the year of release for Tammy Wynette's "My Man" album, of which my full review is at Ultimate Twang.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Some Holiday Cheer
Today's Classic Album Review looks back at the 1970 release from Charley Pride, "Christmas In My Hometown". Come see what I think of this LP at Ultimate Twang
Thursday, December 2, 2010
A Couple Of Classics For You...
Thanks for stopping by. Let me invite you to my Ultimate Twang site, where you can see full reviews of classic country music. Nothing to sign up for, it's all completely free. My two latest reviews look back at Homer & Jethro's "At The Country Club", and Bill Monroe's "I Saw The Light".
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Classic Album Review, Narvel Felts
Got the turntable rumbling with a vintage piece of vinyl from many days gone by. Country, R & B, and rockabilly collides in this collection from "Narvel The Marvel". Bounce on over to my Ultimate Twang site to see what this LP is all about.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Christmas Time and Memories
So many memories of Christmas' past come alive, whenever today's Classic album hits the turntable or the CD player. Possibly country music's best-ever Christmas album is up for review, on today's blog, "Christmas With Eddy Arnold" from 1962. Full review is free to read at Ultimate Twang
Friday, November 26, 2010
And Today, We Are Reviewing...
..."Juice" from Juice Newton. The breakthrough release for the country-pop-rock songbird, that features the hits "Angel Of The Morning", "The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)", and "Queen Of Hearts". The full review is at Ultimate Twang. Come over, read through, and let me know if you agree or disagree with my assessment.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Merle Haggard, 'Nuff Said
Today, on my Ultimate Twang blog, we look back at the debut album from Merle Haggard, his 1965 release, "Strangers". Come on over and give me your take on this disc.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
When Two Legends Got Together...
Two of country music's greatest legends are on today's Classic Album Review. "Red and Ernie" was a 1956 release from Red Foley and Ernest Tubb. Read the complete review at Ultimate Twang.
Monday, November 22, 2010
What A Way To Start Thanksgiving Week...
...than with an oldie but a goodie from Stonewall Jackson. This is my first review of any of his albums, and the chosen disc is his 1967 (November of that year, ironically) release, "Country". Is it good, is it bad? I shall not say, here. You'll have to come over to Ultimate Twang
Friday, November 19, 2010
An Album From Mickey Gilley
Is this Mickey Gilley's best album? It would certainly have to rank among them. Today's Classic Album Review looks back at the 1977 release, "First Class". For a full report, come on over to Ultimate Twang
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Dolly Parton's Debut
Today's Classic Album Review looks back at the very first release from Dolly Parton. "Hello I'm Dolly" debuted in 1967, the beginning of one of country music's greatest careers. The full review is free to see at Ultimate Twang
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
David Houston
Got some David Houston on tap, today, looking back at his 1967 release, "A Loser's Cathedral", come on over and see if you agree with my review of this album at Ultimate Twang
Monday, November 15, 2010
What A Way To Start The Week...
And what do I mean by that? Of course, I'm talking about today's Classic Album Review. It's a classic. Classic can be overused, at times (I'm guilty), but this one really is a classic. From 1960, it's "Gentleman" Jim Reeves and his album "He'll Have To Go". This is a good one! To read my complete review, simply click on Ultimate Twang. It's free, nothing to buy, or anything like that. However, I would love it, if, after reading the review, you'd leave a comment. Thanks!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Ending The Week, Blowing Off The Dust....
....cranking up the turntable for this 1963 classic from Mr. Floyd Cramer. See the full review at Ultimate Twang
Thursday, November 11, 2010
And For Review, Today....
...is a 1973 release from Donna Fargo, "My Second Album". Yielder of three hit singles, the album, itself, was number one, also. The full review is at the Ultimate Twang
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Today's Classic Album Review....
"The Roadmaster" from former Paul Revere & The Raiders member Freddy Weller. Trouble waking up? Spin this one on the turntable a few times and you'll be ready to roll! Click here for the full review of this 1972 release. Ultimate Twang
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tom T. Hall With Today's Album
Taking a look back at Tom T. Hall's 1973 release, "For The People In The Last Hard Town". The album features "I Love". The full review is at Ultimate Twang.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Model Railroads
This past weekend, I took my five year old daughter to the local model train show. Full story and pictures at Ultimate Twang.
David Frizzell And Shelly West, Remember Them?
Monday's edition of The Classic Album Review is posted. We are looking back at a 1982 release from David Frizzell and Shelly West. Join me at Ultimate Twang for the full review.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Classic Album Review-Reviewing Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will The Circle Be Unbroken 2"
After a couple of days, reviewing the original masterpiece, it's time to give some due to the 1989 follow-up. The full info is at Ultimate Twang.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Classic Album Review-Part 2 Of My Look At The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" Album.
It's a landmark classic, released in 1972, teaming the band, then considered a folk-rock outfit, with country and bluegrass legends, such as Merle Travis, Doc Watson, Mother Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, and Roy Acuff. The result was ... well, you'll have to read the full article to see my opinion. Simply come to Ultimate Twang
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Classic Album Review, A Look At The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will The Circle Be Unbroken", Part One
It wasn't just an album, for that matter, it wasn't even just a classic, it's beyond that. This is a landmark album that featured what was then considered a folk-rock act, teaming up with country and bluegrass legends, Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Earl Scruggs, and Doc Watson. The result is nothing short of magical. The full review is at Ultimate Twang.
Classic Album Review, A Look At The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's "Will The Circle Be Unbroken", Part One
It wasn't just an album, for that matter, it wasn't even just a classic, it's beyond that. This is a landmark album that featured what was then considered a folk-rock act, teaming up with country and bluegrass legends, Roy Acuff, Mother Maybelle Carter, Jimmy Martin, Earl Scruggs, and Doc Watson. The result is nothing short of magical. The full review is at Ultimate Twang
Monday, November 1, 2010
Vince Gill Has Today's Classic Album...
....join me for a look back at his 1991 release, "Pocket Full Of Gold". Packed with four top ten singles, and six more fine cuts, find out my overall thoughts of this album. Simply click on Ultimate Twang.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs
Today, we are taking a turn to the bluegrass for the 1970 release "Breaking Out". It was the first album released, following their 1969 split. Come on over to the Ultimate Twang blog for the full review of this disc.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
And Today's Classic Album Review Is...
...."Faded Blue" from Garry Morris. A 1984 release featuring three of his top ten singles. For a full review, track-by-track, come on over to Ultimate Twang.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Untitled
Today's blog reviews the 1972 release from Bill Anderson, "Don't She Look Good". It was his last release on Decca, before the name was dropped for MCA. It was also Bill's last solo top ten album. The full review is at Ultimate Twang's Blog.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Today's Article Is Posted, How About Something From Hank Locklin?
It's an interesting format that was tried for his 1965 release, "Once Over Lightly". Did it work? I will let you know in the full article at ultimatetwang.com/blog.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Classic Album Review-"Pine Mountain Presents The Delmore Brothers"
One of the most influential acts in country music history, Alton and Rabon Delmore were a country-blues act that also helped lay the groundwork for what would become rock 'n roll. Today's Classic Album Review looks back at one of the many retrospective albums that have been released over the years. To read the entire article, click here. www.ultimatetwang.com/blog/
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Classic Album Review - "Trisha Yearwood"
Today's Classic Album Review takes us back to 1991, as we look at Trisha Yearwood's self-titled debut. http://ultimatetwang.com/blog/?p=2170
Monday, July 26, 2010
Classic Album Review-John Anderson "Wild & Blue"
Classic Album Review-John Anderson “Wild & Blue”
From 1982, comes a release from John Anderson. “Wild & Blue” was released in 1982, giving John his first top ten album, as it peaked at number three. The album would spawn three singles, including the biggest hit of John Anderson’s’ career, “Swingin’”.
A number one hit begins things on the album, with the title cut. “Wild & Blue” ended 1982 at the top of the charts. Twenty-eight years have not changed my opinion that this was a great single. The heavy dose of fiddles and steel, along with John’s twang certainly made this record stand out amongst the likes Kenny Rogers, Anne Murray, Crystal Gayle, Alabama, etc., that dominated the country airwaves at that time. Good country music, right here.
“The Waltz You Saved For Me” was first a hit for the orchestra of Wayne King, in the 1930′s, and later became a moderate country hit for Ferlin Husky. Here, with the help of Emmylou Harris, John gives an acceptable version. Almost pitched too high, though; I think it might have sounded better had they gone down about a key.
Next, John gives us another cover, with his version of the Bob McDill penned “Honky Tonk Hearts”. The song had been a minor country top forty entry for Dickey Lee, the previous year. Again, keyed a bit too high for me, I think it would have come off much better had he sang a lower key.
Merle Haggard joins in for a duet on the Lefty Frizzell classic “Long Black Veil”. Not as haunting as Lefty’s version, which we just discussed on last week’s “Lefty Frizzell’s Greatest Hits” review, but not a bad version. This recording actually comes off a bit too smooth, thanks to the strings in background.
“She Never Looked That Good When She Was Mine” is the second best song on the side, after “Wild & Blue”. A great pure country ballad that John nails. Certainly one of the highlights of the album.
John’s lament, “Disappearing Farmer” was a timely tune, based on the depressed agriculture economy of the early 1980′s, yet ahead of it’s time, musically, as it would be a couple of years before artists such as Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charlie Daniels, Charley Pride, and John Mellencamp were releasing tracks about farmers. A rather well done track to end the side.
An album of traditional country music in the 1980′s would not have been complete without at least one song from Sanger Shaefer. Here, he contributes “Honky Tonk Saturday Night”. A nice vocal performance from John on this one, but overall, a track that comes off a bit bland.
The third single from the album was “Goin’ Down Hill”. A top five hit in the summer of 1983, but pretty average, to me. Probably the weakest of his top ten hits.
On the other hand, “The Price Of A Thin Silver Dime” turns out to be an excellent straight country weeper. Vocals are dead on, the arrangement is perfect, this one is a definite Hidden Gem contender.
Everyone remembers “Swingin’”, John’s biggest hit. All over the radio in early 1983, it was completely different than anything John had previously done, adding strong elements of rock and pop to his country, yet it worked.
A pretty decent ballad ends the album. John really puts some emotion into “If A Broken Heart Could Kill”, a track that in my opinion, was single-worthy.
Because it was such a big hit, the Standout Track has to be “Swingin’”. As for the Hidden Gem, I will go with “She Never Looked That Good When She Was Mine”. And the Weakest Track? “Honky Tonk Saturday Night”.
Availability-wise, the used vinyl I saw was going around $8 to $15. Instead, why not get a CD that is priced at about $12? That’s right, this album is currently available on CD, but not MP3.
Overall, a pretty decent effort from John Anderson. There are a couple of tracks that are pretty average, plus a couple of more that could have been better with a bit of a vocal adjustment. Also, a couple of really strong tracks, as well. For me, I would have to rate this one a 3 out of 5.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Classic Album Review-Faron Young "The Young Approach"
Classic Album Review-Faron Young “The Young Approach”
Today’s review takes us back forty-nine years, 1961, for a release from one of country music’s finest vocalists of that era, Faron Young. A hall of famer, I would still argue that his contributions have been greatly underrated. Think country music of that time, and one immediately thinks the likes of Johnny Cash, Buck Owens, George Jones, Patsy Cline, and Loretta Lynn; but often, Faron gets overlooked, despite 79 top forty country hits between 1953 and 1978, of which 41 reached the top ten. Perhaps it’s because Faron didn’t necessarily feature one “style” of singing; his hit list, as well as album tracks, include cuts that were pure honky-tonk, rockabilly, and country-pop. And he did each one, very well. Today’s album is proof. “The Young Approach” was Faron’s eighth album release, and it features two top ten singles.
The album starts out with the swinging “Backtrack”, a top ten hit for Faron in the fall of 1961, is one of his more underrated hits. Great song that has one of those melodies that will stick with you, and in this case, that’s a good thing.
Faron shows off his skills with a ballad on “Let’s Pretend We’re Lovers Again”. Here, we are hearing a smoothing of Faron’s sound, as he was getting away from the really hard country sound of his early hits. This is something we’ll hear throughout the disc. Faron was a great ballad singer, as this gem shows, and his early pop music start becoming apparent.
“The Part Where I Cry” is another strong track on this album. Again, we hear Faron’s great ballad skills.
Next, Faron tackles the Patsy Cline hit, “I Fall To Pieces”. While not in Patsy’s league on this track (and to be fair, who would be?), nevertheless, Faron puts on a more than acceptable performance.
“How Can I Forget You”, in my opinion, ranks as one of the standout tracks on this disc. Again, Faron taking another ballad and showing his incredible abilities with these style of songs.
Side one wraps with a remake of Faron’s 1st hit, “Goin’ Steady”. While the single is a pure country gem, this version brings a more rockabilly style, which, is okay, but I still prefer the original version or the later version that he recorded for Mercury, which also became a top ten hit.
Side two starts out with Faron giving us a taste of Willie Nelson’s “Three Days”. A top ten hit in the spring of 1962, like “Backtrack”, this is one of Faron’s more underrated performances. In fact, I’d rate this track as one of my top five Faron Young hits. Another bouncy track, a simply crafted song, but with a great melody that immediately grabs your attention and holds it until the last note. This is one of five songs on the album that Willie either wrote or co-wrote.
I’m not sure which Faron Young is best, the Faron Young that can swing, or the ballad Faron Young. And this album does not make the decision any easier. On “I Can’t Find The Time”, once again, we’re shown how well he takes the ballad and presents it in such a way that it’s pure pleasure to the ears.
“Trail Of Tears” is a song that I would rate as average, at best, but Faron makes it a significantly better track than it would be in the hands of most performers. The closest thing on the album to filler.
“A Moment Isn’t Very Long”, another ballad, another winner. Again, a ballad that allows Faron to show off his vocal talents, that at this time in his career, are at it’s peak.
Unlike most albums of the era, this one does not rely too heavily on covers, as Faron covers only his own “Goin’ Steady”, Patsy Cline’s “I Fall To Pieces”, and The Four Lads’ “Moments To Remember”. For those who are not familiar with The Four Lads, they were a popular 1950’s group, and this was one of their biggest hits, spending several weeks at number two in 1955. Faron’s version is another standout track on this album. I have to say that I like his version as much as the original.
Faron wraps the album with another Willie Nelson penned tune, “Things To Remember”. This track shows of a more rocking side of Faron, not so much rockabilly as much as straight ahead rock and roll, as one will hear with the guitar riffs throughout. Throughout his career, Faron wasn’t afraid to let loose on some songs, and this is a good example, one that works, well, too. A great track to close an excellent album.
To the best of my knowledge, it’s yet to see the light of day as a CD or MP3 download, if you want a copy, it’s used vinyl, and yes, I did find a few listed, online, ranging from $7 to about $30 per copy. Don’t know if I’d go $30, but for this album, $15 is quite reasonable, in my opinion.
This album is truly a forgotten gem of the 1960’s, from one of country music’s finest singers. If it ever gets remastered for CD release, it will be in my collection, to be sure. An easy 5 out of 5. Anyone agree or disagree?
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Classic Album Review-Eddie Rabbitt "Horizon"
Classic Album Review-Eddie Rabbitt “Horizon”
Today’s album takes me back to my early teenage years, 1980 and ‘81, to be exact, when Eddie Rabbitt was all over the radio, with two big hits, “Drivin’ My Life Away” and “I Love A Rainy Night”. And I mean all over the radio. I’d hear them on our local country outlets, such as WFMS and WIRE, along with Chicago’s WMAQ and Nashville’s WSM. Plus, the local top forty outlet, WIKS, and if I’m not mistaken, they even showed up on WIBC, the local full-service station. Those were the days when radio was still interesting and fun to listen to. Both singles came from what would be the most successful album of Eddie’s career, “Horizon”. A million seller, it would peak at number one on the country album charts, while climbing into the top twenty on the pop album list.
The album kicks off with what would actually be it’s second single, the mega-hit “I Love A Rainy Night”, which would top both the country and pop charts in early 1981. Still one of Eddie’s best works, in my opinion.
From there, we head into “747”, a song that has a rockabilly feel to it, though I wouldn’t call it pure rockabilly, due to the arrangement, which is more country-pop. Not a bad song, not particularly memorable, however, I think it would have come off better, if they had given it more of a rockabilly arrangement.
“Drivin’ My Life Away” is another classic. A country number one and pop top five in 1980, that was featured in the film “Roadie”. I consider this one to be one of the classic “trucker” songs in country music history. Again, like “I Love A Rainy Night”, one of Eddie’s best works (and he had a lot of great hits).
Like “747”, “Short Road To Love” also has that rockabilly feel to it, but again, I wish they would have given it a stronger rockabilly arrangement (to be fair, it is a bit closer than “747”), as it would have made a very good track, great, had they done so. But in 1980, a rockabilly sound wasn’t “in”, either in country or pop, so in both cases, they went with what was the hot sound of the time.
Ironically, the only track on side one that doesn’t rock is the song “Rockin’ With My Baby”. The only slow song on side one. I wouldn’t label this song a great one, but it is a nice track, enjoyable to listen to. Simply crafted, and again, a rockabilly feel, despite it’s slower tempo.
At the conclusion of side one, it may seem rather quick, and it is. Three of the five songs, are barely over three minutes in length, while the other two are only around two and a half minutes, each.
Turning over the disc, we now look at side two. Side two returns to the more country-pop sound that is heard on the majority of Eddie’s work, beginning with “I Need To Fall In Love Again”. Catchy refrain, with good lyrical content make this a very good track.
“So Deep In Your Love” doesn’t do it for me. The lyrics are good, but the melody has no flow, it’s not an easy track to listen to. I feel you have to invest too much, just to follow along.
On the other hand, “What Will I Write” is arguably the album’s hidden gem. Lyrically, it’s arguably the album’s strongest track, while the melody is haunting and memorable.
“Pretty Lady” is pretty average. A mid tempo track that I would consider simply filler. The album’s weakest track.
The album wraps with “That’s Just The Way It Is”. It reminds me a little bit, sound-wise, of “Suspicions” or “You Don’t Love Me Anymore”, two earlier Rabbitt hits. Again, a track that falls closer to average, nothing particularly memorable, it’s just there.
This album sat somewhere back in the dark vaults of Warner Bros./Elektra/Asylum, until re-entering the market, last year, as both a CD and MP3 download. I also found numerous used vinyl copies and even a few 8-tracks on the market.
This album could have easily been titled “Two Sides Of Eddie Rabbitt”. Side one shows a strong rockabilly influence, while side two is more of the country-pop ballad style that we most often associate with Eddie. Other than a couple of stumbles towards the end, this is a very good album worthy of a good rating, in which I will set at 4 out of 5. Do you think differently or the same?
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Classic Album Review-Tammy Wynette "The First Lady"
Classic Album Review-Tammy Wynette “The First Lady”
Here’s something to make you feel old; a look back to October, 1970. Wichita State University lost several football players in a plane crash, on their way to a game with Utah State; those born include television personality Kelly Ripa, actor Matt Damon, golfer Annika Sorenstam, and actor Kirk Cameron; Janis Joplin died of a heroin overdose; PBS began broadcasting; Merle Haggard wins the CMA “Entertainer Of The Year”; Lee Roy Yarbrough got his last NASCAR Cup win at Charlotte; Baltimore topped Cincinnati in the World Series; Anwar Sadat became president of Egypt; and “Doonesbury” is first published. October, 1970, was also the month of release for today’s Classic Album, Tammy Wynette’s “The First Lady”. “The First Lady” would climb as high as number two on the country album charts, and would include one single, “Run Woman Run”.
“Run Woman Run”, the first cut on the disc, was a number one hit for Tammy in October, 1970. An outstanding recording, a great ballad, that unfortunately often gets lost in the midst of other great hits such as “Stand By Your Man” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E”. You could argue, though, that this may be one of her best cuts.
“I Wish I Had A Mommy Like You” is vintage Tammy Wynette. The song, itself, is okay, but Tammy’s vocals are among the best we’ll hear from her on any album. In a nutshell, we find out a little boy comes over to the neighbor’s house, because his mother is never home, apparently searching for what she’s not getting from the husband/daddy, who stays out at night, apparently, with the neighbor. Only in country music.
“True And Lasting Love” is yet another ballad, that has to be chalked up as another outstanding vocal performance by Tammy. The song, itself, is great, but the result with Tammy Wynette at the mic is magical.
“I Never Once Stopped Loving You” is a cover of a Connie Smith hit from the same year. This is an interesting comparison, because I think Tammy and Connie are similarly styled vocalists. Had Connie Smith not released this as a single, it could have easily been a hit for Tammy Wynette. Both versions are standout, and I’m not so sure if I had to choose, I just might pick Tammy’s.
“Safe In These Lovin’ Arms Of Mine”, a song with average lyrical content, but a good melody, as well as a good, up tempo beat. Another good vocal performance, as well, makes this a good cut to end side one.
As we take a look at side two, we start out with what has to be one of the album’s highlights, “Sally Trash”. How can you not like a song that compares a “white trash” woman to an overripe tomato? This is a song that one could easily hear Loretta Lynn sing, as it’s not unlike some of her hits in subject matter and lyrical content.
Since side 1 included a song featuring a little boy talking about his always absent mommy, isn’t it only appropriate that side two include a song about a little girl and an absent daddy? In this case, the little girl has substituted a “daddy doll” for her departed real-life father. Sappy but sad.
This album is heavy on ballads, including “The Lovin’ Kind”. An album cut, but certainly not just filler, this cut could have easily been a hit single. Great lyrics, music, and of course, an outstanding vocal performance by Tammy all make this track one of the standout tracks on the album.
“He’s Still My Man”, another ballad, is another winner, though, Tammy’s range is stretched on this one. She might have been in trouble had she been asked to sing any higher.
3 songs that talk about kids missing a parent, for me, is a bit much for one album, but for some reason, if someone is able to pull it off, it’s Tammy Wynette. The third cut of this type is “Buy Me A Daddy”; a little girl asks her mother to buy her a daddy, instead of any more toys. These songs threaten to come off sappy or syrupy in the hands of most vocalists, but somehow, they work for Tammy. And remember, she had success with these type of songs as singles, too. “I Don’t Want To Play House”, “Kids Say The Darndest Things”, and “Bedtime Story”, for example.
The album wraps with a kickin’ version of “Playin’ Around With Love”, a cover of Barbara Mandrell’s first hit, from that same year. Another excellent track is the best way to sum it up.
Based on my research, it looks as though this album has never been issued on CD, nor is it available as an MP3 download. What a shame! This is a true example of classic country music from the early ’70’s, arguably one of the best albums of that era, and it should be made available. That being said, I did find several used vinyl copies for sale, online, along with a few 8-tracks, and, get this, on Ebay, a reel-to-reel copy! How retro cool is that?
While I’ve not heard every album of her career, I would think this one would have to rank as one of her best, as the whole collection is a phenomenal work of country music art. Tammy was vocally at her peak, at the time of this recording, and the result is one of the most consistent and exceptional vocal performances of any album I’ve reviewed to this point. Tammy is like Merle Haggard, in that they sing in such a way, that you can see and almost experience what they are singing about. I don’t think that’s something that can be taught; you either have it or you don’t, and the vast majority of artists, don’t. While I’ve used the painting analogy, before, in Tammy’s case, she really does paint a picture with her vocal. This album is easily a 5 out of 5. Agreed?
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Classic Album Review-Steve Wariner "I Am Ready"
Classic Album Review-Steve Wariner “I Am Ready”
Steve Wariner is an interesting artist to look back on. His career lasted from 1980, through 2000, yet he wouldn’t really be considered a superstar, despite 48 country top forty hits, including 33 top ten hits.
He would also generally be considered more of a “singles” artist, scoring only 2 top ten albums, “Two Teardrops” and “Burnin’ The Roadhouse Down”, both of which came late in his career. Today, we look back at his 1991 release, “I Am Ready”, his debut effort for Arista, after leaving MCA. The album would only peak at 28, but contains 3 top ten singles, along with 2 more that also made the country top forty.
The disc kicks off with a good-sounding country track, titled “On My Heart Again”. You generally will not find anything groundbreaking in Steve’s work, but rather what seems to be a “tried-and-true” formula, which in most cases, works well for him, such as this track. Good, listenable track, pleasant sound.
Steve takes Bill Anderson’s “The Tips Of My Fingers” and turns a 1960’s classic into what at that time, was a contemporary sounding track, that did strike a chord with country listeners, making it a top ten hit. This was the fifth version to reach the country top twenty, following versions by Anderson, as well as Roy Clark, Eddy Arnold, and Jean Shepard.
“When Will I Let Go”, another nice, mid tempo tune that stays within that previously mentioned formula. While nothing special, it’s another what I’d call “nice” tune.
One may denote a bit of anger or attitude in the song “Leave Him Out Of This”, the building tension and anger of one whose having to compete with his lover’s memory of an old love. Steve is able to express these emotions, in a controlled, manner that makes this ballad work, perfectly. This is one of the album’s standout tracks, and understandably was a top ten hit, as well.
“Like A River To The Sea” was another country top forty hit for Steve. I’ve always thought this was one of the best singles of his career, despite it’s low chart placing. Great ballad. Very intimate, with great vocals that are not overpowered by the arrangement. And one of those songs that just sounded great, when playing on late-night radio, which I did, many times.
Side two opens with “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”. It’s another good mid tempo sound that fits into the consistency of this entire disc, to this point. It’s interesting to note, that this track has a definite 1980’s feel throughout, as the arrangement sounds more along that era’s sounds, as opposed to the 1990’s.
The album’s third top ten hit is next. “A Woman Loves”. Another great ballad that stands out on this disc.
Steve kicks the tempo up a bit, for “My, How Time Don’t Fly”. Again, another good track, that provides a nice combination of good melody and lyrics, and just the right amount of arrangement, so as to not overpower the vocals.
“Gone Out Of My Mind” is a pure country ballad. A man who is waiting to either forget an old love or lose his mind, hence the line, “…til one of us has gone out of my mind”. Not a bad track, though not particularly special.
The album wraps with “Crash Course In The Blues”, the only track on the album that really cuts loose.
Another top forty release from the album, I would actually consider this the weakest cut on the disc, though it does highlight some stellar guitar work by Steve, that reminds us that, yes, he is one of those who have indeed been highly influenced by the legendary Chet Atkins. The smoking fiddle work on the track belongs to Mark O’Connor, while Terry McMillan is behind the harmonica. While the picking is great, to me, the song itself, is at best, average.
Not currently in print, but I did spot several new CD’s for sale, online, along with numerous used CD’s, as well as a few cassettes. Having been released in 1991, it was issued on vinyl (in fact, my copy is vinyl), as well, though I did not see any used copies for sale.
Overall, it’s a good album. There are 2-3 what I would consider standout tracks, with the rest being very good. Even the album’s one weak song, “Crash Course In The Blues”, would rank higher than just “filler”, due to the great instrumental work. While I won’t say this is Steve’s best album, it certainly ranks among his top 2-3. I will rank it 4.5 out of 5. Agree?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Classic Album Review-Porter Wagoner And Dolly Parton "Just The Two Of Us"
Classic Album Review-Porter Wagoner And Dolly Parton “Just The Two Of Us”
Heading into the holiday weekend with an album from arguably country music’s greatest duet, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. “Just The Two Of Us” was their second album, together, entering the market in September, 1968; featuring two hit singles, and peaking at number five on the country album charts, while also making a brief appearance on the pop album charts.
The opening track, “Closer By The Hour”, is a decent, if not spectacular ballad, that highlights the vocal talents of both Porter and Dolly. It could be argued that of all of the duets in country music history, none had the perfect voice melding that Porter And Dolly did. It’s as if their voices were specifically designed to sing together.
“I Washed My Face In The Morning Dew” is a typical 1960’s-era “message” song, touching on the day’s social issues. A minor chart single for Tom T. Hall, Porter and Dolly give a great performance, here.
Speaking of minor chart singles, “Jeannie’s Afraid Of The Dark”, the next track, was just that, just missing the country top forty, as the flip side of “We’ll Get Ahead Someday”. For me, the song is way too morbid. I really just don’t get into songs about dying kids. However, years ago, hosting a classic country music show, I used to get a lot of requests for this song.
“Holding On To Nothin’” was their second single, together, climbing into the top ten during the summer of 1968. Great song, worthy of hit status, and easily one of the standout tracks of this album.
“Slip Away Today” covers a topic that has been a part of country music for at least sixty years, and peaked as a subject matter during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Good up tempo melody, this track delivers as one of the better ones on the disc.
That adulterous subject matter continues with “The Dark End Of The Street” on the final track of side one. Not as good as the previous track, to me, this song is a bit bland. However, many might disagree, as this song did make an appearance on the country top forty with comedian Archie Campbell and Lorene Mann, and was a top ten R & B hit for James Carr.
Switching to side two, things open with the title track, “Just The Two Of Us”. A good track that I will rate as one of the album’s best. A mid tempo number, the mid and upper tempo songs are the ones that Porter and Dolly seem to really excel at, in my opinion. Some of their best vocal work is this track.
I like “Afraid To Love Again”. Dolly excels, especially, on this track.
“We’ll Get Ahead Someday” is the album’s other top ten single. Good song, though not quite as good as “Holding On The Nothin’”.
I mentioned that Porter and Dolly seemed to really excel at the mid to upper tempo songs, there can be found, though, some good ballad work, throughout their career, and “Somewhere Between” is an excellent example. I won’t quite say “hidden gem”, but it’s a good track. I think you will like it.
“The Party” is another song about dead kids. Thankfully, country music has gotten away from it’s morbid roots. In a nutshell, mom & dad leave kids with baby sitter, go to a party, dad gets bad feeling, they rush home to a burning house & two kids who did not survive. But what about the baby sitter? We’ll never know. A very forgettable track, here.
Luckily, they redeem themselves quite nicely with the album’s final track, “I Can”. One of the best songs on the album. It’s one of those songs that you actually are surprised when it ends, you’re wanting more as it fades. A bouncy tune, with probably the best lyrics on the disc.
To the best of my knowledge, this album has yet to see the light of day on CD. I was also a bit surprised, given how well this album did upon it’s release, to see only a few used copies for sale.
In summary, side two is a definite step up from side one, on this album. There are some really good songs, but also some bad songs, and the rest, pretty average. However, the performances are excellent, as again, I’m not sure any duet in country music can lay claim to a better vocal blend than Porter and Dolly. Their harmonies are so good that they even make the bad songs somewhat listenable. Because of that, I will give the disc a 3 out of 5. What do you think?
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