Cliff Cochran "Love Me Like A Stranger" Single Of The Day

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always on the turntable.  Hank Cochran is, of course, one of the most famous songwriters in country music history, having written classics such as “Don’t Touch Me” and “Make The World Go Away”.  Not as well known, in fact, almost forgotten, now, is Hank’s cousin, Cliff.

Cliff Cochran, a Mississippi native, was a singer who made a brief foray onto the country 40 with a pair of singles in 1979, for RCA.  Today’s Single Of The Day, was the first and most successful of the two.  ”Love Me Like A Stranger” appeared in June, and would eventually peak just inside the Country 25.  A fast-moving piece of Country-pop, it’s got a great hook and very catchy melody that is hard not to like.  One of my favorite “almost hits”, as we like to call them on the Ultimate Twang Radio Show.

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Cliff Cochran "Love Me Like A Stranger" Single Of The Day

Marty Robbins "Adios Amigo" Classic Album Review

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always on the turntable, in the CD player, or in the MP3 machine.  Today’s Classic Album Review is a 1977 Columbia release from hall of famer Marty Robbins.  Coming off his most successful album and hit in several years with “El Paso City”, Marty was looking to keep the roll going with the release in February of Adios Amigo.  And successful it was, as the album peaked at five, becoming the last of fifteen top ten albums for Marty, while containing two top ten singles.

The album kicks off with one of the top ten hits, which also happens to be the title cut, as well.  ”Adios Amigo” climbed as high as four, during the early Spring of 1977.  A mix of Latin sounds and country-pop, it’s the kind of song that Marty really excelled at (among many other styles).  Great track.

The first time I heard Bobby Darin’s hit version of “18 Yellow Roses” from 1963, I could have sworn he was trying to impersonate Marty Robbins, the singing style was so similar.  Fast forward to 1977, and we finally get a Marty Robbins version, which turns out to be a good, solid performance.

“Falling Out Of Love” is an exceptional ballad.  Nothing fancy, just good, solid material, and of course, an exceptional voice behind the mic.  A Hidden Gem contender.

Next, it’s Marty’s cover of the Lynn Anderson hit “I’ve Never Loved Anyone More”.  A nice performance of a good song; whereas Lynn’s version is a little softer and airier, Marty’s is slightly more metropolitan.

Side one ends with yet another ballad, “Helen”.  The medium-slow tempo track has a sound and feel that harkens back to Marty’s early 1970′s work, before he ended his first Columbia tenure to join Decca/MCA.  Strong lyrical work, here, this is a Hidden Gem contender.

Side two opens with Marty’s other top ten success from the album, “I Don’t Why (I Just Do)”, a cover of the 1931 Wayne King pop hit (also a 1961 pop  hit for Linda Scott).  Sneaking into the top 10, during the Summer of 1977, Marty just seemingly flows without much effort throughout.

“My Happiness” is another pop standard that’s seen several hit versions, most notably Connie Francis’ 1959 classic, and again, nothing fancy, just a nice flowing version that suits Marty’s vocals, perfectly.

One more pop standard cover is “My Blue Heaven”.  It’s estimated that the 1928 Gene Austin version sold over five million copies, making it one of the biggest selling pre-rock era singles.  Marty’s tempo is slightly quicker than that original (but not as fast as the Fats Domino hit), and again, just a nice little piece that’s quite enjoyable to listen to.

One more definite Hidden Gem contender is “Inspiration For A Song”.  Simply a great ballad, featuring the total package; melody, performance, and lyrics.

The album wraps with Marty’s take on the Wynn Stewart hit, “After The Storm”.  I love Wynn’s version, but Marty does a fine job, giving a more than adequate performance.

No longer on the market, used copies are numerous, especially in vinyl and 8-track.  The album was also released on cassette.  The prices I saw were generally less than $10.

“Adios Amigo” gets my Standout Track nod, while “Inspiration For A Song” gets the Hidden Gem.  I really didn’t dislike any of the music, here.

Overall, this is a fine piece of work by the late Marty Robbins.  Often, when an album features mostly ballads, the danger of monotony can arise and will at times.  Not here, though.  The songs are different enough to keep the whole body of work more than interesting and keeps the listener well engaged.  I go for a 5 out of 5, here.

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Marty Robbins "Adios Amigo" Classic Album Review

The World Famous Ultimate Twang Radio Show for January 24th, 2013

Greetings from Asheville, where the good music flows like fine wine; or, since we are in Asheville, flows like a fine brew.  Once again, we gather together to experience the best that music’s past has to offer. Golden favorites, dusty discs, and vintage vinyl. This week, the selections are stellar; ranging from the countrypolitan sounds of Eddy Arnold to that good, loud, freight train style of Buck Owens. Tammy Wynette is in the house (at least, her record is), as is Sonny James, Webb Pierce, Alabama, Tim McGraw, Lynn Anderson, Vern Gosdin, and many more. Got a little western sound, too, with Gene Autry. Sacred sounds? They’re here, this week, courtesy of Charlie and Ira Louvin, the Carter Family, and the Statler Brothers. And as always, the UT Time Machine is ready to roll you back to this week in 1998, 1972, and 1954.
4p Eastern is the when we begin the experience. Make sure you join me, and make sure you let all of your friends, family, co-workers, even total strangers know about today’s edition of The World Famous Ultimate Twang.

Here’s how to listen to the World Famous Ultimate Twang, no matter where you are.  Simply go to the Asheville Free Media website, by clicking, here.  In the upper right side of the page, you will see “Listen Live” in red.  Simply click on either hi-fi or lo-fi to play through Windows Media Player, Media Monkey, or ITunes.  Or, click the gray button below to listen directly off the site.  Join me for 3 hours of the greatest country music ever recorded, only on The World Famous Ultimate Twang.

The World Famous Ultimate Twang Radio Show for January 24th, 2013

Ray Stevens "Everything Is Beautiful" Classic Album Review

Greetings from Asheville, where it’s time for another Classic Album Review, pulling out a vintage collection from the vaults of The World Famous Ultimate Twang.  Today’s chosen album is a 1970 release from Ray Stevens.  Best known for his novelty and comedy songs, Everything Is Beautiful is anything but.  We sometimes forget there’s been a serious side to Ray’s music, and this is a prime example of what he could do on the serious side.  His first album for the Barnaby label, it was release in May, breaking into the top 60 on the album charts.  The classic title cut was the album’s only single.

The single, “Everything Is Beautiful” was high on the charts at around the time the album was hitting the stores.  Ray’s biggest selling single, with estimates as high as 3 million copies sold.  There’s really not anything to say, here, other than it’s a classic, hitting number one on both the pop and AC charts, while becoming his first Country 40 single, peaking at thirty-nine.  The kids heard at the beginning, singing “Jesus Loves The Little Children” were from Nashville’s Oak Hill Elementary.  Reportedly, Ray recorded them, himself, and the kids included his daughters.

Next, Ray covers the Youngbloods’ hit, “Get Together”, in my opinion, one of the best top 40 hits of the late 1960′s.  Ray’s version is more lush and polished, but a highly enjoyable version, featuring a fine vocal performance.

When Ray takes on Joe South’s “Walk A Mile In My Shoes”, he sells the song as well as Joe South, himself, did.  A strong Hidden Gem contender, one of the album’s best tracks.

And it’s nearly the same story on Ray’s take on “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head”.  As good as the hit, B. J. Thomas version.  Reportedly, Ray was offered the song before Thomas, but turned it down in order to record “Sunday Morning Coming Down”.  Unfortunately, that single flopped, while the B. J. Thomas recording of this song became a smash.  Another Hidden Gem contender.

“Leaving On A Jet Plane” is one of the I-can-take-it-or-leave-it type of songs for me, but that said, Ray’s version is good.  A much more polished version that Peter, Paul, & Mary’s; or John Denver’s.

Side two opens with Ray’s strong vocal work on “Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet”.  The instrumental version had been a number one pop hit for Henry Mancini, Ray’s vocals merely enhance an outstanding melody.

“She Belongs To Me” falls a little more on the country side, but is not as strong of a song as the others on the disc.  Alright, but a little bland and seems to drag a bit, despite a medium tempo.

On the other hand, I do like “Early In The Morning”, which is a really nice piece of early 70′s pop.  Very catchy melody, featuring a refrain hook that will stick with you all day.

The tempo picks up a bit more with “A Brighter Day”.  Lyrics are the highlight, here, a really good track that one wonders could have been a single?

Ray ends the album with a couple of Beatles’ songs, first being “She Came In Through The Bathroom Window”, which was part of the Abbey Road release.  Of course, it’s not in the same league as the Fab 4, but still, I do like this track, a lot.  Enough that I would consider it a Hidden Gem contender.

Same goes for Ray’s take on “Something”.  Nice vocal on an outstanding composition (one of my favorite Beatles songs).  Good end to a good album.

The album is still available as an MP3 download, as well as compact disc.  Should you choose to go for vintage vinyl, most copies I saw were less than $10.

Of course, the title track gets the Standout Track nod, while in a tough call, I give “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” the Hidden Gem.  “She Belongs To Me” is the Weakest Track, just not as strong as the other ten.

Overall, a fine album from one of the all-time greats; a man who should really get serious consideration for the Country Music Hall Of Fame.  It should be noted that this really isn’t a country album, it was a pop release, aimed at the top 40 and AC markets.  Still, there’s elements of country throughout.  I rate it a 4.5 out of 5.

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Ray Stevens "Everything Is Beautiful" Classic Album Review

Greetings from Asheville, where we always have good music.  Today’s Single Of The Day is a 1963 effort for the duo of Buck Owens and Rose Maddox.  At the time, Buck was still a rising star in country music, while Rose was a veteran of the business, having spent several years on the West Coast, performing and recording many now-classic tracks with her brothers as The Maddox Brothers and Rose.

At the time of release, Buck had just scored his first number one hit with “Act Naturally”, and his next one, “Love’s Gonna Live Here”, was just a few months away.  Meanwhile, Rose was in the midst of her own string of Country 20 hits, including “Sing A Little Song Of Heartache” in late 1962, and at the time of release of this 45, “Down To The River” was charting.

The second of two chart singles for Buck and Rose, together, this was a double-sided hit, as “Sweethearts In Heaven” would also enter the Country 20, peaking at nineteen.  Both sides debuted on the Country 20, within a week of each other, in August.  ”We’re The Talk Of The Town” would be the bigger hit, as it climbed as high as fifteen.  A quick-paced, bouncy track, it’s a strong precursor of what became Buck’s trademark “freight train sound”.  As for “Sweethearts In Heaven”, it’s slightly more subdued.  It’s also worth noting that Buck had previously recorded this song in one of his early pre-Capitol sessions, in the 1950′s.  Both tracks feature strong vocal tracks, though Buck sounds almost out of his high-end range on “We’re The Talk Of The Town”.  Overall, a pair of decent tracks from fifty years ago.

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Moe Bandy "It's A Cheatin' Situation" Single Of The Day

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always on the turntable, in the CD player, or on the World Famous Ultimate Twang Radio Show.  Today’s Single Of The Day became one of the biggest hits for Moe Bandy.

Moe had just ended 1978 with a top ten hit, “Two Lonely People”, and looked to start 1979 the same way, or even better with a number one hit, something he had yet to achieve.  Many thought his next single would be the one.

Moe had recorded “It’s A Cheatin’ Situation” during a November, 1978 session.  Featuring harmony vocals from Janie Fricke, the single was released in January, 1979, making it’s Country 40 debut in February.  And what an impact it made, quickly racing up into the top ten.  The slow song, featuring Ms. Fricke’s harmonies, mixed with a soft organ in the background, really made this record stand out from the others on country playlists at the time.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have an incredibly strong composition, as well as a fine singer like Moe Bandy, either.  While the record didn’t quite make the number one spot, it did spend a couple of weeks at number two.

Moe would eventually have a couple of number one hits before the year was out; first with the Joe Stampley duet “Just Good Ol’ Boys”, followed by his solo “I Cheated Me Right Out Of You”.

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Moe Bandy "It's A Cheatin' Situation" Single Of The Day

Webb Pierce "Sands Of Gold" Classic Album Review

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always on the turntable or in the CD player.  Today’s Classic Album Review looks back to a vintage Webb Pierce piece, from January, 1964.  Sands Of Gold was the fifteenth album to be released on Webb, by Decca Records.  Never charting, the album contained three hit singles, including two top tens, “Those Wonderful Years”, as well as the title cut.

The album kicks off with one of several covers found on the collection, Webb’s take on the Hank Locklin classic “Please Help Me I’m Falling”.  Given that Webb Pierce and Hank Locklin had vocal styles that were similar, it’s no real surprise that Webb does a version comparable to the hit.

The Summer of 1963 saw Webb in the top ten, with the title cut, “Sands Of Gold”.  One of Webb’s more pop-sounding hits, the medium tempo is mixed with a rhythm that has a slight Caribbean feel.  It may be the only Webb Pierce hit, where bongo’s can be heard.

One of the album’s Hidden Gem contenders is next, in the pure country bouncer, “Blue Mood”.  While Webb does a credible job on the more pop sounding tracks, it’s here that he really excels.

Another decent cover is Webb’s version of the Carl and Pearl Butler hit, “Don’t Let Me Cross Over”.  Not quite as hard-edged as the Butler version, but still straight country music.c

Webb Pierce singing Bobby Vinton??? It’s true, as Webb tackles “Roses Are Red (Violets Are Blue)”.  A bit surprising is that it’s not nearly as awkward as one might imaging.  While it doesn’t rate the same level as the Vinton classic, Credit must be given to Webb Pierce for doing a decent take.

Side one ends with another Hidden Gem contender.  I really like the R & B-influenced rhythm of “My Love For You”.  This medium tempo’d track is nailed by Webb Pierce.

Side two opens with one of the big hits of 1963, just not for Webb.  ”Detroit City” scored twice; early in the year as a Country twenty hit for Billy Grammer (under the title “I Wanna Go Home”), then as a top ten country/pop hit for Bobby Bare.  It’s a solid piece, under the production of Owen Bradley.  Webb takes elements of both hit versions and melds them together, well.

Another Webb hit that has a strong pop feel, is “Those Wonderful Years”, in fact, take out the steel guitar, it’s a pure top 40 sound for that era.  Somewhat surprisingly, though, Webb doesn’t sound out of place, here, handling the track, pretty well.

The tempo picks up, some, with Webb’s cover labelmate Jimmie Davis’ classic “Nobody’s Darling But Mind”.  Good, solid effort, here.

The only single to miss the top ten was “If The Back Door Could Talk”, which, in the Fall of 1963, just missed the top ten, while the flip, “Those Wonderful Years”, was breaking into the top ten.  One of my favorite Webb Pierce 1960′s works, here.   Simply a classic.

“True Love Never Dies” feels oddly out of place, here.  The track, recorded in October, 1958, harkens back to Webb’s sound of that period, which, by 1963, had softened considerably, as had many other veteran acts.  Still, it’s a nice piece of vintage Webb Pierce honky tonk sound.

The album ends with the swinging “The Smile Of A Clown”.  Not the strongest track on the album, but it is a catchy piece that will grow on you.

While it doesn’t appear to be currently available, this album has been on the market in compact disc form, as a “two-fer” with Webb’s Sweet Memories  album.  Used vinyl copies can be found, what I found was generally within a couple of dollars of ten dollars.

My Standout Track, here, goes to the title cut, while I have to give the Hidden Gem to “Blue Mood”.  Even though “The Smile Of A Clown” is a catchy track, it’s also The Weakest Track.

Overall, there’s nothing groundbreaking, here.  It’s a fairly typical album of the era; a couple of hits, a few covers, and a couple of originals.  That said, if you like Webb Pierce, it’s a good album to listen to.  There’s no really bad tracks, here, and the sound varies enough between tracks to keep any monotony at bay.  I’d rate it a 3.5 out of 5.

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Webb Pierce "Sands Of Gold" Classic Album Review

Andy Griffith "What It Was, Was Football" Single Of The Day

Greetings from Asheville, where good music, and sometimes comedy can always be found.  Today’s Single Of The Day falls into the latter, a vintage piece of backwoods comedy that became a top ten hit.

Deacon Andy Griffith was unknown, nationally in 1953, when the small North Carolina-based Colonial label (same label that later released George Hamilton IV’s hit “A Rose And A Baby Ruth”) released his bit, “What It Was, Was Football”.  The routine tells of a bumpkin who’s trying to figure out this contest between two teams, using what he calls some kind of pumpkin and being played on what he describes a cow pasture.  The record became a sensation in the Carolinas, and soon, Capitol Records came knocking.  Capitol purchased the master and re-released it on their label, and soon, the record wasn’t just a regional hit, it was a national hit.

While it failed to chart country (despite some country airplay), it did make the pop charts, debuting in January, 1954, and climbed as high as nine, becoming Andy’s only top ten hit on either the pop or country charts.

Of course, once the single became a national sensation, Andy Griffith, himself, soon was a star, appearing on television, Broadway, and the movies, before achieving legendary status, thanks to his “The Andy Griffith Show”.

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Andy Griffith "What It Was, Was Football" Single Of The Day

Ultimate Twang Radio Show Play List; January 17, 2013

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always on the Ultimate Twang Radio Show.  And this week is no different; great sounds from all eras of the glorious past.  Lots of number ones, top tens, even a few “almost hits”, as well.  If you missed the show, or simply would like to hear it, again, simply go to our page at Asheville Free Media (by clicking, here), scroll down past the play list dates, and click the play button.  It’s that simple.  The show will be available to listen, starting Friday morning.  Now, a list of what made this past week’s show.

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Ultimate Twang Radio Show Play List; January 17, 2013

Marty Robbins	Singing The Blues	1956; #1 hit!
Johnny Cash	A Thing Called Love	1972
Hank Snow	Music Makin’ Mama From Memphis	1952
Willie Nelson	If You’ve Got The Money, I’ve Got The Time	1976; #1 hit!
George Hamilton IV	Walk On The Wild Side	1960; Almost HIt
The Hoosier Hot Shots	From The Indies To The Andies In His Undies	1939
Waylon Jennings	Stop The World (And Let Me Off)	1965; 1st chart single
Buck Owens	Love’s Gonna Live Here	1964; #1 this week!
Uncle Dave Macon	Shall We Gather At The River	1927
Lee Ann Womack	The Fool	1997; first top 10 hit
Bill Boyd’s Cowboy Ramblers	Under The Double Eagle	1935
George Morgan	The Little Green Men	early 1960′s; Classic Album Track
Tammy Wynette	Another Lonely Song	1974; #1 hit!
Mark Collie	Even The Man In The Moon Is Crying	1992
Bill Anderson & Jan Howard	For Loving You	1967; #1 hit!
John Anderson	Country ‘Til I Die	1994; Almost Hit
Vern Gosdin	Dim Lights, Thick Smoke, (And Loud, Loud Music)	1985
Glen Campbell	Rhinestone Cowboy	1975; #1 hit!
Webb Pierce	Fallen Angel	1960
Tracy Lawrence	Renegades, Rebels, And Rogues	1994
Sylvia	Nobody	1982; #1 hit!
Jerry Lee Lewis	I’ll Sail My Ship Alone	1959; Almost Hit
George Jones	I’m A People	1966
Johnny Russell	Hello I Love You	1975
Eddy Raven	I Got Mexico	1984; #1 hit!
Dolly Parton	I Really Got The Feeling	1979; #1 this week!
Eddy Arnold	Praise Him, Praise Him
Jim Reeves	Four Walls	1957; #1 hit!
Ernest Tubb	The Bottle Let Me Down	1968; Classic Album Track
Jack Reno	Hitchin’ A Ride	1971
Mickey Gilley	Bring It On Home To Me	1976; #1 hit!
Mickey Gilley	Room Full Of Roses	1974; #1 hit!
Ferlin Husky	Drunken Driver	1954; Almost Hit
Texas Ruby	Don’t Let That Man Get You Down	1945
Lynn Anderson	I’ve Never Loved Anyone More	1975
Reba McEntire & Jacky Ward	Three Sheets In The Wind	1978; Reba’s first Country 40 single
Spade Cooley	Shame On You	1945; #1 hit! Tex Williams on vocal
Del Reeves	The Philadelphia Fillies	1971
Tom T. Hall	A Week In A Country Jail	1970; #1 hit!
Leon Payne	I Love You Because	1950; #1hit!
Johnny Lee	Dear Alice	1977; Almost Hit
Hank Thompson	The Blackboard Of My Heart	1956
Diamond Rio	It’s All In Your Head	1996
George Strait	Ocean Front Property	1987; #1 hit!
Billy Dean & Susan Ashton	In The Garden	1994
Ray Price	A Way To Survive	1966
Clint Black	Nobody’s Home	1990; #1 this week!
Sonny James	Mom & Dad’s Waltz	1973; Classic Album Track
Steve Earle	Goodbye’s All We Got Left To Say	1987
Roy Acuff	Wabash Cannonball	1947
Hank Williams Jr.	Living Proof	1976; Almost Hit
Wilburn Brothers	Tell Her So	1963
Elvis Presley	Hard Headed Woman	1958

Vern Gosdin "40 Years Of The Voice" Classic Album Review

Greetings from Asheville, where we never run out of good music, no matter the genre.  Of course, our genre of choice is Country, and there’s not much better way to emphasize that, than with our first Classic Album Review of 2013, a look at a 2008 release that covers the career of “The Voice”, Vern Gosdin.

Vern’s span of chart hits began with 1967′s “Hangin’ On”, recorded with brother Rex, and ran all the way through 1993; a span that included nineteen top ten hits and three number ones.  This 4-disc collection covers nearly all of the Gosdin eras, including some of his final recordings, made within two years of his 2009 passing.  It is my understanding that Vern personally chose these songs, considering them his favorites of all he had recorded.

The tracks are not arranged chronologically, meaning that each disc features a variety of Gosdin-eras that are represented, here.  Of the one hundred-one tracks, many of Vern’s hit singles are included, along the aforementioned new tracks, some selected album cuts, and several early tracks recorded with his brother, Rex.

Highlights? There are numerous ones, here.  I mentioned the early tracks, they include the tracks that made up the Gosdin Brothers’ Sounds Of Goodbye release for Capitol in 1968, as well as the original Gosdin Brothers’ version of “Hangin’ On”, that broke the Country 40 in late 1967.   That early sound is a much stronger folk style, than it is country, sounding as good as any folk recordings of that era.   Unfortunately, by that time, the folk boom had largely faded from both the mainstream pop and country sounds, likely hindering their popularity.  I especially like “Bowling Green” (the Everly Brothers’ hit), “Try And Catch The Wind”, and “Sounds Of Goodbye”.

In addition, there’s a 1973 release, again with Rex, “Just Enough (To Keep Me Lovin’ You).  A non-charting single, but a good solid sound, that still has that strong folk feel, but also a stronger country presence, as well.

Of course, Vern hit it big, beginning with a remake of “Hangin’ On”, in early 1977, that started a string of hits with the Elektra label.  Sadly, this is the one era that is hardly represented, here, save for one of his final releases for that label, “Sarah’s Eyes”, from 1979.  Still, great to hear that track for the first time in probably thirty years.

Another highlight, here, is the inclusion of the original tracks from his time with both the Ovation and AMI labels, which include the top ten hits, “Dream Of Me”, and “Today My World Slipped Away”; both hard to find treasures, and again, the first time I had heard the original versions of these in several years.

A goodly amound of tracks, here, come from Vern’s time with the Compleat label, where he spent a good chunk of the 1980′s.  And most of his hit work is inlcuded, “I Can Tell By The Way You Dance”, “Slow Burning Memory”, “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke, (And Loud, Loud Music)”, and “I Wonder Where We’d Be Tonight”, among others.  There are also several album tracks from this period, as well, including several from his 1984 gospel album, If Jesus Comes Tomorrow”.  Worth noting that the album track picks are worthy ones; if you’re going to include non-hits in a collection such as this, they should be strong ones, and that happens here.

It’s a good debate as to whether Vern’s Compleat or Columbia years were his best, as strong arguments can be made for both.  Part of his Columbia work is included, here, including the hits “Set ‘Em Up Joe” and “Chiseled In Stone”.  ”This Ain’t My First Rodeo”, and “Is It Raining At Your House?” are also from that time, but the versions, here are remakes.  Disappointing if you’re a stickler for the originals, but if not, these versions are not too far from those, and are fine listening.

As mentioned, some of Vern’s last recordings are included, as well.  Vern’s voice is in amazingly good shape, for the most part, just minimally affected by age and health issues.

This collection is still on the market, in both compact disc and MP3 download form.

Overall, it’s an enjoyable collection of one of country music’s great voices.  While it may not be a complete career overview (and from some info I’ve read, I don’t think it was intended to be, but rather a work for charity), there are some definite gems to be found, here, including the original Bakerfield International, Capitol, Ovation, and AMI tracks.  Are there songs I wish were included? Sure. Namely “Time Stood Still”, arguably his best performance and one I’m still trying to get an original copy of.  But overall, it’s a very good collection that gives the listener a good idea of the evolution of sound of Vern Gosdin.  I rate it a 5 out of 5.

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Vern Gosdin "40 Years Of The Voice" Classic Album Review

Hank Thompson "Blackboard Of My Heart" Single Of The Day

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always on the turntable.  Today’s Single Of the Day is a 1956 fave from the legendary Hank Thompson and his Brazos Valley Boys.  By the Spring of 1956, Hank had become one of the top acts in country music, melding Western Swing with Honky Tonk, bringing a sound to the radio that, while reminiscent of Bob Wills, was really quite different.  Already, twenty-one releases had made the top ten for Hank, while three had made number one.  His latest release looked to extend that streak.

Released in February, it was later in March, when “The Blackboard Of My Heart” debuted on the country charts.  Incidentally, the flip-side, “I’m Not Mad, Just Hurt” debuted that same week.  While Elvis may have been taking over the number one spot, opening the door for a whole new sound, not just in country, but in all of music, Hank would have no trouble finding the top ten with his latest. By Summer, “The Blackboard Of My Heart” would climb as high as four on the charts, becoming his twenty-second top ten hit, while the flip-side would stop at fourteen.  However, it would take a while for top ten number twenty-three to appear, as that wouldn’t come until the Fall of 1958 with “Squaws Along the Yukon”.

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Hank Thompson "Blackboard Of My Heart" Single Of The Day

Jim Reeves "Four Walls" Single Of The Day

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always abound, and today, it’s as good as it gets, as we remember the Jim Reeves classic “Four Walls” as our Single Of The Day.

Was “Four Walls” the first Nashville Sound record?  It’s a debate that flares up from time to time.  While many hold that opinion, others will point to Ferlin Husky’s “Gone”, which entered the market a couple of months, prior.  Both records were preview of what was to come over the following decade, that basic country sound, smoothed over with strings and background voices, and the minimizing or complete elimination of the steel and fiddle in the sound.  Cursed by some and applauded by others, there can be no question, though, as to how much this new sound helped build the popularity of the genre.

“Four Walls” is a fine example.  Making it’s debut on the country charts in April, by the end of May, it had began an eight week run at number one, while also crossing over to the pop charts, where it just missed a top ten placing, stopping at eleven.

“Four Walls” also completed the transition of Jim Reeves from a traditionally-styled singer to the smooth vocalist who came to be known as “The Voice Of Velvet”.  That transition began with the preceding single, “Am I Losing You”, a top 5 hit that still featured the traditional arrangement, but saw Jim’s vocals in a much more smooth tone than his previous releases.

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Jim Reeves "Four Walls" Single Of The Day

Ultimate Twang Show Recap For January 10, 2013

Greetings from Asheville, where every Thursday, the great hits of country music’s past come alive for the world, with The World Famous Ultimate Twang Radio Show, via to good folks at Asheville Free Media.  And this past week was no different, with some outstanding classics of days gone by, reaching all eras, filling lucky ears with a full variety of sounds from this wonderful music called country.

Were you there?  If not, you can scroll below, to see this past week’s play list, but even better, you can go to our page at Asheville Free Media’s website, and listen to the show!  Simply click here, to go to our page, then once there, you can listen a couple of different ways.  First way, is to click listen, under “Stream Link”.  This will download to the computer and once your browser says the download is complete, click on it, to listen via a player such as Windows Media, Media Monkey, or ITunes.  The other way is to keep scrolling down past the list of previous week’s playlists, where you’ll find a gray “play” button.  Simply click it, and there’s the show!

And remember, the next live show, is this Thursday, beginning at 4p Eastern time, on the Asheville Free Media web site.  So,  no matter where you live, if you like classic country music, you can join me this Thursday!

Now, let’s reminisce at this past week’s offerings…

Ultimate Twang Show Recap For January 10, 2013

Dolly Parton	Jolene	1974; #1 hit!
Brenda Lee	Tell Me What It’s Like	1979
Tanya Tucker	Here’s Some Love	1976; #1 hit!
Brad Paisley	I’m Gonna Miss Her	2002; #1 hit!
Bobby Goldsboro	I’m A Drifter	1969; Almost hit
Jessi Colter	What’s Happened To Blue Eyes	1974
Porter Wagoner	Highway Headin’ South	1974
Al Dexter	Pistol Packin’ Mama	1944; #1 this week!
Tennessee Ernie Ford	O Mary Don’t You Weep	1960
Eddy Arnold	I Want To Go With You	1966; #1 hit!
Alison Krauss	Let Me Touch You for Awhile	2001; Classic Album Track
Ray Price	The Lonesomest Lonesome	1972
Hank Snow	Hula Rock	1956
Everly Brothers	Bye Bye Love	1957; #1 hit!
Charlie Walker	He’s A Jolly Good Fellow	1966; Almost hit
Mel Tillis	Burning Memories	1977
Shenandoah	Ghost In This House	1990
Waylon Jennings	I’m A Ramblin’ Man	1974; #1 hit!
Alabama	Sad Lookin’ Moon	1997
Billy Crash Craddock	Dream Lover	1971
Charley Pride	Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone	1970; #1 hit!
Johnny Cash	The Rebel – Johnny Yuma	1961; Almost hit
Brooks & Dunn	Brand New Man	1991; #1 hit!
Narvel Felts	When Your Good Love Was Mine	1974
Michael Johnson	Give Me Wings	1987; #1 this week!
Chuck Wagon Gang	After The Sunrise	1940
Glen Campbell	Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife	1968
Jim Reeves	The Blue Side Of Lonesome	1966; #1 hit!
John Schneider	Better Class Of Losers	1986; Classic Album Track
Billy Walker	Smoky Places	1969
Doug Supernaw	I Don’t Call Him Daddy	1993; #1 hit!
Bob Wills & The Texas Playboys	Right Or Wrong	1937
Crosby, Stills, And Nash	Wasted On The Way	1982; Almost hit, country; top 10 pop
Mark Gray	If All The Magic Is Gone	1984
Bobbie Gentry	Ode To Billie Joe	1967
Barbara Mandrell	One Of A Kind Pair Of Fools	1983; #1 hit!
Lee Greenwood	Going, Going, Gone	1984; #1 hit!
Webb Pierce & Red Sovine	Why Baby Why	1956; #1 hit!
Bobby Mack	The Ballad Of Jimmy Clark	1968; Almost hit
Lois Johnson	Loving You Will Never Grow Old	1974
Johnny Duncan	Baby’s Smile, Woman’s Kiss	1972
Marty Robbins	Ruby Ann	1963; #1 this week!
Faith Hill & Shelby Lynne	Keep Walking On	1995
Susan Raye	(I’ve Got) A Happy Heart	1972
Ronnie Milsap	Please Don’t Me How The Story Ends	1974; #1 hit!
Homer & Jethro	Three Little Fishies	1963; Classic Album Track
Charlie Rich	I Take It On Home	1972
Terri Gibbs	Anybody Else’s Heart But Mine	1983
Loretta Lynn	Somebody Somewhere	1976; #1 hit!
Vince Gill	Don’t Come Cryin’ To Me	1999; Almost hit
Southern Pacific	A Girl Like Emmylou	1986
Stonewall Jackson	Can’t Hang Up The Phone	1963

The World Famous Ultimate Twang Show, January 10, 2013

It kicks off at 4p, Eastern, this afternoon, on the Asheville Free Media web site.  Plus, during the live broadcast, I will also be on Twitter and Facebook, as well.  Simply go to either site, search Ultimate Twang, and click “like” on Facebook and “follow” on Twitter, to hang out with us.  And if you can’t make it for the live broadcast, starting tomorrow, you can go to our page at the Asheville Free Media site and listen to the archived version.  Simply scroll down past the list of dates, and click the gray play button.  Either way, make sure you join me for three hours of the best, commercial-free classic country music to be found on the web or radio.

 

The World Famous Ultimate Twang Show, January 10, 2013

Everly Brothers "Bye Bye Love" Single Of The Day

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always found.  Today’s Single Of The Day became one of 1957′s top hits; not just in Country, but also Pop.

As Spring, 1957 dawns, Kentucky natives Phil and Don Everly are among the newest acts to join the Cadence Record roster.  They had previously cut one single in 1955 for Columbia, a non-charting effort.  This time, the results would be vastly different.  It was March, when they entered RCA’s Nashville studios, with Cadence owner Archie Bleyer producing and session men including Chet Atkins and Buddy Harman, and by the sessions’ end, three songs were cut, including both sides of their Cadence debut.

It’s been reported that one of those sides, “Bye Bye Love”, had been rejected by many artists, including, allegedly, Elvis Presley and The Wilburn Brothers.  ”Bye Bye Love” was released in March, but wouldn’t make it’s debut until May, when it first appeared on the country charts, a couple of weeks before hitting the Pop Top 40.  The record caught fire and, despite a competing version by Webb Pierce, would spend seven weeks (July and August) on top of the country charts, while peaking at two on the pop side.

It’s interesting to note that even though the Everly Brothers would ultimately have the largest part of their success as rock ‘n’ rollers, their version of this classic is easily the more country version of the two hits from 1957.  Webb Pierce’s version has a much stronger rocking sound to it.

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Everly Brothers "Bye Bye Love" Single Of The Day

Johnny Horton "The Battle Of New Orleans" Single Of The Day

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always found.  Today’s Single Of The Day became a mega-hit, way back in 1959, as it topped both the Country and Pop charts.

Everybody knows “The Battle Of New Orleans”, certainly one of country music’s most famous recordings.  From the opening banjo riff to Buddy Harman’s marching drum beat, once you hear it, you never forget it.  Johnny Horton recorded the song, during a January, 1959 session in Nashville, which also yielded the single’s flip, “All For The Love Of A Girl”, which Claude King would later take into the top ten.  Ironically, the single was released on April 6th, 1959, the exact same day that Horton’s “When It’s Springtime In Alaska” hit number one on Billboard.  ”The Battle Of New Orleans” quickly caught fire, debuting on the country chart in late April, and in early May, the pop Top 40.  And once on the charts, the single wasted little time reaching the top, hitting number one on the country charts in mid-May, while hitting the number one spot on the pop charts on June 1st.  ”The Battle Of New Orleans” spent a total of sixteen weeks at number one; ten on the country side, and six on the pop side.

Today’s photo shows not the original issue, but the re-release that Columbia first issued in 1961, pairing the hit with another Johnny Horton number one, “North To Alaska”.  This particular issue shows Columbia’s 1970′s “Hall Of Fame” labeling; incidentally, this is one of the first 45′s purchased by your humble blogger.  In fact, if you look really hard, you’ll see the purchase date written in pencil, by a then, 8-year old self.

Simply put, one of the greatest records ever released.

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Johnny Horton "The Battle Of New Orleans" Single Of The Day

Johnny Cash "The Rebel - Johnny Yuma" Single Of The Day

Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always on the turntable.  Your first Single Of The Day for 2013 is a 1961 release from Johnny Cash.

The Rebel was a western that ran on ABC-TV, between 1959 and 1961.  Starring Nick Adams as Johnny Yuma, an ex-Confederate soldier wandering the west, where he’d wind up helping others in need.  Johnny Cash sang the original intro for the series, and in 1961, it became a single that briefly appeared on the Country charts.  Cash had actually recorded the track during an August, 1959 session, but Columbia didn’t issue it until Spring, 1961, ironically as the series was ending.  The single debuted in June, peaking at twenty-four, while falling just short of the Pop “Hot 100″.

Unlike the actual intro heard during the television show, which was performed slow, with a sparse arrangement, the single is a rousing version, that features more of the Hollywood-Western kind of sound, despite that the accompaniment is Cash’s backing group, along with the Anita Kerr Singers.

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Johnny Cash "The Rebel - Johnny Yuma" Single Of The Day

The World Famous Ultimate Twang Radio Show, January 3, 2013

Greetings from Asheville, where the new year is upon us, and one World Famous Ultimate Twang Show is already in the books for 2013.  If you missed the show, last week, fear not, through Thursday night, you can still hear the program on our page at the Asheville Free Media site.  Simply click, here, then scroll down past the play list dates, and click the gray “play” button.  The latest show gave a wide spectrum of the glorious history of this great genre; with sounds from this past decade, clear back to the 1940′s.  Below is last week’s play list.

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The World Famous Ultimate Twang Radio Show, January 3, 2013

Dolly Parton	9 To 5	1981; #1 hit!
Neal McCoy	For A Change	1995
Statler Brothers	Who Am I To Say	1978
George Jones	Walk Through This World With Me	1967; #1 hit!
Cowboy Copas	Texas Red	1947; Almost hit
Barbara Mandrell	Married But Not To Each Other	1977
Jim Ed Brown	You Can Have Her	1967
Kenny Rogers	I Don’t Need You	1981; #1 hit!
Floyd Cramer	MEDLEY: This World Is Not My Home/I’ll Fly Away/Down In My Heart/Do Lord/Give The World A Smile
Vern Gosdin	Hangin’ On	1977
Webb Pierce	Wondering	1952; #1 hit!
Charley Pride	A Place For The Lonesome	1972; Classic Album Track
Alabama	Love In The First Degree	1982; #1 this week!
Roy Head	Come To Me	1978
Aaron Tippin	Without Your Love	1996; Almost hit
Dick Curless	Six Times A Day (The Trains Came)	1965
Brenda Lee	Coming On Strong	1966
Waylon Jennings	Theme From The Dukes Of Hazzard	1980; #1 hit!
Mary Chapin Carpenter	Down At The Twist And Shout	1991
Buck Owens	Foolin’ Around	1961
Ernest Ashworth	Talk Back Trembling Lips	1963; #1 hit!
Rex Allen Jr.	The Last Of The Silver-Screen Cowboys	1982; Almost hit; guest vocals by Rex Allen Sr. & Roy Rogers
Exile	Crazy For Your Love	1985; #1 hit!
Pam Tillis	Don’t Tell Me What To Do	1991
Carl Smith	Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way	1952; #1 this week!
Andy Griffith	I’ll Fly Away	1972
Emmylou Harris	Save The Last Dance For Me	1979
Tennessee Ernie Ford	Sixteen Tons	1955; #1 hit!
Jim Reeves	Moonlight And Roses	1964; Classic Album Track
Gene Autry	(I’ve Got Spurs That) Jingle, Jangle, Jingle	1942
Crystal Gayle	I’ll Do It All Over Again	1977
Patti Page	The Tennessee Waltz	1951
Marty Robbins	Five Brothers	1960; Almost hit
Moon Mullican	Cherokee Boogie	1951
Kenny Chesney	There Goes My Life	2003; #1 hit!
Faron Young	Riverboat	1959
Jack Greene	You Are My Treasure	1968; #1 hit!
The Happiest Girl In The Whole U. S. A.	Donna Fargo	1972; #1 hit!
Darrell Clanton	Lonesome 7-7203	1984; Almost hit
Elvis Presley	I Beg Of You	1958
Jerry Reed	Remembering	1968
Terri Clark	You’re Easy On The Eyes	1999; #1 this week!
Jimmie Davis	When The Saints Go Marching In	1962
Jerry Lee Lewis	Middle Aged Crazy	1978
Martina McBride	I Love You	1999; #1 hit!
Eddy Arnold	May You Always	1963; Classic Album Track
Ernest Tubb	Half A Mind	1958
Mel Tillis	Send Me Down To Tuscon	1979
Wilf Carter (Montana Slim)	I’m Gonna Tear Down The Mailbox	1948; Almost hit
Little Texas	Amy’s Back In Austin	1995
Boots Randolph	These Boots Are Made For Walking	1966