Opening this collection, is the Floyd Tillman classic, “This Cold War With You”. If Hank Williams was the greatest songwriter of the 1940′s and 1950′s, then Floyd may well have been number two. Outstanding composition, performed to perfection by one of Country music’s greatest singers.
In 1968, Ray hit the top ten with a polished version of “Take Me As I Am (Or Let Me Go)”, but here, you are treated to a classic shuffle version, which is nothing short of stellar. Quicker paced, and perfectly executed by Ray and his band, the Cherokee Cowboys.
There’s no drop-off on the next track, “All Right (I’ll Sign The Papers)”, which four years later, became a Country 40 single for Mel Tillis. One has to wonder how big a hit it could have been had Ray’s version been put to 45 rpm.
Next, Ray tackles the Patsy Cline classic “I Fall To Pieces”, and does so rather well. Of course, the end result sounds nothing like the Cline standard, but one has to like how Ray adapts the song to a harder sound with that classic Ray Price shuffle beat.
“I Don’t Know Why (I Keep Loving You)” is yet another strong piece to be found on this album. Sounding like a broken record, but again, great overall sound, strong composition, and flawless vocal work.
Side one wraps with “How Long Is Forever”, which again, shows Ray at his best, as he vigorously attacks each note, hitting each one squarely on the head. As usual, I am shaking my head in utter amazement, as I listen, because Ray Price’s vocal abilities at his peak, were incredible.
The album’s only single gets the nod as the opening track on side two. “Please Talk To My Heart” was a top ten hit during the Fall of 1964, yet is one of Ray’s under-appreciated hits, a real shame. This is Ray at his best.
“A Way To Free Myself” simply continues the stampede of outstanding music from the master. Great beat mixed with a stellar song and of course, Ray Price behind the microphone.
Many may remember the Patsy Cline version of “You’re Stronger Than Me”, which wasn’t a Cline hit, but has been part of several Patsy Cline collections, over the years. I’ve always liked her version and still do, of course, but after a couple of listens to Ray’s version, I’m thinking this is how the song should be sang. It fits the Ray Price sound, perfectly.
Not unusual for a Ray Price album to feature a pretty steady beat, throughout, usually in the aforementioned shuffle style, and no different, here. Yet, Ray pulls it off, consistently, because of some excellent song choices made by Ray and his producer. ”Same Old Memories” is yet another example of that. You have to love the great steel guitar work, here, though to be fair, it’s outstanding throughout, but especially noticeable, here.
What’s amazing, is how Ray is able to take the Bill Anderson classic “Still” and successfully turn it into a rhythmic pounding of country beat, with just a bit of blues thrown in. When you change a song as much as it’s changed, here, you are taking a chance, yet Ray pulls it off.
If you were to rate singers on how well they can handle a Hank Williams song, Ray Price would have to be towards the top, and the album’s final track, “Cold Cold Heart”, is prime example why. Granted, there are some similarities in their vocal styles, but Ray is able to take the song and give it a completely different feel than the original. Whereas Hank’s classic is more mournful, Ray’s version is more about the pain, which he so effectively emits in his singing. Unbelievable track.
Sadly, this album is out of print, but well worth a search for a used copy, of which I found a few, most under $10.
My Standout Track is “Please Talk To My Heart”, while my Hidden Gem pick (a tough choice from so many great tracks) is “This Cold War With You”. Nothing here to merit a Weakest Track.
Overall, another outstanding example of why I think Ray Price is one of the greatest vocalists of all-time. And credit must also be given to the musicians who play flawlessly (I believe it was his backing band, The Cherokee Cowboys), as well as the producers, Don Law & Frank Jones, who found a strong collection of songs for this album. This is simply a great album, an easy 5 out of 5.
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Ray Price "Love Life" Classic Album Review
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