Country Music

I first purchased Stardust when it was first released and it quickly became one of my favorite LPs. Recently I purchased the CD and with the very first listen I realized why I had loved it so. The songs on this album are timeless and Willie is in fine voice. This album is a nice departure from the usual Outlaw fare and a great album for more romantic evenings. Highly Recommended!

I am a Willie Nelson fan, but this album really blew me away! What a tribute and a fresh take on the American songbook.

I had this album as an LP when it first was released and almost wore it out. The CD is still one of the best ever recorded with great standard and wonderful vocals by Willie Nelson .

This cd is just as fresh, and better than when it came out. The old standards will never lose their appeal. Willie really pulls it off!
John

I will preface my review by declaring that, for the most part, I am not a big Willie Nelson fan. And Willie singing standards? Seemed totally nonsensical when I first learned of the album's existence. However, in my opinion, this is clearly the best album he has ever produced (or will ever produce for that matter). Every single cut on the original album is superb. I agree with other reviewers regarding the bonus tracks on the re released CD --- they really are out of place with the balance of the tunes.

Bottom line: I'll give Willie credit where credit is due. This is a must-have CD for virtually any music lover. It (surprisingly) is one of those rare articles that bridges all kinds of gaps, e.g., generational, race, genre, etc... In a manner not unlike Brubeck's Take Five album did circa 1959-60. Enjoy this timeless masterpiece.

My three year old son loves Track 3: Don't tell me. We have listened to it everyday!
I'm glad his taste in music is evolving and I don't have to listen to, "The Wheels on the Bus" 50 times a day anymore!:)

Keleigh Crigler author of Preacher's Kids

"Hillbilly Goddess", the third CD release by this delightful singer, is the best thus far. Impeccable instrumentation and a voice that will convert any unbeliever to this magical music. Favourite tracks: "Just Another Alice", "Dyin' To Hold Her Again", the duet with Bradley Walker "The Writing's All Over The Wall" (about time that he released another album), and the wonderful "Nugent Family Band" which was co-written by Alecia and veteran song writers Tom T. and Dixie Hall. A special mention is necessary for the flawless production by Carl Jackson. Let's have more of this soon!

Prime Cuts: Dyin' to Hold Her Again, Just Another Alice, Already Home

To be christened as the "Hillbilly Goddess," Nugent has quite a tall order to live up to. Nevertheless, with the songs on this CD so gloriously divine, Nugent can unabashedly hold fast to her reigning sceptre. As the title of this album suggests, this is a truly "hillbilly" record amalgamating the best of bluegrass and country into its template in winsome ways. Part of the reason why this CD works so favourably is the input of helmsman Carl Jackson who has chosen songs that present piquant slices of life that speak wisdom, healing and comfort to anyone weary with the cares of living. And it comes as no surprise that most of these songs come from the pens of a plethora of elite from both the country and bluegrass communities including Jerry Salley, Tim O'Brien, Tom T. Hall, Larry Cordle, and Buddy and Julie Miller. Further, as a vocalist, Nugent knows how to incarnate herself into each track making it sound as though they are stories birthed right out of her life's journey.

The realism of these songs is distinctively striking: it doesn't take much to shed a tear of disappointment when Nugent tells the story of an aspiring singer who never finds her dream fulfilled in the plaintive ballad "Just Another Alice." Though numerous songs have tackled the abuses of alcohol on a family, Jerry Salley's "Dyin' to Hold Her Again" is so three dimensional engaging that you can't help but imagine yourself standing right by the protagonist as he prays with abject desperation, "Lord take me away. I can't drink enough whiskey to ease all the pain I'm in." This is soul rendering stuff at its prime. Not all is stymie, the title track "Hillbilly Goddess" is a delightful celebration of a domestic heroine who may not be a glamour queen, but to her hubby she's his "hillbilly goddess."

Nugent has also not yielded to the perennial temptation of bluegrass records to excel in its instrumentation at the expense of the song's quality. "Last Greyhound" is an intricately crafted narrative about a 18-year old runaway only to discover in hindsight that home is actually her true destiny. Nugent takes on an excursion to George Jones-Tammy Wynette territory with "Writing on the Wall," a barroom weeper of love gone wrong, with Nugent and Bradley West almost rivalling the King and Queen of country. With just a piano as her backup, Nugent shimmers with so much emotion on the spiritually hopeful "Already Home."

From start to finish, Nugent keeps us on our toes as we meet the different characters of her songs. There's never a dull moment. There's such richness in each story's details that will keep us returning to them again and again. This album is so heavenly that it makes this goddess worthy of music's greatest veneration.

I have been a huge fan of Jason Michael Carroll since I heard his first single Alyssa Lies. I went to my first concert of his weeks after first hearing him and bought his Debut CD very soon after that. I listened to his first CD everyday until this new one came out April 28th. I have bought multiple copies because I know I will wear this one out just like his first one! They are both that good!!!! The songs on both albums are awesome and something people can relate to. Jason did an excellent job on his Sophmore album and it is not without quality songs or the same every other song sound. There are ballads to party anthems and everything in between. I highly recommend you buy this CD (several copies actually) and check out [...] for more information on this up and coming artist!!!!! GO HTF'S!!!!

Prime Cuts: That's All I Know, Hurry Home, Tears

Despite his youthfulness, Carroll has the acumen to excel in the music business. Perennially, many singer-songwriters have made the mistake of emptying the best of their vaults into their debut CD, only to find that they have to scrap the bottom of their scribal barrel for their follow-up CD within the matter of months. Hence, many of these artists suffer the sophomore jinx where their follow-up CD just tanked due to the lacklustre material. Carroll is wizened enough to avoid such a gaffe by only co-penning three songs for his sophomore effort. The rest of the material are abetted from a team of hit-proven writers such as Paul Overstreet, Casey Beathard, Tom Shapiro, Vicky McGehee and fellow artists Zane Williams and Keith Anderson. And it's no accident why these writers have been churning hits for years and years--there's a seasoned maturity in these songs. These songs not only have a universal appeal but they are able to get into the marrow of our lives that they speak to us like old friends. The realism of these songs is further enhanced by producer Don Gehman's (Hooter and the Blowfish & Nanci Griffith) rugged and organ country-rock edges.

Most affecting is a couple of ballads that have to do with paternal love: "Tears" and "Hurry Home." Penned by Zane Williams, the latter "Hurry Home" is a retelling of the parable of the prodigal son sung with so much affection that it will resonate in the hearts of listeners for a long time. In fact, the song's universal theme of reconciliation not only speaks to our earthly relationships but it has repercussions on a spiritual plane. "Tears," continues on the same paternal axis, this time with Carroll confessing how the call of his children often drives him to smithereens. Thankfully, the rowdy guitars and anthem-like drums are enough to muscle up this paean from being too mawkish. Lead single, "Where I'm From" is an exposition of the adage "never judge someone by their appearance" via a story about a chance between Carroll and a complete stranger on a plane. What appeared to be two unrelated strangers unroll into a sharing about their common upbringing and values. This is the type of songs that matter, songs that remind us that the degree of separation between humanity is actually not that significant.

Despite the heaviness of some of the aforementioned themes, Carroll does know how to party. He kicks off his boots for a good time with "Happened on a Saturday Night," a 70s rock piece imbued with a southern small town charm. Nashville's two powerhouse scribes Paul Overstreet and Casey Beathard join Carroll in penning the breezy "That's All I Know," as Carroll waxes philosophical about life and capitalizing on the things that matter. While the title cut, "Growing Up is Getting Old" finds Carroll in Brad Paisley vicinity as Carroll takes a cheeky look at the responsibilities middle age brings. However, a couple such as vamped up rocker "Barn Burner" and the extremely busy "Let Me Go" border on the ordinary.

Save for a few missteps, this 10-song disc does not suffer from the sophomore jinx. In fact, vanguard single "Where I'm From" is already a radio favorite. And rightly so; this CD is imbued with great songs--songs that resonate with life and living. With a CD filled with so many songs that are mature and seasoned, growing up for Carroll isn't such a bad thing!

Great laid back CD and a real audiophiles dream. My speakers simply disappear. A real gem!

The vocals are totally drowned out by the instruments - especially on To Love is To Bury.

3 1/2

Last chance for a slow dance. Soothing, and sad, these atmospheric tributes along with quite a few worthwhile covers were on par with the best slow-core could muster, the Junkies here especially sounding like some kind of countrified early Low. While the lyrics and mood may remain similarly down, the subtle life injected over evocative female breathy-ness is anything but. There is nothing too special about much songwriting in the originals, they simply emulate traditional forms far more sensitively in this taut session. It is amazing that this was recorded how it was, I supposed they had a sound and they knew what they were going for, and it still remains an amazing production technique, perhaps overshadowing much of the work itself.

If asked, I would have guessed the Cowboy Junkies to be another punk band from the 90's. So glad to be doing the CDNOW search thing and find this group. Unlike 1976 Its not easy for old guys like me to find good "new" music. God knows its not on the radio anymore. Everything about Trinity Session is great. The sound quality is 5 star, same for the mood and sparse instrumentation. The original and cover songs are all amazing, heck even my wife likes it! This could be what Karen Carpenter and Jimi Hendrix would be doing together today if we were lucky enough to still have them here. If you love a terrific female lead singer get this album. The moods here remind me of the best Van Morrison albums or Pink Floyd. I highly reccomend this to all.

"Trinity Sessions" is the classic "it grows on ya" CD. When I first heard it, I was actually pretty bored with it... I became familiar with CJ through "Pale Sun Crescent Moon", which is a whole lot more dynamic and simply put, louder. Well, times have changed! There is an honesty here that is very lacking in most music today. While most of the music world has embraced that formulized Grammy Award sound (you know, the warbling screeching over-Midi-fied voice over soul-less mathematical arrangements), "Trinity" stands out as, well, just real authentic. Someone a while ago wrote that this sounds "inauthentic" - well, ya gotta know authenticity to appreciate it! "Trinity" is sparse, haunting, ethereal, and of course moody - but it is not boring or simple. There is a complex layering of notes and vibes here that just grows more interesting with every listen. This is a CD that tends to get heard end to end, there is no clear break anywhere, it is just like one long, metamorphosing song. Favorites? The entire CD. Well, OK, if I had to choose a few songs, it would be "Misguided Angel" - wow... the ultimate bad-boy song, and probably "Sweet Jane". When I'm in "that mood" I reach for this CD, and it sits right there next to my Emmylou Harris and Neil Young CDs.

What's not to like about this cd? Wonderful entertainer, wonderful voice, great songs. I would recommend this cd to anyone.

I really liked this CD, almost as much as Pure BS and Barn and Grill. He is definitely one of the most underrated male country singers. The only reason for not giving it 5 stars was that he included a song already appearing on another CD of his (I Don't Care, which was on Pure BS). Are we going to see it once again when he comes out with the inevitable greatest hits CD? In my opinion each CD (except for a greatest hits)should have songs new to that CD. His songs are all so good, its a shame he couldn't have completed this CD with another new one.

I didn't really like it the first time I listened to it, or even the second, but now I love it. I don't think I like it as much as Pure BS, but it's got some really great songs. I love She Wouldn'T Be Gone and Startin' Fires. I'll Hold On is another of the best songs ['If I had a star for every scar that you tattooed on my heart, I'd have enough to fill the Oklahoma sky.'] And the rest of the songs have started to grow on me the more I listen to it.

I bought this CD for the song"She Wouldn't Be Gone". The rest of the songs are good as well. Blake has a very nice voice.

I liked all of Blake's albums.But,this is by far the best.Too bad he doesn't come with the album. Sincerely,Linda M.Stelly

Hymns of the 49th Parallel
I think that K.D.Lang picked excellent songs for this CD.
She did her usual good job singing the selections and the music
arrangements were excellent!

First, let me say I have never been a huge K.D. Lang fan, but this album blew me away when I first heard it. Her vocals are outstanding, the song selection is relevant and flows well for the listener, and it is an outstanding album to relax with after a hard day. I frequently listen to this album when in my vehicle and everyone always asks who I am listening to. When I tell them, they are surprised by who the artist is and how good this album is. As I said, I am no life-long-Lang fan. I just know I love listening to the music and vocals on this album.

The arts are such a personal thing and we all have our own preferences so it's difficult to recommend artistic renditions to anyone. With that in mind, I absolutely LOVE this CD! In my opinion it is k.d. lang at her finest! I'm a fan of all the Canadian artists she covers on this CD; I'm a fan of k.d. lang. This is the ultimate combination! As for k.d. lang, no one has a voice like this woman! Pure velvet with a touch of smoke. I totally recommend this CD!

I actually bought this K.D. Lang CD for her Hallelujah song. Thankfully I am pleased with the entire CD for my listening pleasure. It is a nice mellowing experience when I am in the mood.

Canada has a rich musical heritage, to which k d lang has contributed much since she first emerged in the eighties. As you probably know, k d has long been something of a maverick for a variety of reasons and has pursued her musical career in her own way, not being afraid of controversy. This has sometimes worked to her disadvantage, but the longevity of her career shows that she is succeeding on her own terms. I haven't contributed much to that success as the only other album of hers that I owned prior to buying this was Shadowland, although I bought that one twice - first on vinyl and later on CD.

On this album, k d pays tribute to her fellow Canadians by recording a selection of their songs. Two songs each by Neil Young (After the gold rush, Helpless), Joni Mitchell (A case of you, Jericho), Jane Siberry (The valley. Love is everything) and Leonard Cohen (Hallelujah, Bird on a wire), together with one each by Bruce Cockburn (One day I walk) and Ron Sexsmith (Fallen), plus a song that k d co-wrote (Simple) make up the album. Of the original artists, I am a huge fan of Neil Young and Joni Mitchell but I haven't listened to most of the others.

The songs are of the mellow variety, so perhaps some people may complain about the lack of variation in tempo (though I`m happy with it), but the songs are all of a high quality. The music features piano, keyboards, accordion, guitars, bass, drums and plenty of strings, but k d`s voice is the most important instrument by far, and it sounds as good as ever.

I love listening to this CD. From start to finish, every song is memorable. To me, some of the best songs on here were not ones that they released as singles. My favorite songs are actually the last three on the disc, "Cool Thing", "Ellsworth" and "He Ain't the Leavin' Kind". In my opinion, it was their best to date!

Love Rascal Flatts - good tunes at a great price. Arrived promptly after ordering.

I think this might be my favorite RF Album. It's got your touching with Ellsworth and your hard core country with Backwards and the song you love singing along with What Hurts the Most and I Feel Bad.... Awesome album from awesome band.

I love there music so I may be a little overboard with the comments. but you should by it.

What a revelation!! That is something so hard to admit, and if you did realize it, you wouldn't want to take the chance of them really being gone... but this song kinda walked me through a really sad time for me. This album, was actually given to me, someone found it on the ground and asked if I wanted it. I had no idea what kind of emotional ferris wheel this album would take me on! They touch the young, the old, the good time and the bad. Try sittin still while they sing their last song on this album. I dare you!

The only problem with the Johnny Cash Show was that it didn't last long enough. But between 1969 and 1971 the show managed to capture great performances by a remarkably diverse group of musical performers. Cash insisted that the performers all sing live, so you will find no lip synching on this (my only doubt was Marty Robbins -- I could not see a microphone anywhere during his performance). So this is a great collection of performances by a long string of inductees into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Because the performances are really, truly live, they are not always pretty. Johnny and Roy Orbison, for instance, do a great but rather ragged version of "Pretty Woman."

The two discs are very, very different. The first disc features narration by Kris Kristofferson as well as brief interviews with individuals involved with the show. The second disc consists almost exclusively of performances from the show, with interviews popping up only near the end of the disc. But between the two discs you get a stunning number of memorable performances. Musical guests include Bob Dylan, Kris Kristofferson, Louis Armstrong (with Johnny reprising Armstrong's 1930 recording with Jimmie Rodgers of "Standing on the Corner [Blue Yodel No. 9"]), Stevie Wonder, Creedence Clearwater Revival, an incredibly beautiful Linda Ronstadt, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Tammy Wynette, Marty Robbins, James Taylor, Pete Seeger, Neil Young, Mother Maybelle Carter, Joni Mitchell, Derek and the Dominoes, Carl Perkins, Charlie Pride, Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Everly Brothers (and their dad), Ray Charles, Conway Twitty, Glen Campbell, Neil Diamond, Ray Price, Roy Orbison, Chet Atkins, Homer and Jethro, and Merle Haggard.

A number of Johnny Cash's old Sun Records label mates appear on the show, including Carl Perkins, Roy Orbison, and Jerry Lee Lewis. One thing that I found fascinating about Orbison's appearance was that he was not, as he so often did, wearing sunglasses. His very thick glasses were somewhat dark, but not the shades you usually see.

I recently read a marvelous book on Jimmie Rodgers by Barry Mazor entitled MEETING JIMMIE RODGERS. Being more attuned to Rodgers than usual, I was struck by what a prominent role Rodgers played on this show. You not only had several performers for whom Jimmie Rodgers was a major influence -- Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, George Jones, and Merle Haggard -- but two people who actually recorded with Rodgers, Louis Armstrong and Mother Maybelle Carter (as Mazor points out in his book, Maybelle had the distinction of being the only person to record with Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams, and Elvis Presley, not to mention the Carter Family). There are several Rodgers songs performed on the show, most notably Armstrong and Cash on "Blue Yodel No. 9" and Merle Haggard on "No Hard Times." Haggard's most recent album, in fact, at the time of his first appearance on Johnny's show was SAME TRAIN, DIFFERENT TIME, his all-Jimmie Rodgers cover album. Along with Ernest Tubb, Hank Snow, and Lefty Frizzell, the two most prominent performers to do their best to promote the music of Jimmie Rodgers have been Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash. That certainly comes across on this show.

If you love music, this is a must-see two-disc set. If you have narrow musical tastes, you might not enjoy it, but if you have broad, wide-ranging tastes this will be persistently exciting.

This is a must have for your collection!
I saw a portion of this on PBS and just had to have it.
I am a big fan of Clapton, Dylan, Jerry Lee and of course Johnny Cash & everyone else on this dvd. I just wish that their were more available.
Good quality and audio! Get one before they are gone!
RoseAnn

I purchased this DVD for my Dad but it was mistakenly given to someone else! They LOVED it. My Dad ended up getting HIS copy of the DVD and he loved it too... The dvd is being shared with everyone! The teenagers are fascinated by the hair styles and clothing and music. The toddlers dance and sing along with the songs. This is a great gift for any country music lover.

Wow, what a terrific show...so many great talents when they were young, and high quality recordings. My grown kids came over while I was watching and asked what they called this kind of show (variety?) and why they don't make shows like them any more!

Wow! I bought this for my brother-in-law for Christmas...he is really hard to buy for cause he has everything...but he didn't have this and he LOVED it! He is a music lover in his 50's and he so enjoyed seeing all the folks he had grown up with and how they looked back when. A great choice!