Longnecks & Short Stories

Amazon.com essential recording
Contemporary honky tonker Mark Chesnutt's 1990 debut, Too Cold at Home, came with an endorsement from George Jones himself, not to mention a title-track hit that left you thinking that maybe, just maybe, ol' George wasn't exaggerating. Longnecks takes the "maybe" out of the question once and for all. One of the finest country albums of the 1990s, it's filled with rip-roarin' boot-scooters ("Bubba Shot the Jukebox"), Western swingers ("Old Flames Have New Names"), and sad ballads ("I'll Think of Something") that successfully update Jones's east-Texas tradition. And when Chesnutt covers Charlie Rich's "Who Will the Next Fool Be," he adds a bluesy wail that'll have your jaw hitting the floor. --David Cantwell

Tracks:

Old Country
Old Flames Have New Names
I'll Think Of Something
It's Not Over (If I'm Not Over You)
Uptown Downtown (Misery's All The Same)
Bubba Shot The Jukebox
Postpone The Pain
Talking To Hank
I'm Not Getting Any Better At Goodbyes
Who Will The Next Fool Be

Amazon.com essential recording

Contemporary honky tonker Mark Chesnutt's 1990 debut, Too Cold at Home, came with an endorsement from George Jones himself, not to mention a title-track hit that left you thinking that maybe, just maybe, ol' George wasn't exaggerating. Longnecks takes the "maybe" out of the question once and for all. One of the finest country albums of the 1990s, it's filled with rip-roarin' boot-scooters ("Bubba Shot the Jukebox"), Western swingers ("Old Flames Have New Names"), and sad ballads ("I'll Think of Something") that successfully update Jones's east-Texas tradition. And when Chesnutt covers Charlie Rich's "Who Will the Next Fool Be," he adds a bluesy wail that'll have your jaw hitting the floor. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Longnecks and Short Stories.......2007-02-14

"I'll Think of Something" makes this CD worth every penny. There are other good slow songs on here,too, but about half are upbeat or honky tonk.

Successful blend of traditional and '90s country music.......2006-09-05

After his understated but excellent debut, for his second album Mark Chesnutt branches out a bit. The song selection, arrangements, production, etc. are all bolder than that of Mark's debut, and it all works beautifully. To call this album "branching out" or "bold," however, one would have to understand the pure traditionalism of the Two Cold At Home album. There is a subtle yet major difference between this album and Mark's debut.

For example, take "I'll Think of Something," originally recorded by Hank Williams, Jr. and one of the best songs on the album. Certainly this is a traditional county ballad, but check out the guitar solo that ends the song. This sound was and is common in modern country music, but is actually a rock tone and style of playing, and this style is nowhere to be found on his debut.

Don't get me wrong, most of these changes work very well and Longnecks... is still traditional music compared to other country albums released in the early 1990's. The only "innovation" that doesn't hold up today is the `80s-hair-metal snare drum sound used on "Bubba Shot the Jukebox" and "Postpone the Pain." Probably intended to help these songs fit in on early `90s country radio, unfortunately today this type of snare sounds dated.

Chesnutt gets a chance to shine vocally with Charlie Rich's country-blues "Who Will The Next Fool Be." This may be his finest recorded vocal performance. And again, check out the lead guitar sound.

"Uptown Downtown (Misery's All The Same)" with its Bakersfield bounce and Jim Lauderdales's fine harmony vocal, sounds like a lost Buck Owens track. It could have been a big hit had Randy Travis not had a similarly-themed single, with a title that appears twice in the chorus of this song (better class of losers)!

"Postpone the Pain" is a Canjun stomper featuring Wayne Toups on vocals and squeeze box.

The ballad "It's Not Over," with Vince Gill and Allison Krauss on harmony vocals, was later included on Mark's album Thank God for Believers and was released as single from that album. I believe this is the same version.

Several tunes here are in the same vein as the traditional honky-tonk songs on Chesnutt's debut. The album opener, Bobby Braddock's "Old Country" serves as a perfect bridge between the two albums. "I'm Not Getting Any Better at Goodbyes" is a country ballad written by Steve Earle. My favorite song on this album, "Old Flames Have New Names" is a wonderful Western swing tune with awesome interplay between the musicians.

Two novelty songs, "Bubba Shot the Jukebox" and "Talking to Hank," round out the album. "Bubba..." is written by Dennis Linde, and is pure fun. With it's previously mentioned drum-sound and pseudo-disco strings, this song was custom-made for country radio. "Talking to Hank" is a duet with George Jones, who is both one of Chesnutt's heroes and one of Chesnutt's fans. The appearance of "The Possum" helps to mask the fact that it is actually one of the weakest tunes on the albums (but still quite enjoyable).

This album is a strong compromise between the faithful traditionalism of Chesnutt's first album and the type of music that was then-desired by country radio. Mark Chesnutt's vocals, Mark Wright's production, and the song selection are all superb. While not quite as good as his debut album, Too Cold at Home, Longnecks & Short Stories is a fine country album that fans of both traditional country music and `90s country music would enjoy.

Should have made him a superstar!!!.......2004-05-05

This album had it all, 10 songs that could have all been singles; excellent honky-tonk sound; and awesome cover art. If this were released in 1955, it would have knocked Webb Pierce off his rocker!!!!!

Timeless music. I don't know what else to say. This is one of those cd's that you will be able to sing along with every song!! And who would have ever thought that Mark Chesnutt could cover early period Charlie Rich (Who Will The Next Fool Be) and actually make the song his?

I paid full price for this cd when it was realeased, now you can get it for budget price. You have no excuse not to have this.

MY FAVORITE CHESNUTT.......2003-09-04

Longnecks and Short Stories is Mark Chesnutt's very best. Classic country western sounds by one of the greatest voices in the business.

One of my favorites.......2000-06-28

Mark Chestnutt has always been a true Texan country crooner. Having collected all of his albums, this one stands head and shoulders above the rest.

Aside from the radio hits (Old Country, Bubba Shot the Jukebox ) songs like Talking to Hank and Old Flames Have New Names shows his vocal range. All around, the album maintains the listener's interest. If you like Mark, this is a "must have".

Longnecks and Short Stories
Average customer rating:
Longnecks and Short Stories

Manufacturer: MCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B000GYCQ16

Music Album:

Music Album