Honky Tonk Heroes

Amazon.com
What started out as a chance for Billy Joe Shaver to revisit some of his classic songs ended up as a real Outlaw hootenanny. Recorded over a period of years at Nelson's Pedernales Studio, this Honky Tonk Heroes (now the third record of Shaver songs with that same title) doesn't include the definitive versions of these 10 compositions--those can be found on Waylon's 1973 landmark Honky Tonk Heroes or on the Shaver compilation Honky Tonk Heroes or on singles by any number of country stars who rode Shaver's songs to the charts. Still, these readings have their own unique charms, mostly in the camaraderie and the exuberance of the iconoclastic quartet, not to mention some gritty guitar from Shaver's son (and album coproducer) Eddy. And it's always a treat to hear Willie sing and his guitar Trigger solo over such bedrock American music. If banding with higher-profile friends sheds light on the unjustly unheralded Billy Joe Shaver and his straightforward songwriting genius, then it is a worthy project indeed. --Marc Greilsamer

Honky Tonk Heroes,Various Artists,Free Falls Ent.,Country,Country & Western,Honky Tonk,Pop,Traditional Country

Average customer rating: Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings Husband loves it Waylon at his best? Fantastic studio album. Green Gables

Honky Tonk Heroes Waylon Jennings Manufacturer: Buddha ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dreaming My Dreams Lonesome, On'ry and Mean Wanted! The Outlaws Waylon Live Red Headed Stranger ASIN: B00000J7AQ Release Date: 1999-06-01

Tracks:

1. Honky Tonk Heroes
2. Old Five And Dimers (Like Me)
3. Willy The Wandering Gypsy And Me
4. Low Down Freedom
5. Omaha
6. You Ask Me To
7. Ride Me Down Easy
8. Ain't No God In Mexico
9. Black Rose
10. We Had It All
11. Slow Rollin' Low
12. You Ask Me To (Single Version)

Amazon.com essential recording

According to legend, it was at Willie Nelson's Fourth of July picnic when Waylon Jennings drunkenly promised a nobody named Billy Joe Shaver that he'd record a whole album of his songs. Apparently it wasn't until Shaver threatened physical violence on Jennings (in front of a Nashville studio full of people) that he finally made good on his promise, although Jennings had only recently been granted full artistic control by RCA. The result was a stunning achievement: 1973's Honky Tonk Heroes was the defining record of the anti-Nashville Outlaw movement--the term came after the album--and a cornerstone in country music history. Featuring bare-bones production and plainspoken, hard-nosed lyrics that celebrated personal freedoms and simple pleasures, the record was a far cry from the demure Nashville Sound. In each other, Jennings and Shaver had found a kindred spirit, and together they rewrote the country rulebook. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Honky Tonk Heroes by Waylon Jennings.......2007-01-22

Song for song I think this is one of the best if not the best Waylon CD available. Honky Tonk Heroes is a must own CD for both the serious and the occasional (if there is such a thing) Waylon fan. This CD is vintage Waylon at his very best!

Husband loves it.......2007-01-05

I bought this CD for my husband's birthday and he loves it. I would recommend this to anyone who loves true Country Music.

Waylon at his best?.......2006-05-11

Many reviews will tell you that this album, "Honky Tonk Heroes" is Waylon at his best. Well I slightly disagree. Although this album, along with "Dreamin' my dreams" are indeed Waylon at the top of his game, this is second place next to the latter. This one is kind of folksy and lacks the punch that I am used to hearing from Waylon. Even the first song, "Honky Tonk Heroes" is not the same from the very improved studio version found in RCA's greatest hits version. This album will grow on you and you will appreciate the subtle aspects that other reviews speak of, so dont hesitate to buy it. But, "Dreamin my Dreams", now that is really the Waylon I know and love.

Fantastic studio album. .......2005-11-21

Billy Joe Shaver songs sung by Jennings, there is no better combination.

Green Gables.......2005-09-28

We reciecved an 8-track tape player and two tapes for X-mas in 1973. We owned & operrated our own 18-wheeler. It's a long way from Lubbock to Brownsville, TX with only 2 tapes (700+ miles, one way) and we thought we were in hog heaven, havin' music on board. One tape was Honkytonk Heroes and the other, Red Rose Speedway. Both have extremely fond memories, but. As we drove down Sunset Blvd. in Brownsville listening to Waylon singing about Green Gables, a glance to the right side of the road revealed Green Gables in all it's glory.

Average customer rating: Country Hits and Misses HOT!! Classic soundtrack to an idealized 50s honky-tonk Half is ok, half is fantastic Start here without hesitation.

Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 2: Honky Tonk Heroes Various Artists Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Country General | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Oldies | Pop | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 1: The Golden Age Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 4: Nashville Sound Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 3: Americana Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 5: A New Tradition Pure Country Classics: The #1 Hits ASIN: B000002720 Release Date: 1990-12-29

Tracks:

1. Brain Cloudy Blues - Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
2. Slipping Around - Floyd Tillman
3. This Cold War With You - Floyd Tillman
4. (Remember Me) I'm The One Who Loves You - Stuart Hamblen
5. I Love You So Much It Hurts - Floyd Tillman
6. Room Full Of Roses - George Morgan
7. I Overlooked An Orchid - Carl Smith
8. Country Boy - 'Little' Jimmy Dickens
9. Take An Old Cold 'Tater (And Wait) - 'Little' Jimmy Dickens
10. Let Old Mother Nature Have Her Way - Carl Smith
11. A-Sleepin' At The Foot Of The Bed - 'Little' Jimmy Dickens
12. If You've Got The Money I've Got The Time - Lefty Frizzell
13. I Love You A Thousand Ways - Lefty Frizzell
14. I Couldn't Keep From Crying - Marty Robbins
15. Always Late (With Your Kisses) - Lefty Frizzell
16. Hey Joe! - Carl Smith
17. Honky Tonk Man - Johnny Horton
18. Crazy Arms - Ray Price
19. Knee Deep In The Blues - Marty Robbins
20. Invitation To The Blues - Ray Price
21. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down - Charlie Walker
22. Heartaches By The Number - Ray Price
23. Why I'm Walkin' - Stonewall Jackson
24. Who Will Buy The Wine - Charlie Walker
25. Honky Tonkitis - Carl Butler
26. Heart Over Mind - Ray Price
27. Don't Let Me Cross Over - Carl Butler

Customer Reviews:

Country Hits and Misses.......2007-05-30

I ordered this CD for the Floyd Tillman tracks, which are almost impossible to find elsewhere. The rest of the mix is spotty at best, with some tracks bordering on mere filler.

HOT!!.......2003-01-09

As fine a compilation of serious pre-nashville glitz honky tonk as you'll find. REally a great disc.

Classic soundtrack to an idealized 50s honky-tonk.......2000-04-04

I've had this disc for a few weeks now, and I finally figured out what it sounds like: a jukebox at some idealized 50's honky tonk. Columbia has gone back to the vaults to pull out a wealth of country honky tonk material, *27* tracks, clocking in at an incredible *73+* minutes! The recordings range from the mid 40's through the early 60's. The sound is really quite impressive throughout.

Artists include Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys on a mid-40's blues, Floyd Tillman, "Little" Jimmy Dickens, Lefty Frizell, Marty Robbins, Carl Smith, Johnny Horton (forever wiping out the sound of "North to Alaska" and "The Battle of New Orleans" by ripping it up in an almost rockabilly style on "Honky Tonk Man"), Ray Price (with great versions of "Heartaches by the Numbers", and "Crazy Arms"), and more.

Lots of fiddle and peddle steel round out the package. A great buy.

Half is ok, half is fantastic.......1999-10-01

The first half is weak, but the second half (starting with "Hey Joe") makes up for it. It's a chronological presentation. A good sampler. Every song from then on is FANTASTIC!

Start here without hesitation........1999-04-17

These artists had all the technology they needed. Just listen to this stuff! Ones who can deliver a honky tonk song like this are not in such desperate need of digital assistance! A good intro to real country songs by real country singers and musicians.

Average customer rating: Poor examples of Billy Joe's recordings Don't buy this A marvelous treasure of otherwise unfindable material!

Honky Tonk Heroes Billy Joe Shaver Manufacturer: Bear Family ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Restless Wind: The Legendary Billy Joe Shaver: 1973-1987 I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal...But I'm Gonna Be A Diamond Someday Old Five and Dimers Like Me Tramp on Your Street Salt of the Earth ASIN: B000001B2E Release Date: 1994-07-15

Tracks:

1. Texas Uphere Tennessee
2. The Good Lord Knows I Tried
3. Ride Me Down Easy
4. When I Get My Wings
5. Ain't No God In Mexico
6. Love You Till The Cows Come Home
7. Woman Is The Wonder Of The World
8. When The Word Was Thunderbird
9. America You Are My Woman
10. A Restless Wind
11. Evergreen
12. Billy B. Damned
13. We Stayed Too Long At The Fair
14. Honky Tonk Heroes
15. I'm Going Crazy In 3/4 Time
16. Gypsy Boy
17. Chicken On The Ground
18. Everything, Everywhere's
19. Slow Rollin' Low
20. Silver Wings Of Time
21. The Believer
22. You Ask Me To
23. Lately I've Been Leaning Towards The Blues
24. I Couldn't Be Me Without You
25. Music City U.S.A.

Customer Reviews:

Poor examples of Billy Joe's recordings.......2005-10-17

I discovered Billy Joe Shaver back in the 80's and I've loved him ever since. His early recordings are classic and his current recordings maintain a consistently high quality. He is the original "Honky Tonk Hero", a Texas legend and rightly praised as one of the finest folk poets of the 20th Century.

Yeah, he is that good.

That said, these recordings should never have been resurrected. They were made for Capricorn Records in the 80's just before the company went belly up. This CD comprises the two albums Billy Joe recorded for the company plus both sides of a single and one unreleased recording. In the first album, he takes on the persona of the 80's sensitive singer/songwriter (it doesn't fit and it shows). He sounds as if he is dozing off while recording the album. On the second album, his performances are better but the recording is torpedoed by Billy Joe singing songs by other people. How ridiculous that sounds today! The songs from the single, "Lately I've Been Leaning Toward the Blues" and "I Couldn't Be Me Without You", are a notch or two above the two albums. The unreleased recording "Music City USA" is on a par with the songs from the single.

This is an embarassing CD. It would have been better if these recordings were never unearthed. As historical document, perhaps they are worthwhile to the completist. For me, the only interesting thing about the CD, other than the three songs at the end, was the booklet. It has a couple of photographs of Billy Joe with his then 12-year old son Eddie, who played guitar on some of the songs recorded. At 12, Eddie looked like a miniature version of himself as he looked in his 30's--black jacket, long hair and a permanent pout.

Don't buy this.......2001-12-21

Buy his "Old Five and Dimers" album. It is so great. Real songs sung from the heart. Old Five and Dimers (is great).
This album, on the other hand, is watered down. Someone said to him, "Hey Billy Joe, we can sell a lot of your albums if we clean up your sound and make you sound (weak)." And Billy Joe said, "Where do I sign?"

A marvelous treasure of otherwise unfindable material!.......1998-07-15

I was cautious ordering this CD, as I had no idea what it would contain. It turned out to be a wonderful find - containing the previously out-of-print Shaver records for Capricorn, WHEN I GET MY WINGS (1976) and GYPSY BOY (1977), in their enirety as well as both sides of Billy's 1974 MGM single and a previously unreleased "Music City U.S.A."

As Tom T. Hall said, "Billy Joe is to love or hate," and I assume you wouldn't be reading this if you weren't already a fan. This is an excellent recording with 25 tracks, superb liner notes, and original cover art and lyrics.

In two words, absolutely indispensable.

Average customer rating: A real treasure! A real treasure!

Heroes of Country Music, Vol. 1: Legends of Western Swing Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Country | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1940-1949 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1930-1939 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music ASIN: B0000033SS Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

1. Sunbonnet Sue - Fort Worth Doughboys
2. Taking Off - Milton Bown & His Bownies
3. Eveybody's Truckin' - Modern Moutaineers
4. Pussy, Pussy, Pussy - Light Crust Doughboys
5. When You're Smiling (The Whole World Smiles With.. - Cliff Bruner's Texas Wanders
6. Won't You Ride In My Little Red Wagon - Hank Penny & His Radio Cowboys
7. Milk Cow Blues - Johnnie Lee Willis & His Boys
8. Tulsa Twist - Dickie McBride & The Village Boys
9. Southern Belle (From Nashville, Tennessee) - Curly Williams & His Georgia Peach Pickers
10. Faded Love - Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys
11. Boggs Boogie - Spade Cooley (King Of Western Swing) & His Band
12. Artistry In Western Swing - Tex Williams & His Western Caravan
13. My Bank Account Is Gone - Jesse Ashlock
14. Pan Handle Rag - Leon McAuliffe & His Western Swing Band
15. It's All Your Fault - Wade Ray
16. Steelin' Home - Noel Boggs & His Day Sleepers
17. Troubles (Those Lonesome Kind) - Billy Jack Wills & HIs Western Swing Band
18. Woodchopper's Ball - Hank Tompson

Amazon.com

For anyone interested in discovering the powder-keg musical melange known as Western swing, this 18-song compilation serves as a wonderful primer. All of the genre's major figures are represented, and the package offers detailed notes about the gestation of Western swing and about all of the artists included. However, there is also much for longtime fans to savor here, thanks to a well-chosen program that includes many out-of-print classics and songs from lesser-known talents. In addition, it's interesting to note how many of the same vital yet unheralded musicians keep popping up across bands and years. What comes across clearly is a musical style that balances instrumental virtuosity, pop sensibility, and carefree hilarity like no other. The collection also shows the dramatic range of possibilities the genre offers: everything from pared-down quartets to sprawling orchestras, from pop ditties to gritty blues to modern-edged jazz, from tight arrangements to wheeling improvisation. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

A real treasure!.......1999-07-08

This collection will be a welcome addition to any country or American music lovers shelf. It offers recordings representative of numerous styles of Western Swing ranging from the familiar (Faded Love) to the rarely heard (Everybody's Truckin'). This ones a joy!

A real treasure!.......1999-07-08

This collection will be a welcome addition to any country or American music lovers shelf. It offers recordings representative of numerous styles of Western Swing ranging from the familiar (Faded Love) to the rarely heard (Everybody's Truckin'). This ones a joy!

Average customer rating: The best of "Honky Tonk" Honky Tonk Heroes Lineup all wrong.

Classic Country: Honky Tonk Heroes Hank Williams , Hank Thompson , and Johnny Horton Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Pure Country Classics: The #1 Hits Classic Country: Hard to Find Hits Classic Country: Great Duets Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 2: Honky Tonk Heroes Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 3: Americana ASIN: B0002SPPLY Release Date: 2004-09-28

Tracks:

1. Your Cheatin' Heart - Hank Williams
2. Always Late (With Your Kisses) - Lefty Frizzell
3. Singing The Blues - Marty Robbins
4. Folsom Prison Blues - Johnny Cash
5. Why Baby Why - George Jones
6. The Wild Side Of Life - Hank Thompson And His Brazos Valley Boys
7. I Can't Stop Loving You - Don Gibson
8. Crazy Arms - Ray Price
9. Life To Go - Stonewall Jackson
10. Honky Tonk Man - Johnny Horton
11. There Stands The Glass - Webb Pierce
12. Walking The Floor Over You - Ernest Tubb
13. If You've Got The Money, I've Got The Time - Willie Nelson
14. Pop A Top - Jim Ed Brown
15. Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life - Moe Bandy
16. Misery Loves Company - Porter Wagoner
17. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down - Charlie Walker
18. Charlie's Shoes - Billy Walker
19. Together Again - Buck Owens
20. Wasted Days And Wasted Nights - Freddy Fender

Customer Reviews:

The best of "Honky Tonk".......2006-12-27

"Classic Country: Honky Tonk Heroes" is a 2-cd set from Time Life Music. I really appreciate the huge "Classic Country" collection of cds which this is a part. It is really hard to find the great old country music songs. Honky Tonk is definitely a special niche within country music, sad songs about guys who spend way to much time in barrooms. The artists on this set are true greats: Hank Williams Sr., Webb Pierce, Red Foley, Buck Owens, Conway Twitty, and many others. Some of these songs will be familiar old favorites to fans of "Country Gold Saturday Night", such as "Crazy Arms" by Ray Price, "I Can't Stop Loving You" by Don Gibson, and "Wasted Days and Wasted Nights" by Freddy Fender. My husband, born during the Great Depression in a family of Okies and Arkies, absolutely loves these sad cheatin' songs, and even I got a kick out of hearing the original "Honky Tonk Man" by Johnny Horton which was remade by my favorite, Dwight Youkum.

Honky Tonk Heroes.......2005-08-31

I loved this album! It has so many good songs and artists - just wish that I could find the other volumes.

Lineup all wrong........2005-07-26

I tried to listen to samples of the songs and you have them all wrong. I click on one song and get another from on the list. What gives anyway?

Average customer rating: Waylon shows his independence THE BEST COUNTRY ALBUM EVER It Don't Get No Better Than This Classic x 2

Honky Tonk Heroes/Lonesome On'ry and Mean Waylon Jennings Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ramblin' Man/This Time/Dreaming My Dreams ASIN: B00001ZUDN Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

1. Lonesome Onry And Mean
2. Freedom To Stay
3. Lay It Down
4. Gone To Denver
5. Good Time Charlies Got The Blues
6. You Can Have Her
7. Pretend I Never Happened
8. San Francisco Mabel Joy
9. Sandy Sends Her Best
10. Me And Bobby McGee
11. Honky Tonk Heroes
12. Old Five And Dimers (Like Me)
13. Willy The Wandering Gypsy And Me
14. Low Down Freedom
15. Omaha
16. You Ask Me To
17. Ride Me Down Easy
18. Aint No God In Mexico
19. Black Rose
20. We Had It All
21. Slow Rollin Low (Bonus Track)
22. You Ask Me To (Single Version) (Bonus Track)

Album Description

Full title - Lonesome, On'ry & Mean/Honky Tonk Heroes. BMG. 1999.

Album Details

Two on One CD Pairs Two of his Outlaw Period Classics. Also Includes Two Bonus Tracks!

Customer Reviews:

Waylon shows his independence.......2004-05-26

After years of doing things RCA's way with mixed results, Waylon secured a new contract with the same label that allowed him much more independence. The two albums that make up this twofer were the first two albums recorded under this contract.

Lonesome on'ry and me, the first album, is often overlooked because of the brilliance of Honky tonk heroes, the second album here, but has much to commend it although it contains mainly covers. These include Me and Bobby McGee (a Kris Kristofferson song that has become a country standard and has also been covered by rockers such as Janis Joplin), Good time Charlie's got the blues (a Danny O'Keefe song that has also been covered by Elvis Presley, Conway Twitty, Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam among others), San Francisco Mabel Joy (a Mickey Newbury song that has also been covered by Kenny Rogers, Joan Baez, John Denver and David Allan Coe), Pretend I never happened (Willie Nelson), You can have her (originally an American top ten pop hit for Roy Hamilton). Johnny Cash co-wrote Gone in Denver but although I am a huge Johnny Cash fan, I cannot trace a recording by the man in black. Two singles (Pretend I never happened, You can have her) made the country top ten.

Many regard Honky tonk heroes as Waylon's best album of his entire career. I'm not sure about that but it's certainly a contender. Billy Joe Shaver wrote seven of the songs and co-wrote two others. The only song he didn't have a hand in writing is We had it all, which has also been recorded by several others including Dobie Gray, Tina Turner, Dolly Parton and Conway Twitty. It was released as a single but barely made the country top thirty. You asked me to, the only other single from the album, made the country top ten. Surprisingly, the title track was never released as a single. Even more curiously, this album did less well than its predecessor as a new release - however, I'm sure that subsequent sales have reversed that situation.

This twofer includes two bonus tracks - Slow rolling low (another Billy Joe Shaver song) and the single version of You asked me to.

In America, these two albums have both been released separately. Whether you buy the two separately or paired on this British twofer, Lonesome on'ry and mean is highly desirable albums for Waylon fans while Honky tonk heroes is essential.

THE BEST COUNTRY ALBUM EVER.......2001-10-20

THIS IS BEST COUNTRY ALBUM EVER...THIS IS REAL COUNTRY,NOT THAT GARTH BROOKS junk...I AM 29 YEARS OLD AND I QUIT LISTENIN' TO COUNTRY MUSIC THEY PLAY ON THE RADIO NOW YEARS AGO....I HAVE BEEN A WAYLON FAN ALL OF MY LIFE AND HE IS THE BEST COUNTRY SINGER EVER...YOU CAN LISTEN TO THIS CD FROM BEINNING TO END BECAUSE IT HAS NO FILLER MATERIAL.....THANKS TO AMAZON.COM FOR OFFERIN' THIS HARD TO FIND CD FOR SALE

It Don't Get No Better Than This.......2001-08-14

This is my favorite country album of all time! This is what it's all about -- when country singers were real outlaws. Listen to this album and you know Waylon has lived it. I didn't know that Lonesome On'ry and Mean was available on CD. I have the record. It's definitely worth $.... Too bad Nashville sold out and releases a bunch of garbage these days. Sorry Faith Hill and Tim McGraw - you can't touch this.

Classic x 2.......2001-03-02

It's a shame Lonesome, On'ry and Mean has not been released in the U.S as of yet. Luckily, this classic album is available in CD format by import coupled with yet another classic, Honky Tonk Heroes, including bonus tracks. Here is Waylon in his prime, singing from the depths of his soul and blazing a path for many of the artists today. No "filler" tracks like the pop country albums as of recent. A must have for all current Waylon fans and all that will be.

Average customer rating: Fun and well-chosen tracks If I had a jukebox...

Heroes of Country Music, Vol. 2: Legends of Honky Tonk Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1940-1949 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Heroes of Country Music, Vol. 3: Legends of Nashville Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 2: Honky Tonk Heroes Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 1: The Golden Age Continuum ASIN: B0000033ST Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

1. Honky Tonk Blues - Al Dexter
2. The Last Letters - Rex Griffin
3. It Makes No Difference Now - Cliff Bruner's Texas Wanderers
4. Walking The Floor Over You - Ernest Tubb
5. Born To Lose - Ted Daffan's Texans
6. Drivin' Nails In My Coffin - Floyd Tillman
7. Honky Tonkin' - Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys
8. Tennessee Saturday Night - Red Foley With The Cumberland Valley Boys
9. I Love You Because - Leon Payne
10. Sick, Sober And Sorry - Johnny Bond
11. The Wild Side Of Life - Hank Thompson & His Brazos Valley Boys
12. Baby I'm Ready - The Tunesmiths
13. Car Hoppin' Mama - Hawkshaw Hawkins
14. Juke Joint Johnny - Red Sovine
15. Just Can't Live That Fast (Any More) - Lefty Frizzell
16. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down - Charlie Walker
17. A Girl I Used To Know - George Jones & The Jones Boys
18. Pop A Top - Jim Edward Brown

Customer Reviews:

Fun and well-chosen tracks.......2004-04-08

A fun, unique sampler of the greats. A chronological progression from 1937 - '67, with classic instrumentation and surprises like Carl Smith on "Baby I'm Ready" and Chet Atkins on "Car Hoppin' Mama". Interesting liner notes, too.

If I had a jukebox..........2001-03-13

...this would be the first platter I'd put on it. While this is playing, you can close your eyes and almost feel the honky tonk hardwood floor vibrating with the music and the dancers. The "Honky Tonk Heroes" CD over on Columbia is real nice, but not as fine as this: You got your Hank Williams Sr., your early George Jones, your "Wild Side of Life" from Hank Thompson and your Lefty Frizzell. I guess the only thing missing would be a classic from Patsy Cline but I guess you can't have everything or else life, like this CD,would be five stars.

Can't hardly go wrong with those, but then you've also got your Leon Payne (the Blind Balladeer)and horny Al Dexter (going nuts for that gal with "her skirts up to her knee"). Did you know that the Al Dexter cut was done in the same sessions as Robert Johnson's recordings of "Cross Road Blues" and other blues classics?

Highly recommended, along with the aforementioned "Honky Tonk Heroes" CD.

Average customer rating: What A Great CD A Terrific CD! Not worth it Fans of these performers will enjoy this. Pretty good overall

Honky Tonk Heroes Various Artists Manufacturer: Free Falls Ent. ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Traditional Country | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Honky Tonk Heroes Outlaw Country - Live From Austin Tx (Dig) This Old Road ASIN: B00004LMAS Release Date: 2000-02-15

Tracks:

1. Honky Tonk Heroes (Like Me)
2. Willie The Wandering Gypsy And Me
3. I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal
4. Ain't No God In Mexico
5. You Asked Me To
6. Oklahoma Wind
7. I Couldn't Be Me Without You
8. Tramp On Your Street
9. Easy Come Easy Go (Aka: Ride Me Down Easy)
10. We Are The Cowboys

Amazon.com

What started out as a chance for Billy Joe Shaver to revisit some of his classic songs ended up as a real Outlaw hootenanny. Recorded over a period of years at Nelson's Pedernales Studio, this Honky Tonk Heroes (now the third record of Shaver songs with that same title) doesn't include the definitive versions of these 10 compositions--those can be found on Waylon's 1973 landmark Honky Tonk Heroes or on the Shaver compilation Honky Tonk Heroes or on singles by any number of country stars who rode Shaver's songs to the charts. Still, these readings have their own unique charms, mostly in the camaraderie and the exuberance of the iconoclastic quartet, not to mention some gritty guitar from Shaver's son (and album coproducer) Eddy. And it's always a treat to hear Willie sing and his guitar Trigger solo over such bedrock American music. If banding with higher-profile friends sheds light on the unjustly unheralded Billy Joe Shaver and his straightforward songwriting genius, then it is a worthy project indeed. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

What A Great CD.......2004-01-03

This is just a great CD. Most of these songs were already classics long before this CD came out, but what great versions. I especially like Willie's take on "I'm Just An Old Chunk of Coal."

A few of these songs I hadn't heard before. "Oklahoma Wind" is a stark song about the wickedness and injustice in the world. "We Are The Cowboys" is a more hopeful song about solving all the world's problems.

If you like country music and you don't have this CD, you're just punishing yourself. Why make yourself miserable? Go and get this CD!

A Terrific CD!.......2001-12-23

I have to disagree with those who found this CD lacking. I think it's a blast to listen to, from first track to last. It has quickly become a standard item in my car's CD changer. Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson are, obviously, two first-rate, gold-plated country stars...Billy Joe Shaver is absolutely fantastic in both singing and songwriting...and I gotta say I dig Kris Kristofferson's froggy voice. If I could, I'd give this CD more than just 5 stars!!!

Not worth it.......2000-06-21

This is such a disappointment! I eagerly await new material from Billy Joe Shaver, and so jumped all over this without listening to the clips. My mistake! This CD lacks energy--occassionally lacks listenability. I'll bet they had great fun making the record, but it sure doesn't show. Shaver captures a Texas state of mind, live and usually on CD--check out "Highway of Life" for the real Shaver, or even "Victory." This is, sadly, weighted down with sloppy vocals and uninteresting interpretations and not worth the trouble.

Fans of these performers will enjoy this........2000-05-03

Willie Nelson,Waylon Jennings,Kris Kristofferson, no Johnny Cash but in his stead Billy Joe Shaver,of whom I had known very little, and his compositions.Could work as a fourth "Highwayman" album and with justification. The opening track"Honky Tonk Heroes" does not disappoint although I preferred the original "Outlaws" version. I disagree with the reviewer who thought Kris Kristofferson,s voice had gone I enjoy his distinctive gritty, earthy vocals....as do the individuality of all the "Heroes"and especiallyWillie Nelsons rendition of "I,m Just An Old Lump Of Coal" which was just superb and top drawer Nelson as was the "Heroes" version of "Willie The Wandering Gypsy And Me " For me the entire album is enjoyable,the beginning to the epic "Oklahoma Wind" ; the romantic yet humourous "I Could,nt Be Me Without You " to the finale of "We Are The Cowboys" which would definately not have been out of place on any " Highwaymen "set from start to finish. Fans of any of these performers will know what they expect and like me I,m sure thet will not be disappointed,not a bad track and a few that could compare with most.

Pretty good overall.......2000-03-11

First of all...if you do not have Waylon's 1973 "Honkytonk Heroes" CD...go get it before you buy this. This CD is fine - and at points it is really very good. But I think it would have worked better as a Waylon & Billy Joe album or a Willie & Billy Joe album...Kris Kristoferson voice is just gone. Many of the songs are rolling along fine, until you hear Kristoferson's mumbled and garbled singing. He was never a crooner, but his voice has not aged well to boot. On the other hand, Willie, Waylon, and Billy Joe all sound great.

I don't think these are the best versions of these songs, but it is worth a listen and certainly better than much of what is created in country music today.

Average customer rating:

The Taker/Tulsa/Honky Tonk Heroes Waylon Jennings Manufacturer: Mobile Fidelity ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000008H16 Release Date: 1990-06-14

Average customer rating:

Heroes of Country Music, Vol. 3: Legends of Nashville Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Nashville Sound | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music 1940-1949 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Legends of the West Coast ASIN: B0000033SU Release Date: 1996-06-18

Tracks:

1. Hillbilly Fever - 'Little' Jimmy Dickens
2. It's Been So Long Darling - Earnest Tubb
3. Bouquet Of Roses - Eddy Arnold, The Tennessee Plowboys
4. Tennessee Waltz - Pee Wee King & His Golden West Cowboys
5. Lovesick Blues - Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys
6. Room Full Of Roses - George Morgan
7. Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy - Red Foley
8. Wondering - Webb Pierce
9. No Help Wanted - The Carlisles
10. Indian Love Call - Slim Whitman
11. Goodnight Irene - Red Foley & Ernest Tubb With The Sunshine Trio
12. It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels - Kitty Wells
13. If You Ain't Lovin' (You Ain't Livin') - Faron Young
14. I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby - The Louvin Brothers
15. Crazy Arms - Ray Price
16. Young Love - Sonny James, The Southern Gentleman
17. Singing The Blues - Marty Robbins
18. Walkin' After Midnight - Patsy Cline

Music Album:

1. I'll Be Seeing You [Enhanced] [Import]
2. If That Ain't Country
3. Interiors [Content/Copy-Protected CD] [Original recording remastered]
4. Jam
5. Jewel of the South
6. King of the Railroad-21 Country Tracks [Import]
7. Large As Life & Twice As Natural [Import] [Original recording remastered]
8. Let Er Buck: 25 Authentic Cowboy Songs [Import]
9. Live [Import] [Live]
10. Lone Star Rag: 1937-1949, Vol. 2 [Import]

Music Album