I've Always Been Country [Import]

Product Description:
Subtitled - The Sun Hillbilly Sessions. 33 track compilation gathering together for the first time the best of the country/hillbilly sides that the rock 'n' roll legend recorded for the famed Sun label in the 1950s. Only a selection of these were released before he started releasing rock 'n' roll records & remained in the vaults until the late 60s when five of these singles charted between 1969 & 1971 (all included here with their b-sides). 33 tracks.

I've Always Been Country,Jerry Lee Lewis,Westside UK,Country,Country/Bluegrass,Oldies,Pop

Average customer rating: Vintage Waylon My favorite Waylon album Back when music was worth listening too... Waylon's Finest Album

I've Always Been Crazy Waylon Jennings Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Lonesome, On'ry and Mean Are You Ready for the Country The Ramblin' Man Dreaming My Dreams This Time ASIN: B0002JP59A Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. I've Always Been Crazy
2. Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand
3. Billy
4. A Long Time Ago
5. As The 'Billy World Turns
6. Medley Of Buddy Holly Hits: Well All Right - It's So Easy - Maybe Baby - Peggy Sue - Waylon & The Crickets
7. I Walk The Line - Waylon & The Crickets
8. Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down
9. Girl I Can Tell (You're Trying To Work It Out)
10. Whistlers And Jugglers

Customer Reviews:

Vintage Waylon .......2005-11-12

We had this on 8 track tape in the mid 70's. It was the first Waylon music I listened to and led to a couple decades of following his music and concerts. There are several good songs but Billy was my favorite. A couple friends sharing life and moving on . I could relate to it. I recommend it for Waylon fans.

My favorite Waylon album.......2005-03-22

"Eat your heart out Haggerd" thunders Ol Waylon and you know you're Rockin' now. "I don't think the damn things going to rhyme" confides Ol Waylon and you don't give a damn cause its classic stuff!

Back when music was worth listening too..........2005-01-26

"Be careful of something that's just what you want it to be," Waylon sings on the opening song. A little later: "Women have been my trouble since I found out they weren't men." These two quotes summarize this legendary album: perfection and suspicion, love and heartbreak. This is a mostly autobiographical album about an outlaw who made music the way he--and his fans--wanted it made.

I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CRAZY is pure Waylon Jennings--there's not much I can say beyond that. He wrote or cowrote most of the tunes, the highlites being the title track, "A Long Time Ago" (definitely an autobiographical number, written with Shel Silverstein), the slap-stick, Roger Miller-esque "As the 'Billy World Turns", and the growled "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out of Hand." But his choice of covers is impeccable. Tony Joe White's "Billy" is haunting and picturesque, delivered in a way that will entrance you. He covers several Buddy Holly hits in a worthy tribute to his departed comrade, and turns Cash's "I Walk the Line" into a mellow, bluesy ballad (it takes guts to do that; it takes skill to pull it off). Merle Haggard's "The Bottle Let Me Down" is revamped (with original steel picker Ralph Mooney sitting in). The album ends on master-songwriter Shel Silverstein's "Whistlers and Jugglers."

This is a legendary album. Waylon Jennings, to this day, remains unchallenged as one of the greatest performers of all time. I'VE ALWAYS BEEN CRAZY is the story of this man's life, more or less...with blasting steel, driving drums, and a voice that will make you forget every other singer you ever heard. It don't get much better than this. Ah, heck, I'll go ahead and say it--you'd have to be crazy to pass this one up.

Waylon's Finest Album.......2004-08-17

"I don't look the way the average cowboy singer looks," Waylon sings at the start of "A Long Time Ago", and that surely was true. He didn't sound the way your average country singer sounded, either, and for that we can all be forever grateful. In 1980, when I was 12 years old, I ordered his "I've Always Been Crazy" album on LP. That album was accidentally destroyed a few years ago, but now RCA has re-issued the set on CD for the first time. I bought mine today, and wow, if anything it's even better than I remember. Great songwriting and singing, a couple of humorous songs, a couple ballads, and most of all that great Waylon DRIVE. His cover of "Tonight the Bottle Let me Down" flies out of the speakers at about Mach 8, and even eclipses Haggard's original, in my opinion. If you like Waylon, get this CD. I think it's the finest album he ever recorded. Heck, it might just be the best country album EVER recorded. VERY HIGHLY RECCOMMENDED!!

Average customer rating: Great! Good stuff! ok, but could have been better" great songs, great performances, but overproduced Fabulous Tribute

I've Always Been Crazy: A Tribute to Waylon Jennings Various Artists Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music New Traditionalist | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Country Folk | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Lonesome, On'ry And Mean: A Tribute to Waylon Jennings Sharp Dressed Men: Tribute to ZZ Top Kindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash The Songs Of Hank Williams Jr. (A Bocephus Celebration) Dressed in Black - A Tribute to Johnny Cash ASIN: B0000AQRZY Release Date: 2003-08-19

Tracks:

1. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way - John Mellencamp
2. Lonesome, On'ry and Mean - Travis Tritt
3. Luckenbach, Texas (Back To The Basics Of Love) - Kenny Chesney with Kid Rock
4. Stop The World [And Let Me Off] - Dwight Yoakam
5. Storms Never Last - Jessi Colter
6. Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line - Hank Williams, Jr.
7. Are You Ready For The Country - Pinmonkey
8. Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys - Deana Carter and Sara Evans
9. Waymore's Blues - Ben Harper
10. You Asked Me To - Alison Krauss
11. This Time - Andy Griggs
12. I've Always Been Crazy - Stargunn (son, Shooter Jennings' band)
13. I Ain't Living Long Like This - Brooks & Dunn
14. Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand - James Hetfield (Metallica)
15. The Dream - Waylon Jennings

Customer Reviews:

Great!.......2005-06-20

I've Always Been Crazy is really a great tribute to Waylon Jennings. one of the best CW singers ever.

It is worth it just to hear 'Lonesome, On'ry and Mean' by the legendary Travis Tritt.

Good stuff!.......2005-02-10

Overall, it's a great album. Some of the songs are done much the way they were by Waylon himself, and some have a very modern spin put on them. I appreciated the artist's interpretations and especially loved Kenny Chesney/Kid Rock's version of "Luckenbach, Texas" and the girls singling "mamas". A few of the songs don't even sound like the orig. and definitely don't sound country...so if that bugs you, you may not want to buy this album.

ok, but could have been better".......2005-01-27

this tribute album is ok, there is some good tunes on here, but nothing as good as it need'ed to be after all waylon is the king of the outlaws' its a' should've could've kinda thing if you know what i mean? but i really do like travis tritt's version of lonesome onry and mean. he is alot like waylon was. the outlaw son of waylon so to speak. and then there is other great songs on here too. but that one stands out in my mind. yes the other tribute album is much better. man its time another one comes out, but hopefuly this time they will all do the songs they want to. a waylon fan.

great songs, great performances, but overproduced.......2004-10-25

waylon jennings wrote great songs and the performances on this tribute album all seem heartfelt and energetic. in particular, i liked the performances by ben harper, hank williams jr., and john mellencamp. If you like waylon jennings you should like most of this album. unfortunately, many of the recordings are way too nashville-slick (see travis tritt...) and this diminishes them and will be annoying to many waylon fans.

Fabulous Tribute.......2004-02-12

That pretty much sums it up! It is wonderful. Stargunn is awesome. I'd never heard of them before this tribute album to Waylon, but they are terrific. Alison Krauss (You Asked Me To) is incredible, as always. Dwight Yoakam (Stop the World) has a lot of heart - just as Lukenback, Texas (Kenny Chesney and Kid Rock)! A must have for your Waylon Collection! (The Dream by Waylon is beautiful)! Must Check this Album Out!!!

Average customer rating: Moved to tears Nonesuch delivers.Again harmonia in excelsis Our greatest living composer Wonderful CD

The John Adams Earbox: A 10-CD Retrospective Manufacturer: Nonesuch ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Adams | Adams, John | ( A ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Ives, Charles | ( I ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Ives, Charles | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Sacred & Religious | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music San Francisco Symphony Orchestra | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Minimal Techno | Techno | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Steve Reich 1965-1995 Naive & Sentimental Music John Adams: The Dharma at Big Sur/My Father Knew Charles Ives 25 Years: Retrospective Century Rolls ASIN: B00001SID1 Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

1. Lollapalooza
2. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Judah To Ocean
3. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Toot Nipple
4. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Dogjam
5. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Pavane: She's So Fine
6. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Rag The Bone
7. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Habanera
8. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Stubble Crotchet
9. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Hammer & Chisel
10. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Alligator Escalator
11. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Standchen: The Little Serenade
12. John's Book Of Alleged Dances: Judah To Ocean (Reprise)
13. Slonimsky's Earbox

Tracks:

1. Two Fanfares For Orchestra - Tromba Lontana
2. Two Fanfares For Orchestra - Short Ride In A Fast Machine
3. Common Tones In Simple Time
4. El Dorado - Part I. A Dream Of Gold
5. El Dorado - Part II. Soledades

Tracks:

1. Harmonielehre - Part I
2. Harmonielehre - Part II The Anfortas Wound
3. Harmonielehre - Part III Meister Eckhardt And Quackie
4. Violin Concerto - Part I
5. Violin Concerto - Part II Chaconne:
6. Violin Concerto - Part III Toccare

Tracks:

1. Chamber Sympony - Mongel Airs
2. Chamber Sympony - Aria With Walking Bass
3. Chamber Sympony
4. Hoodo Zephyr - Tundra
5. Hoodo Zephyr - Dissappointment Lake
6. Hoodo Zephyr - Hoodo Zephyr
7. Gnarly Buttons - The Perilous Shore
8. Gnarly Buttons - Hoe-Down (Mad Cow)
9. Gnarly Buttons - Put Your Loving Arms Around Me

Tracks:

1. Ensemble - I Was Looking At The Ceiling And Then I Saw The Sky
2. A Sermon On Romance
3. Consuelo's Dream
4. Mike's Song About Arresting A Particular Individual
5. Tiffany's Solo
6. Song About The On-Site Altercation
7. Song About The Bad Boys And The News
8. Your Honor My Client He's A Young Black Man
9. Leila's Song; Alone (Again Or At Last)
10. Three Weeks And Still I'm Outta My Mind
11. Crushed By The Rock I Been Standing On
12. Dewain's Song Of Liberation And Surprise
13. !Este Pais! / This Country
14. One Last Look At The Angel In Your Eyes
15. Finale

Tracks:

1. Lollapalooza
2. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Judah To Ocean
3. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Toot Nipple
4. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Dogjam
5. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Pavane: She's So Fine
6. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Rag The Bone
7. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Habenera
8. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Stubble Crotchet
9. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Hammer & Chisel
10. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Alligator Escalator
11. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Standchen: The Little Serenade
12. John's Book Of Alleged Dances - Judah To Ocean (Reprise)
13. Slonimsky's Earbox

Tracks:

1. Harmonium - Negative Love
2. Harmonium - Becuase I Could Not Stop For Death
3. Harmonium - Wild Nights
4. Shaker Loops - Shaking and Trambling
5. Shaker Loops - Hymning Slews
6. Shaker Loops - Loops and Verses
7. Shaker Loops - A Final Shaking

Tracks:

1. The Chairman Dances - Foxtrot For Orchestra
2. Grand Pianola Music - First Movement
3. Grand Pianola Music - Second Movement
4. Grand Pianola Music - Third Movement: On The Dominant Divide
5. Fearful Symmetries

Tracks:

1. Nixon In China - Opening
2. Nixon In China -
3. Nixon In China -
4. Nixon In China - Landing Of The Spirit Of '76
5. Nixon In China -
6. Nixon In China -
7. Nixon In China -
8. Nixon In China -
9. Nixon In China - Cheers
10. Nixon In China -
11. Nixon In China - Opening
12. Nixon In China -
13. Nixon In China -
14. Nixon In China -
15. Nixon In China -
16. Nixon In China -
17. Nixon In China -
18. Nixon In China -
19. Nixon In China -
20. Nixon In China -
21. Nixon In China -
22. Nixon In China -

Tracks:

1. The Wound-Dresser
2. Christian Zeal And Activity
3. Five Songs - Thoreau
4. Five Songs - Down East
5. Five Songs - Cradle Song
6. Five Songs - At The River
7. Five Songs - Serenity
8. Eros Piano

Amazon.com

Having earned his composing stripes after the 1960s, John Adams had the pioneering work of Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley close at hand as he ventured into his trade. And, while minimalism's historical continuum helps place Adams, he used Reich, Glass, and Riley (among others) only as a starting point. And here's proof: a 10-CD retrospective of nearly all Adams's recorded compositions on Nonesuch Records, the label that also issued Steve Reich 1965-1995 and Kronos Quartet: 25 Years. Adams's Harmonium, a choral work of startling energy and effervescence, appears here in a new recording, as do distillations of both The Death of Klinghoffer and Nixon in China, two path-clearing operas. Over the span of a career covered by Earbox, Adams has returned minimalism to traditional instrumental ensembles as well as to projects that at once advanced a political commentary and took that commentary back to orchestral audiences. And so, in far less time than his predecessors, Adams created works that now play like standard repertoire pieces: The Wound Dresser and Shaker Loops and the Violin Concerto--all of them are here. What these works demonstrate is a fierce creativity on the one hand and perhaps a hunger for commercial advances on the other. Adams may at times be a bustling free thinker, but he sounds ever conscious of what audiences are listening to. As for the works themselves, they remain every bit as daunting as when written.

Some may object to particular selections. I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky, for example, hardly ranks with Adams's best work. But this box isn't a mere best-of; it's an almost-all-of. At times terrifically American--especially in the news-aware operas and their narrative pragmatism--Adams well deserves a major box set, and its coverage is appropriate to his varied, stylistically diverse output. As with any large-scale retrospective, Earbox--which fairly bristles with Adams's new composition, Slonimsky's Earbox--has spots where fans might balk at the quality of the composer's writing. But it's got a fantastic accompanying booklet along with its many hours of inarguably modern and thoroughly listener-friendly music. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Moved to tears.......2004-03-18

Never before in my life was i moved so intensely and directly by classical music. I put the first cd in my player and a few minutes later tears are flowing. I find myself dancing and moving to a rythm i already seem to know. Wow, i just have to share that.

Nonesuch delivers.Again.......2002-11-27

John adams is one of the most popular living composers of"modern" classical music[I believe the cutoff point, though arbitrary is usually WWII}.I came to him late, through my husband. Modersn classical music , I said? What the hell is that?My husband kept playing bits and pieces of adams for me, and more and more i found myself amazed. and swayed. His operas have been groundbreaking{Nixon in China} controversial{Death Of klinghoffer},his compostions sublimely beautiful{shaker Loops or harmonium].HIS STATURE IS WORTHY THEN OF SUCH A MONUMENTAL CAREER SPANNING BOX SET.This 10 disc set[great value, again from NONESUCH}encompasses Adams' entire career,and though there are some misses here{I was looking at the ceiling and then i saw the sky doesnt quite fit},it is still magnificent. the Highlights are ,{for me} the Wound Dresser, Chamber symphony,Violin Concerto, of course, Shaker Loops and Harmonuim are wonderful. The true jewels here are Nixon in China,the Chairman dances and the Death of Klinghoffer,which is simply a masterpiece. The set comes with a wonderful book, which contains essay's by Robert Hurwitz {An Uncommon Man}renaud Machart[John adams as seen from europe} and Essays before an earbox by Adams himself.A Chronology and dicography are included. A wonderful study of an American original,worth the investment, Highly highly recommended

harmonia in excelsis.......2001-11-12

I must agree with Mr. Bartlett, particularly with regard to "Ceiling." It may well be because his Violin Concerto and Harmonielehre are so powerful. 4.5 stars.
Interesting, and likely intentional, is that two names in the extensive liner book fail to mention two great and glaringly obvious precursors: Carl Orff and Raymond Scott. Without "Carmina Burana," there would be no "Harmonium." Orff has his mark all over Adams's gifted and epic compositions. Similarly, though there are glib references to "cartoon music," the polymath engineer/musician Scott is a seminal figure in American music, and casts a large shadow over the witty juxtapositions and sense of play one loves in Adams's work. In all, an excellent career overview.

Our greatest living composer.......2001-07-22

As a composer, I'm staggered that anyone could fail to be gripped by this music.

That anyone can use the words "spoiled, overrated" amazes me. I emphatically disagree with "A music fan"'s review.

I don't think it's "mind-numbing"; I think it's spiritual and exciting. To me it's the most substantial music being created in our times.

I'm really sorry that anyone could fail to enjoy it, and really recommend others to listen for themselves.

Wonderful CD.......2000-04-02

This compilation should turn even the most curmudgeonly listerner into a fan. Beautifully recorded, great notes -- and it's a heck of a bargain!

Average customer rating: 3 cds in one box (long)

The Collection: Honky Tonk Heroes/I've Always Been Crazy/Ol' Waylon Waylon Jennings Manufacturer: RCA ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000FJA9V6 Release Date: 2006-06-13

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
13. Luckenbach, Texas (Back To The Basics Of Love)
14. If You See Me Getting Smaller
15. Lucille
16. Sweet Caroline
17. I Think I'm Gonna Kill Myself
18. Belle Of The Ball
19. Medley Of Elvis Hits; That's All Right\ My Baby Left Me
20. Till I Gain Control Again
21. Brand New Goodbye Song
22. Satin Sheets
23. This Is Getting Funny (But There Ain't Nobody Laughing)
24. I've Always Been Crazy
25. Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand
26. Billy
27. A Long Time Ago
28. As The 'Billy World Turns
29. Medley Of Buddy Holly Hits:; Well Allright\ It's So Easy\ Maybe Baby\ Peggy Sue
30. I Walk The Line
31. Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down
32. Girl I Can Tell (You're Trying To Work It Out)
33. Whistlers And Jugglers

Customer Reviews:

3 cds in one box (long).......2006-07-04

Three regular CD's in 1 box set type long box.

Average customer rating:

I've Always Been a Rambler Nate Leath Manufacturer: Patuxent Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | Rock | Indie Music | Stores | Music ASIN: B000EULSJS Release Date: 2006-03-07

Tracks:

1. Tater Mash
2. I've Always Been a Rambler
3. Cherokee Shuffle
4. Long Time Gone
5. Sally Ann
6. I'm On My Way Back to the Old Home
7. Leather Britches
8. Kentucky Waltz
9. Cluck Old Hen
10. One Woman Man
11. Lauren's Lullaby

Product Description

This CD marks Nate’s 4th solo album and he is expertly backed by sidemen whose credentials read like a bluegrass who’s-who.

Average customer rating: Great intro to the early music of Jerry Lee

I've Always Been Country Jerry Lee Lewis Manufacturer: Westside UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music ASIN: B000066A07 Release Date: 2003-02-28

Tracks:

1. Crazy Arms (Piano And Vocal)
2. Youre The Only Star (In My Blue Heaven)
3. Deep Elem Blues
4. Born To Lose
5. My Carolina Sunshine Girl
6. Cold Cold Heart (1957 Recording)
7. Little Green Valley
8. Crazy Heart
9. Shame On You
10. Singin The Blues
11. The Wild Side Of Life
12. Im The Guilty One
13. Dont Drop It
14. Old Pal Of Yesterdau
15. Slipping Around
16. Fools Like Me
17. Turn Around
18. You Win Again (Undubbed Version)
19. Live And Let Live
20. You Cant Help It If You Cant Help It
21. Release Me
22. I Love You Because
23. Ill Sail My Ship Alone
24. Hillbilly Music
25. Home
26. Settin The Woods On Fire
27. Mexicali Rose (Parts 1 And 2)
28. Seasons Of My Heart (W Linda Gail Lewis)
29. Invitation To Your Party
30. One Minute Past Eternity
31. Waiting For A Train

Album Description

Subtitled - The Sun Hillbilly Sessions. 33 track compilation gathering together for the first time the best of the country/hillbilly sides that the rock 'n' roll legend recorded for the famed Sun label in the 1950s. Only a selection of these were released before he started releasing rock 'n' roll records & remained in the vaults until the late 60s when five of these singles charted between 1969 & 1971 (all included here with their b-sides). 33 tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Great intro to the early music of Jerry Lee.......2003-05-26

When Jerry Lee Lewis started out on Sun records in 1956, it was obvious that he had a fully fledged style and also a very well developed repertoire. Although a master vocalist and a good musician with numerous styles, perhaps his favorite one was oldtime blues-based country music. This CD explores that side of JLL's music.

Here, we have JLL's covers of such songs as "I'll sail my ship alone" (a 1950 Moon Mullican western swing hit - a favorite of JLL's from perhaps JLL's favorite singer/pianist and biggest influence), Hank Williams' "Cold cold heart" and "You win again" (JLL has done more than any of his era to keep Hank's music relevant and indeed turned rock audiences onto Hank's music), and Gene Autry's "You're the only star". These show JLL's preferences to record songs of his idols while at Sun were strong.

While JLL's versions of "Deep Elem blues" (variants were done in the 1930s and 1940s by Shelton Bros., Moon Mullican and others), "I'll sail my ship alone", "Slipping around" (A Floyd Tillman-penned blues-honky tonk song), "Born to lose" (A 1940s standard in the repertoires of many western swing bands) and Jimmie Rodgers' "Waiting for a train" maintain a dominant blues feel, others - like "Crazy arms" or "I'm the guilty one" are pure, beautiful country ballads. The blues feel is always there, though, and this is what makes JLL's vocal sincere. JLL's originals were recorded by many of his idols as a thank you as well: For example, "Fools like me" was covered by Moon Mullican, "One minute past eternity" was covered by Hank Snow. It is a pity a longer version of "Live and let live" (a country and bluegrass standard with a blues feel that was sung by Bill Monroe, Moon Mullican and Jimmie Davis before) does not exist. It is obvious that JLL's version would have made an excellent single.
It is also interesting to note that JLL cut two songs here that would become more famous by others later. They are "I love you because" and "Release me". The former was written by Leon Payne and spent years around as a semi-hit, local hit, etc. in the hands of artists as diverse as Ernest Tubb and Elvis Presley before it became one of the biggest hits for Jim Reeves. JLL's early version is excellent and should have been released. "Release me", apparently, was a cajun song in its first incarnation - but again was a pretty obscure country standard for years. Ray Price, Jerry Lee, and others all had a go at it - with some success (Price) and without any success (for JLL: it was not released). However, it was Englebert Humperdinck that would make it really famous. JLL's version is blues-based and therefore is my favorite interpretation of the song. Again, one wonders if it was released how successful it could have been.

"Little green valley", an old bluegrass standard, really shows how easily JLL can augment and interpret the style of any music on his piano. This CD really shows JLL, the master, at his best. This is a melting pot of blues, country, western swing, bluegrass, cajun, western and many other genres. I can't recommend this album enough to anyone interested in real music.

Music Album:

1. Jim Campilongo And The 10 Gallon Cats
2. Just Between the Two of Us/The Fightin' Side of Me [Import]
3. Legends of Western Swing
4. Live in Europe 1971 [Import]
5. Live & In Good Company [Live]
6. Make up in Love
7. Man in Black V.3 [Box set] [Import]
8. Meet Me by the Moonlight
9. Musical Pictures
10. Out of Hand/Your Place or Mine

Music Album