Close Harmony [Box set]

Amazon.com
Of all the great harmonies in country music, the greatest belong to Ira and Charlie Louvin. Born three years apart on a red-clay Alabama farm, the Louvin Brothers took the sisterly harmonies of the Carter Family and the brotherly tightness of the Monroe and Callahan brothers to new, chilling heights. They redefined duo harmony by interweaving and switching tenor and alto parts, finding fresh, undiscovered colors along the way. The German label Bear Family has compiled an unprecedented history of the Louvins, the only thorough source for the brothers' early, hard-to-find, but exquisite Apollo and MGM recordings. The sonic quality, gorgeous color photography, precise and extensive discography, and notes by country music scholar Charles Wolfe set a new standard for the meticulous Bear boxes. Even at 220 songs, Close Harmony is essential, start to finish. --Roy Kasten

Close Harmony,Louvin Brothers,Bear Family,Bluegrass,Country,Pop

Average customer rating: For a great interview with Charlie, check out blog.musicbusinessradio.com. Charlie can still get it done! The Old Goat Good stuff, great message Ditto the first review, but "Ira"?

Charlie Louvin Charlie Louvin Manufacturer: Tompkins Square ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: West Last of the Breed Wagonmaster When I Stop Dreaming: The Best of The Louvin Brothers Greatest Hits ASIN: B000MGVCK4 Release Date: 2007-02-20

Tracks:

1. Must You Throw Dirt In My Face (w. George Jones)
2. Great Atomic Power (w. Jeff Tweedy)
3. Blues Stay Away From Me (w. Bobby Bare Sr. & Tom T. Hall)
4. The Christian Life (w. Eef Barzelay of Clem Snide)
5. When I Stop Dreaming (w. Elvis Costello)
6. Waiting For A Train (w. George Jones)
7. Kneeling Drunkard's Plea (w. Alex McManus of Bright Eyes)
8. Worried Man Blues (w. Kurt Wagner of Lambchop)
9. Grave On The Green Hillside (w. Tift Merritt & Joy Lynn White)
10. Knoxville Girl (w. Will Oldham)
11. Ira
12. My Long Journey Home (w. Paul Burch)

Amazon.com

What's terrific about this album is the sound of Charlie Louvin's voice. Weathered and worn by his 79 years, its fragility underscores the humanity in the morality plays he favors, like the gentle pledge of faith "The Christian Life." What's disappointing is its lack of imagination. Despite the presence of skilled contemporary songwriters like Elvis Costello and Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, the only new tune is "Ira," Louvin's tribute to his late, high-tenor-singing brother. As the Louvin Brothers, Charlie and Ira took shape-note-based close-harmony singing to the pinnacle of country music in the 1940s and '50s, earning a place in the Country Music Hall of Fame. On these dozen songs, Louvin's joined on vocals by George Jones, Alex McManus of Bright Eyes, Will Oldham, Bobby Bare, Tom T. Hall, Tweedy, Costello, and others, with Marty Stuart on mandolin and a crack studio band including Chris Scruggs of BR-549 and angelic vocalist Dianne Berry. Bare and Berry manage to make magic with Louvin; the rest do their best with chestnuts like "Kneeling Drunkard's Plea" and "Worried Man Blues," although Jones's voice is, sadly, ravaged, and the bursts of guitar feedback on the Louvins classic "Great Atomic Power" are absurd. Nonetheless, this album is a welcome return for a country pioneer after a 10-year hiatus from recording. --Ted Drozdowski

Album Description

The term "living legend" gets thrown around quite a bit, but it actually applies to Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin.

Charlie Louvin's influence on country, alt-country, and their many sub-genres, is incalculable. The unique harmonies and lyrical folk poetry of the Louvin Brothers ("among the top duos in country music history" - AllMusic.com) have inspired countless covers of their songs by such artists as Johnny Cash, Gram Parsons, the Byrds, Emmylou Harris, Uncle Tupelo, The Raconteurs (with Jack White) and Beck.

Produced by Mark Nevers (Lambchop, Calexico, Candi Staton) and Charlie Louvin, the new album was recorded in Spring/Summer 2006 in Nashville. It features guest performances by Elvis Costello, Jeff Tweedy, Will Oldham, Tom T. Hall, George Jones, Bobby Bare Sr., Tift Merritt, Marty Stuart, David Kilgour, and members of Bright Eyes, Lambchop, Superchunk, Blanche and Clem Snide, among others.

The album features several Louvin Brothers classics as well as country favorites first popularized by Jimmie Rodgers, the Delmore Brothers, the Carter Family, and the Monroe Brothers. Charlie has also included a moving tribute to his late brother Ira, with whom he formed the Louvin Brothers in 1940. (Ira Louvin died in a car accident in 1965, at age 41.)

Charlie will tour with his band throughout 2007, including stops at SXSW and Bonnaroo, as well as special summer appearances celebrating his 80th Birthday (July 7, 2007).

Customer Reviews:

For a great interview with Charlie, check out blog.musicbusinessradio.com........2007-06-11

There is a great interview with Charlie, which talks about his experience in the music business, as well as making this album, available free at http://blog.musicbusinessradio.com/. They also have some video footage posted.

As for the album, you are correct that his VOICE isn't what it was, but this man has lived as an artist, which you'll hear on the interview, and the passion and spirit is what makes this album great. This isn't a technical album, but one filled with emotion.

Charlie can still get it done!.......2007-05-07

This is a superb album, and those who love Bluegrass and/or country music will immediately appreciate it. Charlie has aged, and his voice doeen't have the power it once did. But it this is an opportunity to obtain a new take on old songs, recorded with state of the art equipment. Older listeners may prefer the original recordings of the songs, but the exposure this new release brings may draw younger listeners who have not had the opportunity to learn of this great artist. I highly recommend this album!

The Old Goat.......2007-04-11

Hmmm...very tasty style...full of longing and regret...[sigh]...reminded me of lonely nights in the forties in the outback of north Louisiana...hmmm...I need to sit down.

Good stuff, great message.......2007-04-10

I never heard of Charlie Louvin until hearing a piece on him on NPR radio. Once I got this CD I couldn't help but tap my feet and sing along. "Atomic Power" was stuck in my head for a week.

It's sort of like listening to your old grandfather singing at a family picnic. Not your typical country singer. He sounds aged but fun. His backup singer(s) are more than complemetary. I was surprised at how much I liked this CD. I am usually not a huge fan of country music, but Louvin is contageous and inspirational

Ditto the first review, but "Ira"?.......2007-02-27

I'm on my second listen and I agree with almost everything Sound/Word Enthusiast has to say in the first review. It's a shame about the production, because Charlie's voice is truly awesome, worn into a groove in the best possible sense, terrific relaxed phrasing. The guest stars might have been cool if it had been produced like John Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves" -- simple duet harmonies with no fuss. But there's way too much fuss here. Only George Jones, Bobby Bare, and Tom T. Hall really come off well, because they're real country. I like Will Oldham and Jeff Tweedy, but they ain't got the chops, and I have nothing but respect for Elvis Costello, who can truly sing, but he just doesn't fit in either.

I read an interview where Charlie says two things I find totally appropriate. First, that he kept telling them he'd drive down to Nashville and sing with the guest stars but they never asked him (!). And you can see the result -- most of the second voices sound totally patched in, like cameos in a bad movie. Second, he can't understand why they wanted that feedback sound on "Great Atomic Power." Thought it was a mistake, but Nevers said no, we wanted it that way. Well, Charlie's right -- it sounds like a mistake. Why does Charlie Louvin need indie guest stars and feedback?

That said, I like imperfect albums and this one is kind of fun to engage with and be annoyed by -- you can hear the album it should have been. And then there's "Ira," which gets everything right -- it's touching, beautifully sung, a wonderful tribute to his brother. "You had a way with writing music from the heart / Your voice is strong even though you're gone, 'cause I still hear your part" ... gives me chills. I think the indie stuff doesn't mix for precisely the reason "Ira" is so great -- it's perfectly sincere in a way modern music just isn't and can't be. Anyway, if the whole album had been like "Ira," it'd be five stars plus for sure.

Average customer rating: Classic Everly - A Must for all their Fans The BEST Everly Brothers album you will ever need, Everly Brothers, best of The Best

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Everly Brothers The Everly Brothers Manufacturer: Hip-O Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Oldies General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Oldies General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classic Rock | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | 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: 20th Century Masters: The Best Of Buddy Holly (Millennium Collection) 20th Century Masters: The Best Of The Mamas & The Papas (Millennium Collection) 20th Century Masters: The Best Of The Platters (Millennium Collection) 20th Century Masters: The Best of Lesley Gore (Millennium Collection) Ricky Nelson - Greatest Hits ASIN: B0000YEE1M Release Date: 2003-12-09

Tracks:

1. Bye Bye Love
2. Wake Up Little Susie
3. All I Have To Do Is Dream
4. Bird Dog
5. Devoted To You
6. ('Til) I Kissed You
7. Let It Be Me
8. When Will I Be Loved
9. Cathy's Clown
10. Walk Right Back
11. Crying In The Rain
12. On The Wings Of A Nightingale

Customer Reviews:

Classic Everly - A Must for all their Fans.......2007-02-18

Treat yourself to the sweet harmonies of the Everly Brothers, with a CD that has been remastered to underscore their pure sound. Played this for my musician son in law who was not familiar with their music and he is so impressed. All the hits are here, sounding better than ever. An outstanding addition to your collection --

The BEST Everly Brothers album you will ever need, .......2007-01-10

Long ago in californialand, i heard the last everly brothers "hit", on the wings of a nightingale, 1 time and i knew I HAD to have it. Took me about 20 years to find it, in this album. If you really like good music, with tight harmonies, good guitar work, words you can understand, a little bit of country and early rock to the still bitchin, fresh,updated sound of nightingale, then STOP RIGHT HERE and get this album. Enough said!

Everly Brothers, best of.......2007-01-09

The Millennium collection seems to have the songs I always want from a group or artist. The quality of the sound is there everytime. As the local music stores disappear it is good to be able to trust a system like this as I replace much of my vinyl for a CD collection. This CD gives me what I want for the Everly Brothers in one purchase.

The Best.......2004-04-01

Any fan who appreciates the Everly Brothers has to have
this album. The remastered sound is superb of course, but
the deciding factor on this one should be the inclusion
of their last hit, after more than 20 years had passed since
their previous one.
After the team reunited, one of their biggest fans wrote
a song especially for them. Paul McCartney wrote "Wings of
a Nightingale" for them, and it is a truly beautiful song
that displays their harmony at its best, and the song is
not usually found on other collections.
Get the best of all their classic early hits, plus this
last hit.
A must have for any fan.

Average customer rating: When I Stop Dreaming, Best of the Louvin Brothers THE BEST OF THE LOUVIN BROTHERS: A Review Indispensable for Serious C & W Collectors A good starter album from the Louvin Brothers Brilliant harmonizing

When I Stop Dreaming: The Best of The Louvin Brothers The Louvin Brothers Manufacturer: Razor & Tie ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: Satan Is Real Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers Charlie Louvin Tragic Songs of Life The Essential Ray Price (1951-1962) ASIN: B000002Z94 Release Date: 1995-05-23

Tracks:

1. Broadminded
2. The Family Who Prays
3. When I Stop Dreaming
4. Pitfall
5. Don't Laugh
6. I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby
7. Hoping That You're Hoping
8. The First One To Love You
9. In The Pines
10. Knoxville Girl
11. Cash On The Barrelhead
12. You're Running Wild
13. My Baby's Gone
14. I Wish It Had Been A Dream
15. While You're Cheating On Me
16. If I Could Only Win Your Love
17. You're Learning
18. The River Of Jordan
19. The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea
20. Southern Moon
21. Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar
22. The Great Atomic Power
23. Wreck On The Highway
24. Stuck Up Blues

Amazon.com essential recording

The great irony of the Louvin Brothers, today considered by many the best of the brother duos, is that they peaked at a time when the form was almost dead. Their vocal sound was as old as the Alabama hills, and they kept alive such archaic tunes as "Knoxville Girl" and "In the Pines." Yet their studio bands were up to date, if not exactly Nashville Sound knockoffs, and much of their material, including "You're Running Wild," was fairly contemporary. Traditionalists or modernists? When it's this good, who cares? And besides, who's going to argue with guys who knew Sin the way Charlie and Ira Louvin knew Sin? --John Morthland

Customer Reviews:

When I Stop Dreaming, Best of the Louvin Brothers.......2007-07-09

I saw Charlie Louvin in concert recently in San Diego. Very few in the crowd had heard him live before but all knew his reputation. He did not disapoint and made a room full of new hardcore fans. He and his late brother recorded some wonderful songs that will be evergreen much like the work of Hank Williams. When you look back at the great Brothers acts like the Stanleys, Jim and Jesse and the Delmore Brothers you know the Louvin Brothers belong on top of that elite group. Their harmony work was the best. You won't hear this great stuff on the radio anymore as Nashville has long ago turned it's back on it's roots. You gotta go dig up the really good stuff by yourself. This record is a good place to start.

THE BEST OF THE LOUVIN BROTHERS: A Review.......2007-07-03

This is a must own CD for lovers of traditional and blue grass influenced country music. The tight harmonies, beautiful melodies, and poignant stories are a real treat to listen to and enjoy.

You won't hear better country than "I Don't Believe You've Met My Baby", "You're Running Wild", "My Baby's Gone", and the title song, "When I Stop Dreaming".

Indispensable for Serious C & W Collectors.......2007-03-04

Like all great musicians--whatever the music--the Louvin Brothers had a sound all their own: often imitated, never equalled. A basic album for listeners who love country and want a fuller sense of where it all began.

A good starter album from the Louvin Brothers.......2006-06-30

I read the book, "Country Conversations" by Timothy Edward Jones initially for his interview with John McCrea of Cake, who happens to be a big fan of the the Louvin Brothers since childhood. Indeed, he got Charlie Louvin to play all 16 dates on Cake's 2003 Unlimited Sunshine Tour along with Cheap Trick, the Detroit Cobras, and the Hackensaw Boys who was the backing band for Charlie Louvin.
In the 2 pg. interview with McCrea, he stated his favorite Louvin songs were "You're Learning" (an Every Brothers sound-alike) and "the Great Atomic Power", the better of the two and both on this album. Definitely a good primer of the Louvin's music!
ps--As much McCrea in that interview stated that "Louvin Brothers' covers make me nauseous," "The Great Atomic Power" deserves a makeover (a faster tempo & a fuller musical accompaniment sung by a female duo; myself as one of that duo)--
John McCrea, you have been warned!

Brilliant harmonizing.......2005-12-14

The best of the best of The Louvins, but ignore Amazon's track listing - see P.D.Harris' review for all the tracks included.
A must-have collection unless you want to invest in the multi-disc box.

Average customer rating: Great Music but Overpriced! GREAT ROCK & ROLL GIFT Great gift The Real Thing Fantafabulous Album!!!!!!!

Billboard Top Rock 'n' Roll Hits: 1957-1961 Various Artists Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Doo Wop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music 1950s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music 1960s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music Oldies | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music 1960-1969 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music 1950-1959 | Decades | Compilations | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Pop | Box Sets | Stores | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music General | Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Box Sets | Stores | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1962-1966 Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1955 Billboard Top Rock 'N' Roll Hits: 1967 Billboard Top Hits: 1975-1979 Billboard Top Rock & Roll Hits: 1973 ASIN: B0000033KO Release Date: 1989-08-04

Tracks:

1. All Shoock Up - Elvis Presley
2. Wake Up Little Susie - The Everly Brothers
3. Diana - Paula Anka
4. Party Doll - Buddy Knox
5. That'll Be The Day - The Crickets
6. Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
7. Little Darlin' - The Diamonds
8. Peggy Sue - Buddy Holly
9. School Day - Chuck Berry
10. Whole Lot Of Shacking Going On - Jerry Lee Lewis

Tracks:

1. At The Hop - Danny & The Juniors
2. Tequila - The Champs
3. To Know Him, Is To Love Him - The Teddy Bears
4. It's Only Make Believe - Conway Twitty
5. Get A Job - The Sillouetts
6. Hard Headed Woman - Elvis Presley
7. Little Star - The Elegants
8. Bird Dog - The Everly Brothers
9. Yakety Yak - The Coasters
10. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis

Tracks:

1. Mack The Knife - Bobby Darin
2. Venus - Frankied Avalon
3. Lonely Boy - Paul Anka
4. Stagger Lee - Stagger Lee
5. Kansas City - Kansas City
6. A Big Hunk O' Love - Elvis Presley
7. The Happy Organ - Dave 'Baby' Cortez (May)
8. Charlie Brown - The Coasters
9. 16 Candles - The Crests (Feb)
10. Sleep Walk - Santo & Johnny (Sep)

Tracks:

1. You Talk To Much - Joe Jones
2. Cathy's Clown - The Everly Brothers
3. The Twist - Chubby Checker
4. Save The Last Dance For Me - The Drifters
5. Running Bear - Johnny Preston
6. Sweet Nothin's - Brenda Lee
7. Handy Man - Jimmy Jones
8. Walk-Don't Run - The Ventures
9. Alley-Oop - Hollywood Argyles
10. Stay - Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs

Tracks:

1. Tossin' and Turnin' - Bobby Lewis
2. Runaway - Del Shannon
3. Blue Moon - The Marcels
4. Runaround Sue - Dion
5. Quarter To Three - U.S. Bonds
6. Will You Love Me Tomorrow - The Shirelles
7. I Like It Like That, Part 1 - Chris Kerner
8. Daddy's Home - Shep & The Limelites
9. Stand By Me - Ben E. King
10. Goodbye Cruel World - James Darren

Customer Reviews:

Great Music but Overpriced!.......2007-03-10

"Billboard Top Rock 'n' Roll Hits: 1957-1961" offers up some fantastic music from the golden age of rock & roll.
The sound quality is great, as is the selection of hits.
My problem is that there are only 10 songs per disk!
Hey Billboard - this is the 21st Century - you're not selling vinyl anymore.
This set could have been released on 2 CDs and the price set accordingly.
So while I'd rate the music 5 "Stars", my overall rating is only a 3.

GREAT ROCK & ROLL GIFT.......2007-02-07

I got this for my parents for Christmas and they LOVE it. Great way to get your folks to boogie down and get their blood flowin'. They are having a blast with this CD collection.

Great gift.......2007-01-16

I bought this box set for my dad for Christmas - his favorite "oldies" station in his rural hometown just switched to party mix! He really enjoys playing these CD's, although he's not really a CD collecting kind of guy. I'll be getting the next series for his birthday.

The Real Thing.......2005-02-17

These are real hits from the years indicated and separated by disk into the separate years. If you were around in those years and listening to the radio, you don't have to be told this. If the price is right for you, then I highly recommend you buy.

Fantafabulous Album!!!!!!!.......2002-03-26

GREAT ALBUM, lots of variety. you will not be disappointed!!!
Lovely, Stellar, Sparkeling!!

Average customer rating: how can you miss

The Definitive Collection 1947-1966 The Stanley Brothers Manufacturer: Time Life Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Bluegrass | Country | Box Sets | 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 Similar Items: The Music of Bill Monroe Rubber Room: The Haunting Poetic Songs of Porter Wagoner 1966-1977 The Collection The Essential Flatt & Scruggs: 'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered The Best of Flatt and Scruggs TV Show, Vol. 2 ASIN: B000NA285M Release Date: 2007-04-03

Tracks:

1. Little Glass Of Wine
2. The Old Home
3. The White Dove
4. The Fields Have Turned Brown
5. The Lonesome River
6. Get Down On Your Knees And Pray
7. I'm Lonesome Without You
8. This Weary Heart You Stole Away (Wake Up, Sweetheart)
9. Our Last Goodbye
10. (Say) Won't You Be Mine
11. A Voice From On High
12. I Just Got Wise
13. Blue Moon Of Kentucky
14. Hard Times
15. If That's The Way You Feel
16. Orange Blossom Special
17. Nobody's Love Is Like Mine
18. Angel Band
19. Who Will Call You Sweetheart
20. The City From The Cross

Tracks:

1. Gonna Paint The Town
2. How Mountain Girls Can Love
3. Think Of What You've Done
4. How Far To Little Rock
5. Train 45
6. Ridin' That Midnight Train
7. Man Of Constant Sorrow
8. Rank Stranger
9. Jacob's Vision
10. Little Maggie
11. God Gave You To Me
12. Let Me Rest
13. Who Will Sing For Me
14. Little Birdie
15. Lonesome Night
16. Don't Cheat In Our Home Town
17. Stone Walls And Steel Bars
18. Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem
19. O Death
20. Soldier's Grave

Tracks:

1. Theme & Cotton-Eyed Joe
2. Mother No Longer Awaits Me At Home
3. The Girl Behind The Bar
4. Molly And Tenbrooks
5. Are You Waiting Just For Me
6. Will You Be Loving Another Man
7. Roll In My Sweet Baby's Arms
8. Black Mountain Blues
9. Meet Me Tonight
10. Nobody's Business
11. Sugar Coated Love
12. Tell Me Why My Daddy Don't Come Home
13. Hide Ye In The Blood
14. East Virginia Blues
15. Pretty Polly
16. Pig In A Pen
17. Will You Miss Me
18. Where The Soul Never Dies
19. Dust On The Bible
20. Single Girl

Amazon.com

The Stanley Brothers' unique spin on traditional bluegrass, created by banjoist Ralph Stanley and his guitarist brother Carter, first emerged on record in 1947. Their intense, unearthly vocal harmonies and Ralph's distinctive banjo style accounted for much fine music over the 19 years that ended with Carter's untimely death in 1966. Ralph has continued for the past four decades with his Clinch Mountain Boys (Ricky Skaggs and Keith Whitley among its distinguished alumni) and in recent years earned acclaim within and beyond the growing bluegrass audience. Nonetheless, the classic Stanley Brothers recordings of "Rank Stranger" and "Man of Constant Sorrow," among many, continue to inspire country traditionalists, Americana acts, and younger bluegrass exponents. This superbly programmed three-disc, 60-song collection stands out as the first true Stanley Brothers career anthology, including the memorable "Little Glass of Wine" and the Columbia gems "The Fields Have Turned Brown" through their early '50s years on Mercury and their later work on both Starday and King Records. Included are unreleased material from the 1950s and '60s, including a 1961 live duet teaming Carter Stanley with Bill Monroe. --Rich Kienzle

Album Description

On the 60th anniversary of their first studio recording, bluegrass legends the Stanley Brothers are being commemorated with The Stanley Brothers: The Definitive Collection (1947-1966). Released to stores on February 27, 2007, just two days after Ralph's 80th birthday, it is the first comprehensive box set to chronicle their entire career. The Definitive Collection comes at a time when bluegrass is in the midst of a surge in popularity, started by the hit film and soundtrack O Brother, Where Art Thou? and continuing on with artists such as Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, and Nickel Creek releasing critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums dedicated to the genre. Released 40 years after their last performance together, the box set includes songs from every record label they recorded for and rare live performances. The package is highlighted by three previously unreleased tracks and two additional songs that have never been available on CD before, as well as rare photos, many of which were culled from vintage song and picture books that were sold by radio stations in the 1940s and 50s and from the King Records photo archives. It also includes a biographical essay by bluegrass historian Gary Reid and a special introduction by Ricky Skaggs.

The Stanley Brothers are regarded as one of the preeminent groups from the early days of bluegrass music. With Carter possessing one of the finest voices in the genre and his brother Ralph's inspired banjo playing (his unique sound has come to be called "Stanley-style") the duo performed what is now known as traditional bluegrass. As Carter's melancholy voice brought sweeping emotion to a song, his brother Ralph's soared above; together they blended to achieve a most soulful duet. Said Carter, "We're the Stanley Brothers, that's the way I've always tried to work it--we have got out, I think, and developed a sound of our own. I think as long as you sing a song with the best feeling you've got, and if you do feel it, I think the people will know it and they'll call it whatever they want to call it."

Despite the fact that it's been four decades since the demise of the Stanley Brothers, a fascination with them and their music continues to grow. They have been enshrined in the International Bluegrass Music Association's prestigious Hall of Honor and are currently the subject of a critically acclaimed theatrical production called Man of Constant Sorrow. Over the years, artists such as Ricky Skaggs (who hit #1 with their "Don't Cheat in Our Home Town"), Patty Loveless, and Emmylou Harris have had significant hits by recording songs originally written or recorded by the Stanley Brothers. The duo also remains very much in the hearts of fans at a grassroots level; pickers at bluegrass festivals play their songs in countless informal jam sessions every weekend. This collection finally pays due to a group that shaped classic bluegrass and continues to influence each new generation of pickers and singers.

While they have been the subject of label-specific compilations in the past, The Definitive Collection is the only collection that spans their full career, amassing the most important, influential and beloved songs. Included in the set are classics "The White Dove," made in 1949, "Rank Strangers," "How Mountain Girls Can Love," "Pretty Polly," and "Oh Death." "Angel Band" was later featured in the award-winning soundtrack to O Brother. "I'm a Man of Constant Sorrow" was also used as the model for the version that was recorded for the film, and Ralph contributed a new recording of their "Oh Death" for it as well.

Stanley Brothers fans and music historians alike will relish the three previously unreleased songs unearthed for the box set; "Will You Be Loving Another Man" (1955), "Tell Me Why My Daddy Don't Come Home" (one of the first songs the brothers ever performed and finally recorded at a coffeehouse performance in Hollywood in 1962), and "Sugar Coated Love," (recorded with Carter's longtime inspiration, Bill Monroe). The two songs in the collection that have never been available on CD before are the gospel gems "Hide Ye in the Blood" and "Dust on the Bible."

Customer Reviews:

how can you miss.......2007-05-31

I do not yet have this collection. I have many of the pieces on previous compilations but just reviewing the song list gives me goose bumps. There is a ton of great material here, the Stanley Brothers are essential to any bluegrass or folk collections. There is a song Jacob's Vision, that I had on one of those bargain bin cassettes you see in truck stops. One of the most moving songs ever recorded. Looked for it for years after the tape broke and here it is on CD. Listened to a sample of that and it is the same song I have looked for quite a while. Buy this set now, you will not regret it for a moment. Cannot vouch for the mastering quality, the booklets or any of that, but the songs are great and have been scattered over many different labels for years. Here it is in one box.

Average customer rating: Satan Is Real All Christian Rockers Should Listen and Learn From This GREAT Lyrical Content! SATIN IS REAL Haunting and Beautiful The cover is quite surreal, but the music itself is wonderful

Satan Is Real The Louvin Brothers Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Similar Items: When I Stop Dreaming: The Best of The Louvin Brothers Tragic Songs of Life Livin', Lovin', Losin': Songs of the Louvin Brothers Weapon of Prayer Charlie Louvin ASIN: B000002U45 Release Date: 1996-07-23

Tracks:

1. Satan Is Real
2. There's A Higher Power
3. The Christian Life
4. The River Of Jordan
5. The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea
6. Are You Afraid To Die
7. He Can Be Found
8. Dying From Home, And Lost
9. The Drunkard's Room
10. Satan's Jeweled Crown
11. The Angels Rejoiced Last Night
12. I'm Ready To Go Home

Amazon.com

This CD is a reissue of the best-known gospel album by one of country's best-known brother duos and gospel groups. It's the original source for, among other gems, "The Christian Life," written by Charlie and Ira Louvin and popularized among hippies by the Gram Parsons-era Byrds. These tracks were all written by professional songwriters and tend to have more ingenuity and offbeat imagery than standard hymns and spirituals. The duo sings some in the smooth style of their original mentors, the Delmore Brothers, and others in rough, backwoods harmonies. And don't kid yourself, Billy Sunday would have danced with Mr. D himself for a program cover that equaled this set's cover art. --John Morthland

Customer Reviews:

Satan Is Real.......2007-01-16

THIS IS THE BEST GOSPLE SONG, THIS CD WILL LET YOU GET CLOSER TO CHRIST

All Christian Rockers Should Listen and Learn From This GREAT Lyrical Content!.......2006-01-17

These two Louvin Brothers were an acoustic, country duo. Their singing harmonies are terrific, and their melodies and song hooks are very catchy. If you enjoy acoustic guitar strumming and gospel lyrics, then you cannot go wrong with this CD!

Sometimes the lyrics are funny, sometimes sad, but always openly and overtly about God, Jesus, the Bible, and living like you love all three = the Christian lifestyle.

These Louvin Brothers have filled the songs with Christian and Bible themes, and there is nothing ambiguous about the lyrics and song titles.

I wish every Contemporary Christian Rock artist would listen and learn from the great lyrical content on this album! Too often, these days, the current bestselling "Christian" artists have album and song titles, and lyrics, which are very vague about any Christian content, IF ANY CHRISTIAN CONTENT CAN EVEN BE FOUND! Most of these contemporary artists are so ashamed of the Gospel that they don't want to look uncool by being open about an overtly Christian message. They mostly relegate all mention of Jesus to their CD liner notes, but reading their song titles, or reading their lyrics, you can't find anything that is Christian in nature. They want the song to be about anything you want to think it is about, so you won't be offended that they are secretly thinking about God, but it sounds like they are singing about their boyfriends or girlfriends, etc. As if they hope to "crossover" into secular music by watering down the Christian content of the lyrics and titles. Rebecca St. James is the only rare exception that I can think of concerning this awful trendiness, she uses plenty of titles and lyrics that leave no doubt about meaning Jesus and God, period.

This Louvin Brothers album, SATAN IS REAL, is full of good, sound theology! Apart from an Elvis Presley Gospel compilation, this is the single best CD of Christian music that I own, and it is especially impressive since it was originally released with all these great songs, from the get go. This is NOT a compilation made up and collected over many years and albums worth of songs, in a greatest hits fashion. They released this studio album all by itself, and it stands as a powerful Christian witness, and an overlooked milestone in Christian recorded music history.

SATIN IS REAL.......2005-10-07

ABOUT THE LOUVIN BROTHERS, THEY ARE REALLY GREAT & WONDERFUL.

Haunting and Beautiful.......2005-10-02

I came upon this treasure by accident and I am so happy that I did. I purchased one for me and two for friends. For those who have never heard these brothers sing it is almost a religious experience within itself. I have never, ever heard such harmony in my life. We have all heard of "God-given talent". There is no other explanation for the sound that comes from the Louvin Brothers other than God-given. Wow! The Louvin Brothers are unequalled in vocal talent. Thank you, Amazon, for featuring them.

The cover is quite surreal, but the music itself is wonderful.......2005-09-19

I got this album expecting a campy laugh, as I am into odd and bizarre music. Sure, it is over the top, but it is also passionate and beautiful. The Louvin Brothers put their heart and soul into the music, and the harmonies are quite fantastic. I was throughly unexpected to be moved by this, as I am an atheist, but I oddly was. The songs are about regret, sin, death, redeption, and are done with odd amounts of power the the cover barely suggest at all. Hell, even Gram Parsons is a fan of this album, as the Byrds covered "The Christian Life" for the groundbreaking "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" LP. It is preachy and over the top to be sure, but is at the same time deeply passioned and moving. I originally bought this album mainly because I found it cheap and thought it would look funny in my CD wallet. Like many I was expecting as much a campy laugh on the album as the cover delivers, but was pleasently surprised.

Average customer rating: The Definitive Everly Brothers CD All the hits are NOT here From the fifties to the eighties

The Definitive Everly Brothers: A Career Spanning Retrospective The Everly Brothers Manufacturer: Wea International ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Classic Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Rock | Imports | Stores | Music Pop | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Gold Dion & Belmonts - Greatest Hits All The Hits: The Ultimate Collection The Definitive Collection The Buddy Holly Collection ASIN: B000066T2U Release Date: 2002-06-24

Tracks:

1. Bye Bye Love
2. I Wonder If I Care as Much
3. Wake Up Little Susie
4. Maybe Tomorrow
5. All I Have to Do Is Dream
6. Claudette
7. Bird Dog
8. Devoted to You
9. Problems
10. Poor Jenny [European Single Version]
11. Take a Message to Mary
12. ('Til) I Kissed You
13. Let It Be Me
14. Since You Broke My Heart
15. Cathy's Clown
16. When Will I Be Loved
17. Love Hurts [First Recorded Version]
18. Lucille
19. So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)
20. Like Strangers
21. Sleepless Nights
22. Walk Right Back
23. Ebony Eyes
24. Temptation
25. Muskrat [Single Version]
26. Don't Blame Me [Single Version]

Tracks:

1. Crying in the Rain
2. How Can I Meet Her?
3. No One Can Make My Sunshine Smile
4. (So It Was... So It Is) So It Always Will Be
5. It's Been Nice (Goodnight)
6. Girl Snag the Blues
7. Love Her
8. Ferris Wheel
9. Gone, Gone, Gone
10. That'll Be the Day
11. Price of Love
12. I'll Never Get Over You
13. Love Is Strange
14. It's All Over
15. Bowling Green
16. It's My Time
17. Empty Boxes
18. Lord of the Manor
19. Milk Train
20. Yves
21. Stories We Could Tell
22. Green River
23. Lay It Down
24. On the Wings of a Nightingale

Album Description

A career spanning retrospective of timeless classics portrays the many successful moments of one of the world's most famous & important rock & roll duos. 50 tracks on 2 CDs including, 'Wake Up Little Susie', 'Bye Bye Love', 'All I Have To Do Is Dream', 'Cathy's Clown' & many more. Standard jewel case housed in a slipcase. 2002.

Album Details

Digitally Remastered Fantastic Double Disc Anthology of One the First Popular Duo in Rock 'n' Roll. The Brothers Everly Recorded their Sweet Harmonies on a String of Hit Singles in the Late 1950's and 60's and this Disc Compiles all the Best of Them. With 50 Great Songs, You Get the Full Aural Picture of These Gifted Recording Artists.

Customer Reviews:

The Definitive Everly Brothers CD.......2007-03-09

This CD is a must if you enjoy listening to two of the great pioneers of Rock and Roll. The whole CD is of great sound quality. All songs are clear. This CD really takes me back in time. I recommend any one that enjoys old rock and roll hits to purchase this CD.

All the hits are NOT here.......2006-11-14

This doesn't have "That's Old Fashioned (That's the Way Love Should Be)", a top-10 hit in the USA. As far as I can tell that's the only Billboard top-40 hit it doesn't have.

From the fifties to the eighties.......2003-10-11

There have been many Everly Brothers compilations, usually covering different periods of their career. Just occasionally, a compilation is released that spans their career and this double CD almost qualifies as one of them. Actually, almost all the tracks here are from their recordings with Cadence in the fifties and Warner in the sixties, though On the wings of a nightingale (from 1984) has been included. Their wonderful but unsuccessful seventies recordings are missing but this collection is aimed at the casual buyer who is mainly looking for hits - and that's exactly what they will get here.

All the classics are here including Bye bye love, Wake up little Susie, All I have to do is dream, Till I kissed you, Let it be me, Cathy's clown, So sad, Walk right back, Ebony eyes, Temptation, Crying in the rain and Price of love, together with many other fine songs including several minor hits that are often overlooked but deserve to be heard - songs like It's my time, released in the late sixties when the brothers were no longer fashionable.

All these tracks are available elsewhere though some are not easy to find. This is a superb collection with no serious omissions. If you only want one collection of Everly music, this one has everything you will need.

Average customer rating: One Of The All Time Greats Of American Music Nice package Simple; a must have. More than the same old stuff a fatal flaw

The Music of Bill Monroe Bill Monroe Manufacturer: Mca Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Country | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bluegrass | Country | Box Sets | Stores | Music Folk | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Complete Columbia Stanley Brothers The Complete Mercury Recordings The Stanley Brothers and The Clinch Mountain Boys: The Complete Mercury Recordings The Essential Flatt & Scruggs: 'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered Bill Monroe - The Father of Bluegrass Music ASIN: B000002OSF Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

1. My Long Journey Home - The Monroe Brothers
2. What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul - The Monroe Brothers
3. Muleskinner Blues
4. Cryin' Holy Unto My Lord
5. Back Up And Push
6. Goodbye Old Pal
7. Heavy Traffic Ahead
8. Wicked Path Of Sin
9. It's Mighty Dark To Travel
10. Bluegrass Breakdown
11. Can't You Hear Me Callin'
12. My Little Georgia Rose
13. I'm On My Way To The Old Home
14. I'm Blue, I'm Lonesome
15. Uncle Pen
16. Lord Protect My Soul
17. Raw Hide
18. Brakeman's Blues
19. Sugar Coated Love
20. Christmas Time's A Coming
21. The First Whippoorwill
22. In The Pines
23. Footprints In The Snow
24. Walking In Jerusalem

Tracks:

1. Memories Of Mother & Dad
2. The Little Girl & The Dreadful Snake
3. Y'all Come
4. Sitting Alone In The Moonlight
5. On And On
6. White House Blues
7. Happy On My Way
8. A Voice From On High
9. Close By
10. Put My Little Shoes Away
11. Wheel Hoss
12. Cheyenne
13. You'll Find Her Name Written There
14. Roanoke
15. Blue Moon Of Kentucky
16. The Girl In The Blue Velvet Band
17. Used To Be
18. A Good Woman's Love
19. Cry, Cry Darlin'
20. I'm Sittin' On Top Of The World
21. I'll Meet You In The Morning
22. Scotland
23. Molly And Tenbrooks
24. John Henry

Tracks:

1. Big Mon
2. Dark As The Night, Blue As The Day
3. Sold Down The River
4. Little Joe
5. Lonesome Road Blues
6. I'm Going Back To Old Kentucky
7. Toy Heart
8. Nine Pound Hammer
9. Big Sandy River
10. Darling Corey
11. Salt Creek
12. Sailor's Hornpipe
13. Roll On Buddy, Roll On
14. Bill's Dream
15. Never Again
16. Dusty Miller
17. Midnight On The Stormy Deep
18. Soldier's Joy
19. Blue Night
20. Sally Goodin
21. Kentucky Mandolin
22. Walls Of Time
23. I Haven't Seen Mary In Years
24. The Dead March
25. With Body And Soul
26. Walk Softly On My Heart
27. Goin' Up Caney

Tracks:

1. Kentucky Waltz
2. Get Up John
3. Lonesome Moonlight Waltz
4. Rocky Road Blues
5. Jenny Lynn
6. My Old Kentucky And You
7. You Won't Be Satisfied That Way
8. Jerusalem Ridge
9. Ashland Breakdown
10. Come Hither To Go Yonder
11. My Last Days On Earth
12. My Sweet Blue-Eyed Darlin'
13. Travelin' This Lonesome Road
14. The Old Brown County Barn
15. Stay Away From Me
16. The Long Bow
17. The Old Cross Roads
18. Southern Flavor
19. Take Courage Un' Tomorrow
20. Pike County Breakdown
21. I'm Working On A Building
22. You're Drifting Away
23. Boston Boy

Amazon.com essential recording

It's the rare artist who virtually invents a genre single-handedly, and there's no artist in any genre whose work has remained as dominant a force as Bill Monroe. The songs here not only define bluegrass, they remain the core of any bluegrass band's repertoire. Monroe added a dose of sophistication to traditional hillbilly music--intricate group harmonies, expert musicianship--and he rehearsed his Blue Grass Boys for hours on end. MCA's lavish 4 CD set covers 60 years and 98 songs, adding detailed notes and anecdotes. Beginning with 1936 duets with brother Charlie, the list of Blue Grass Boys reads like a roster of legends: Flatt and Scruggs, Chubby Wise, Mac Wiseman, Jimmy Martin, Vassar Clements, Sonny Osborne, Bobby Hicks, Kenny Baker, Bill Keith, Del McCoury, Peter Rowan, and Richard Greene; the list goes on and on, as does the legacy of Monroe's music. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

One Of The All Time Greats Of American Music.......2007-07-01

I have been listening to contemporary bluegrass for awhile now. So I decided it was time to go back and check out the original source of it all - the legendary Bill Monroe.

This outstanding collection begins with his early days playing with brother Charlie in 1936 and goes all the way to a 1994 performance. In between are gathered 98 Monroe songs, including such classics as "Uncle Pen", "Blue Moon Of Kentucky" and "With Body And Soul".

Of course, there were other old timey string bands featuring mandolin and fiddle before Bill Monroe came along. But it was his high pitched tenor vocals and fast playing style that created the unique "high lonesome sound" that came to be known as bluegrass. I can't imagine a better introduction to Monroe's music than this, so many great songs and also a a well designed booklet which provides photos and detailed liner notes outlining the different stages in Monroe's career. For any fan of bluegrass, new or old, this is a great musical purchase.

Nice package.......2007-02-19

The packaging of this box set is very nice. The booklet that comes with the set is a pretty good abbreviated history of this fascinating icon of American music. Particularly interesting is reading about all of the Bluegrass Boys who later became bluegrass greats themselves- Flatt and Scruggs, Del McCoury, Sonny Osborne, Mac Wiseman, Jimmy Martin and the list goes on.
The only knock I have against this set is that some of the recordings are re-records of earlier Columbia classics, apparently at the behest of MCA records. It seems every box set either contains alternates or re-records which is puzzling to me. In the interest of history, I am only interested in the originally released recordings...

Simple; a must have........2006-12-11

...the foundation to all forms of American music. Having this much Monroe all in one place helps the listener understand the truly profound impact he had on the American musical soul. This collection is as timeless and current now as 50 years ago. Listen to all four discs chronologically the first time. The accompanying book with wonderful old photos is worth the price of the whole set.

More than the same old stuff.......2006-06-20

This is a very nicely packaged set. It comes in a handsome book-like cover, and is filled with great pics and liner notes. And, of course, lots of rare recordings. Get it.

a fatal flaw.......2005-12-31

A constant delight for the Bill Monroe fan or any listener serious about bluegrass and its evolution. One serious flaw, however, and I don't know if it's been fixed, but the first disc and a half has a lot of flutter, probably from the analogue source. This really compromises the quality of the music and it is more audible, the more tracks listened to.

Burt Shapiro

Average customer rating: Good intro, but Awesome Elvira is cut short!!!!!!!!!! MCA gets cheap? Not just for country music lovers!

20th Century Masters - The Millennium Collection: The Best of the Oak Ridge Boys The Oak Ridge Boys Manufacturer: Mca Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Country Gospel | Christian & Gospel | 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 4-for-3 Country | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: "The Oak Ridge Boys - Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" The Best of the Statler Bros. The Definitive Collection (Statler Brothers) Old Time Gospel Favorites Today's Gospel Favorites ASIN: B00004WFHX Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

1. Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight
2. I'll Be True To You
3. Dream On
4. Trying To Love Two Women
5. Elvira
6. Fancy Free
7. Bobbie Sue
8. I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (And Left My Heart Alone)
9. American Made
10. I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes
11. Make My Life With You
12. It Takes A Little Rain (To Make Love Grow)

Customer Reviews:

Good intro, but.......2005-08-24

The first 5 songs are top 10 hits +, but after that I went to fast forward.

Awesome.......2003-09-12

My parents listen to these good old boys and I grew up listening to them and my children are now listening to them. I went to a concert at the Ross Ragland in Klamath Falls,Or and I loved the bass he is so low you can feel it in your seat. All are cute too! Great albums

Elvira is cut short!!!!!!!!!!.......2002-07-25

The very end of the song where Richard hits the "bottom of the barrel" with his amazing vocal chords...is totally cut out! What a scam! I used to listen to this song as a kid and I feel I've been betrayed!!

MCA gets cheap?.......2002-04-28

The Oak Ridge Boys deserve to have at least one Millenium Collection released (if not more), but should it be done to accomodate MCA's increasingly cheap approach to older artists?

This collection would not be quite to bad if MCA hadn't released "The Oak Ridge Boys COLLECTION" nearly 10 years earlier. At least that package got original artwork and liner notes. When it became inevitable that the Oaks needed a Millenium Collection, what did MCA do? They simply pulled the 1992 "Collection" off the market (which had been certified Gold not too long before), slapped an old album photo on it (the original cover for "American Made," to be exact), and ever so slightly edited the track list. The result: a POOR excuse for a new release. All but one of the songs on this release appeared on the '92 collection ("Bobbie Sue," conspicuously absent from the prior release, and "Make My Life With You" are the only additions). Amazing, two of the Oaks' biggest hits, "Y'all Come Back Saloon" and "Thank God For Kids" were cut altogether (I guess to save even more money).

Even the liner notes are nearly identical to the '92 release. I see no reason for this total lack of concern for a top-notch group such as the Oaks. Since they have so many more hits, perhaps MCA will consider doing a Volume Two Millenium release (with a NEW cover photo and DIFFERENT song line-up!!)

Not just for country music lovers!.......2001-05-13

One listen to "The Best Of The Oak Ridge Boys - The Millennium Collection" will have you immediately hooked on the material, even if you aren't a fan of country music. What endeared many a fan to this legendary quartet is their unique brand of interwoven, finely homogenized blend of vocalization. Perhaps you could call the Oaks' the "Mamas and the Papas" or the "Three Dog Night" of country music. In this collection, you get eleven of their best known country tunes, plus the Oaks one and only crossover country-pop smash "Elvira", which features Richard Sterban's trademark bass vocals. I couldn't sing that low if my life depended on it! The saxophone playing in "Bobbie Sue" is reminiscent of The Coasters "Charlie Brown", which gives this track a jazzy-bluesy sort of quality. My favorite tracks in this collection would have to be "I Wish You Could Have Turned My Head (And Left My Heart Alone)", "American Made" (which was later revamped and used in a popular beer commercial), "Trying To Love Two Women", "Fancy Free" and "Make My Life With You". The other tracks featured in this greatest hits collection are worth the money as well, so you'll derive great listening pleasure, as well as get more than what you pay for with this one of a kind body of work from one of country music's biggest legends. This could be a five star review, had MCA included the Oaks' two most endearing favorites "Thank God For Kids" and "Everyday", but MCA sort of dropped the ball on this one. Although The Oak Ridge Boys have enjoyed a rather fruitful career over the years, perhaps their most notorious act was when Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen and Richard Sterban dismissed fellow longtime member William Lee Golden in the mid-'80's for refusing to shave off his trademark shepherd-like, salt and pepper beard. C'mon guys, that's like asking Alex Trebek to do away with his "flavor saver", or even asking Kenny Rogers to shave off all his facial hair! The group then replaced Golden with a dark haired guy with no facial hair, who, in photographs looked so out of place in this band. By the time the '90's rolled around, Golden was later back with The Oak Ridge Boys, but the group failed to recapture their late '70's/early '80's chart success. This Millennium Collection CD belongs in every country music/Oaks' fan's, and in some cases, pop music fan's CD library. You better not wait too long, because "The Best Of The Oak Ridge Boys - The Millennium Collection" might not be around for the next millennium! As they say down South, "Ya better git while the gittin's good!" In English, that means "Order yours today (while supplies last)!"

Average customer rating: all-time original hits by the everly brothers Para escucharlo una y orta vez. Walk Right Back - to the store and purchase this c.d. Must Have to Complete any Music Collection! If only "Bowling Green" were here!

All-Time Original Hits The Everly Brothers Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Rockabilly | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music General | Oldies & Retro | Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Rick Nelson - Greatest Hits Del Shannon - Greatest Hits The All-Time Greatest Hits of Roy Orbison Unchained Melody: Very Best Of The Righteous Brothers Dion & Belmonts - Greatest Hits ASIN: B00002MZ3A Release Date: 1999-11-02

Tracks:

1. Bye Bye Love
2. Wake Up Little Susie
3. All I Have To Do Is Dream
4. Bird Dog
5. Devoted To You
6. Problems
7. Take A Message To Mary
8. ('Til) I Kissed You
9. Let It Be Me
10. When Will I Be Loved
11. Cathy's Clown
12. So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad)
13. Ebony Eyes
14. Walk Right Back
15. That's Old Fashioned (That's The Way Love Should Be)
16. Crying In The Rain

Amazon.com

The lonesome two-part hill harmonies of the Louvin Brothers and Blue Sky Boys were slicked up just a bit and taken to the sock hop by the Everly Brothers. Don and Phil repeatedly scored on the pop, country, and R&B charts from the time they emerged in 1957 with "Bye Bye Love" until the Beatles (great admirers of the Everlys) changed the rules of rock a handful of years later. All-Time Original Hits serves up 16 chart favorites, the latest dating from 1962. The likes of "Wake Up Little Susie," "All I Have to Do Is Dream," "Bird Dog," and "Cathy's Clown"--No. 1 pop hits all--sound as sweet and irresistible today as they did when '50s teens where making out to them decades ago. --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

all-time original hits by the everly brothers.......2007-05-15

many of the very best they did. great listening every trip in the car. Would like more of their songs.{if they exist}

Para escucharlo una y orta vez........2006-03-06

Este CD es exelente ya que contiene 16 de susu mejores exitos con una calidad de sonido estupenda.
Muy disfrutable.

Walk Right Back - to the store and purchase this c.d........2006-01-07

Hi People. Metamorpho is back, reviewing very worthy music for all of you. With this one, I have to say, that for all the great vocal harmonies we've heard in pop music over the last 50 years - it is all due to the incredible influence of The Everlys. It was a thrill to see them perform at the Simon and Garfunkel "Old Friends" tour. Older, but the vocals still had that rich blend.
Rhino has done a wonderful job here. I looked around for a very long time for a compilation like this - but never found it - probably due to the fact that The Everlys moved from Cadence to Warner Bros. records, and copyrights and whatnot probably interfered with a good collection.
Pretty much all of it's here people, with perhaps a few exceptions. "Bye Bye Love", "All I Have to Do Is Dream"'"Wake Up Little Susie","Let It Be Me", "Bird Dog", and much much more - and in all their original forms. I would be remiss if I did not mention my very favorite by them (and a damn near perfect pop song) "Cathy's Clown".
The songs themselves are prime examples of exceptional 50's-60's songcraft. But, what really pushes this to a heaven on earth experience is the natural blend of Phil and Don's harmonies. Absolutely right - and they hit the nail on the head again and again and again.
Metamorpho can hear the grumbling in the audience out there (you KNOW who you are). They are grumbling that this music is dated and that it's not current, and kids today don't listen to this etc. etc. etc. O.K. Metamorpho feels your pain but I am not sympathetic! No. You have NOT been listening to my wisdom. First off - music is an exploration into sometimes new and exciting areas-- and then there is the belief that if a song is good - it is good for all time. Besides-- being a reflective seer is not an easy thing-takes all my energy - and I would not be reporting the excellence of this c.d. unless I thought it was worthy of your attention.
Anyway - no backtalk! The Everly Brothers created music history and this c.d. is a beautiful reason why. Get wise. Listen to Metamorpho and you'll be glad! Later.........

Must Have to Complete any Music Collection!.......2005-07-29

This Everly Brothers compilation is one of the very few that includes one of my favorite EB songs, "That's Old Fashion". The rest of the CD contains all of the usual suspects. I have several EB compilations on vinyl that are as great, but on CD, this is as complete as it gets.

If only "Bowling Green" were here!.......2005-07-25

My first Vinyl album was the very best of the Everly Bros, purchased in 1966. I still have that album, but this collection has a better display of their resume`, hitting all of their great songs except "Claudette" and "Bowling Green".There is another collection entitled " Definitive Everly Bros", which is a more complete Anthology of 50 songs(Import from England),but at a greater expense.This is a very worthy addition to any collector of 50`s and 60`s Country-Rock, and "Rock a billy"sound.Steve D

Music Album:

1. Cool Me Down
2. Country Gentleman
3. Country Music Is Here to Stay: The Complete Simon Crum a.k.a. Ferlin Husky on Capitol
4. Country Tearjerkers: 60 Original Heartbreakers [Import]
5. Crystal Gayle's Greatest Hits
6. Definitive Country Collection [Import]
7. Dottie West
8. Evil Things
9. Family Tree [Import]
10. Fiddle Fatale

Music Album