Merle Haggard

1. Okie from Muskogee

2. I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink

3. Mama's Hungry Eyes

4. Kern River

5. Today I Started Loving You Again

6. Mama Tried

7. If I Could Only Fly

8. When Times Were Good

9. Honky Tonk Night Time Man

10. Footlights

11. Ida Red

12. This Mornin', This Evenin', So Soon

13. I Knew the Moment I Lost You

14. Bill Cheatham [Instrumental]

15. Chill Factor

16. Fightin' Side of Me

Merle Haggard,Merle Haggard,St. Clair Records,Bakersfield Sound,Country,Country & Western,Honky Tonk,Pop,Songwriter,Traditional Country,Western Swing Revival

Average customer rating: Great Country Music Last of the Breed - Well Done The Title Says It All The rocks of this kins of music . Better in theory than in practice

Last of the Breed Willie Nelson , Ray Price , and Merle Haggard Manufacturer: Lost Highway ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones: Kickin' Out the Footlights... Again Live at Texas Stadium A Hundred Miles or More: A Collection You Don't Know Me: The Songs of Cindy Walker Waking Up Laughing ASIN: B000NA1ZLA Release Date: 2007-03-20

Tracks:

1. My Life's Been A Pleasure
2. My Mary
3. Back To Earth
4. Heartaches By The Number
5. Mom And Dad's Waltz
6. Some Other World
7. Why Me Lord
8. Lost Highway
9. I Love You A Thousand Ways
10. Please Don't Leave Me Any More Darlin'
11. I Gotta Have My Baby Back

Tracks:

1. Goin' Away Party
2. If I Ever Get Lucky
3. Sweet Memories
4. Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
5. I Love You Because
6. Sweet Jesus
7. Still Water Runs The Deepest
8. I Love You So Much It Hurts
9. That Silver Haired Daddy Of Mine
10. I'll Keep On Loving You
11. Night Watch

Amazon.com

Once an Outlaw, later a Highwayman, now an elder statesman, Willie Nelson joins forces with Merle Haggard and Ray Price (both of whom have recorded duet albums with Nelson) in a celebration of the classic country song. Everything about this is defiantly old school, from the production by veteran Fred Foster and the musical support from steel guitarist Buddy Emmons and Texas Playboy fiddler Johnny Gimble and vocal backing from the Jordanaires to songs from the likes of Harlan Howard, Leon Payne, and Lefty Frizzell. For all of the artists' generational ties, their differences are what distinguish the project: Nelson is the reediest and most conversational vocalist, Haggard the bluesiest; and Price remains the quintessential countrypolitan crooner. Whether they're harmonizing on Mickey Newbury's "Sweet Memories" or trading verses on Howard's "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down," the vocal blend suggests old friends having the time of their musical lives. Guests include Vince Gill (on "Heartaches by the Number") and Kris Kristofferson (on his Why Me Lord"), but a trio like this doesn't need much outside assistance. --Don McLeese

Album Description

Let's be clear: Last of the Breed is a story - actually, a novel, if not an epic - unto itself. The title sums it up pretty well: On these two discs three classic performers, Ray Price, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard, band together on songs they've known and loved for years.

Their contributions don't need elaboration. Each is a legend. All three hark back to a time that's in some ways gone. When you consider the lives they've lived, the world that formed them as artists, and even the landscapes they knew as they began playing in beer joints and backwater clubs long ago, then the truth of those four words, Last of the Breed, comes clear.

Look a little closer, and they take on another reference, to the songs as well as to the giants who celebrate them here. Whether drawn from deep in the tradition, back from the well of Gene Autry, Lefty Frizzell, and Floyd Tillman, or picked from the more recent catalogs, this music conveys a feeling that might be mistaken for nostalgia but is in fact a timeless eloquence.

They don't write or sing `em like this anymore.

Customer Reviews:

Great Country Music.......2007-07-12

This is truly the last of the breed of real country musicians.
There aren't many country pickers and singers left. All the "New Country" folks are just rock stars with a cowboy hat on. This is really good listening. Just relax, sit back and enjoy.

Last of the Breed - Well Done.......2007-07-03

This CD is a well rounded selection of music with three of the best artists to deliver it. When it comes to Country music, these three artists can give you the best there is. The production is first class and this is a big part of the sound. If you haven't purchased this album, do so. You'll love it.

The Title Says It All.......2007-06-28

Last of the Breed is the best of the best. The songs, words, music, and especially Willie, Merle & Ray you will simply & totally enjoy.

The rocks of this kins of music . .......2007-06-28

ANYTIME willie and ray have ever gotten together to record it has been a TREASURE for your ears . WILLIES VOICE WORKS WELL with any ray price style music . And vice versa . many a people will say oh waylon/ willie were the best together . And yeah they were very good . But for some reason these two know when to let the other shine and when it is time to carry a part in any given song .BETTER then any other two singers in any music format . Then THERE IS merle who is so good at what he does that people dont realize it is the music behind him that has made him shine .He knows so well how to use the band behind him it is awesome .Anytime you get a recording of merle you will see he knows how to use every bit player around him so well that it seems each are enjoying themself s so much that it just has to be great . But this IS ALMOST the last of the breed . This would have been the last of a breed if the three artists that were left out at least made a little showing on this recording. yes the other three that would have made this release complete would have been the 3 top guys left . GEORGE JONES / HANK JR / GENE WATSON . and these 6 are the last of the best of the best left touring . THIS LIST IS THE LIST OF ARTISTs THAT NO ONE WILL EVER FILL THIER SHOES .

Better in theory than in practice.......2007-06-23

What's not to like about this album? Great singers, old familiar songs, it seems like just my cup of tea. But, for whatever reason, this music just didn't "click" with me. After just a couple of listens, I found myself skipping over these CDs in my CD player. I realize that this review might not be very helpful to others because I can't manage to put my finger on what it is I didn't like about these CD - I just didn't. If you don't already know and love the individual material of all three of the artists, I suggest you try and listen to it before you buy it.

Average customer rating: Merle's 40 #1 Hits Haggard's 40 Best TO ALAN: NOW I'M A HAGGARD FAN TOO! To Add to Your Collection Barroom Buddies is off vinyl!

40 #1 Hits Merle Haggard , and Clint Eastwood Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Waylon Jennings 50 Years of Hits The Essential Willie Nelson David Allan Coe - 17 Greatest Hits 25 Number Ones ASIN: B0001I2BWG Release Date: 2004-03-23

Tracks:

1. Branded Man
2. The Fugitive
3. Mama Tried
4. Sing Me Back Home
5. The Legend Of Bonnie And Clyde
6. Hungry Eyes
7. Okie From Muskogee (Live)
8. Workin' Man Blues
9. The Fightin' Side Of Me
10. Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)
11. Carolyn
12. Grandma Harp
13. It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)
14. Everybody's Had The Blues
15. I Wonder If They Ever Think Of Me
16. If We Make It Through December
17. Old Man From The Mountain
18. Things Aren't Funny Anymore
19. Always Wanting You
20. It's All In The Movies

Tracks:

1. Kentucky Gambler
2. Movin' On
3. Cherokee Maiden
4. The Roots Of My Raising
5. I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink
6. I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall
7. If We're Not Back In Love By Monday
8. Bar Room Buddies
9. My Favorite Memory
10. Big City
11. Yesterday's Wine
12. Going Where The Lonely Go
13. Pancho And Lefty
14. You Take Me For Granted
15. Let's Chase Each Other Around The Room
16. Someday When Things Are Good
17. That's The Way Love Goes
18. A Place To Fall Apart
19. Natural High
20. Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star

Customer Reviews:

Merle's 40 #1 Hits.......2007-03-09

I am so glad that I purchased this CD. It is the best CD to have if you are a Merle Haggard Fan. This CD gives the music fan a great taste of all his hits throughout his career. I recommend this CD to any country music fan that loves the "Oldies" of country music and the artist that sings them.

Haggard's 40 Best.......2007-01-18

If you're a Merle Haggard fan, this CD is a must have. From way back to fairly recent, all of Merle's greatest are here. This is real, pure country music.

TO ALAN: NOW I'M A HAGGARD FAN TOO!.......2006-01-21

I owe it all to Alan Jackson. Recently I bought his album, WHEN SOMEBODY LOVES YOU and was listening to the first track, Meat and Potato Man. As I listened I heard Jackson sing, "I'm a Haggard fan. A meat and potato man..." I backtracked on the CD to make sure that I had heard him right. Did he say a Haggard fan? After playing it few a couple of times I was sure that Jackson was pitching Merle Haggard.

Interestingly, the lyrics came back to me again and again over the next few days until, finally, I determined to check Haggard out and 40 #1 HITS was the album that I chose. After listening I can certainly see why Alan Jackson would call himself "a Haggard Fan." If you haven't heard anything from Merle Haggard, there's certainly much more than the stereotypic "Okie From Muskogee." Here you'll be introduced to a broad range of Haggard offerings like "Mama Tried," "Grandma Harp," "I'm Always On A Mountain When I Fall," "Pancho And Lefty (with Willie Nelson)," and, my album favorite, "Going Where The Lonely Go." But, heck, there are forty songs here, any of which I could have listed.

Is Haggard worth a listen? Absolutely. Alan Jackson was dead right!

THE HORSEMAN

To Add to Your Collection.......2005-03-25

According to Billboard, Merle Haggard from Bakersfield, CA had 90 chart releases from 1963 to 1990. Think about that statistic! All 38 #1 songs are here on this two CD release. Two of Merle's 8 #2 hits round out the collection. Personal favorites are highly subjective but his reviewer favored "Things Aren't Funny Anymore", "and "Sing Me Back Home". The latter was dedicated to a former fellow inmate at San Quentin who was executed for murdering a prison guard. The former was composed while a marriage was breaking up. VERY special mention goes to " I Wonder If They Ever Think of Me". It's about a POW in Vietnam who is afraid his family and friends back in the World have forgotten him. That must have happened in real life far too often. The only tracks that failed to satisfy were the 3 duets, "Bar Room Buddies" - with Clint Eastwood! - "Pancho and Lefty" with Willie Nelson and "Yesterday's Wine" with George Jones. There is a fine quasi-duet with the ubiquitous Janie Fricke, "A Place to Fall Apart". Merle has always admitted to be heavily influenced by Lefty Frizzell and the similarity of styles is unmistakable, more to the credit of both men. Linear notes by Nancy Henderson embellish the collection and give context to several of the tracks. (Some may feel that the small, dropped out typeface doesn't do the insert complete justice.) Before reading Joel Whitburn's "Billboard Book of Country Music", this reviewer was unaware that many of Hag's best-known work did NOT attain #1 status. That list would include "Ramlin' Fever", and "Misery and Gin". Their exclusions should be ignored. The final word here is that this CD is a worthwhile addition to any serious classic country collection. For the $$, it is also a great value. Testimony such as that may appear trite, but it is on target in this case

Barroom Buddies is off vinyl!.......2005-02-01

The hard to find duet "Barroom Buddies" with Clint Eastwood from the soundtrack of Any Which Way You Can is taken from VERY poor quality vinyl for this collection. Shame On You Capitol Records! Although this collection is issued by Capitol Records, I have a sneaking suspicion that many of the songs here that were originally released on Capitol are rerecorded versions. Can anybody verify this? The Sony titles are definetly the originals (tracks 9-20 on disc 2).

Average customer rating: DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME !!!!!!!! im suprised . Good Ol' Boys being Good Ol' Boys Outstanding idea, well executed!! Velvet Voices

Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones: Kickin' Out the Footlights... Again George Jones , and Merle Haggard Manufacturer: Bandit Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Last of the Breed God's Country: George Jones & Friends Like Red on a Rose Hits I Missed...And One I Didn't It Just Comes Natural ASIN: B000HIVQ7Q Release Date: 2006-10-24

Tracks:

1. Footlights
2. The Race Is On
3. The Way I Am
4. She Thinks I Still Care
5. All My Friends Are Strangers
6. Things Have Gone To Press
7. I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink
8. Born With The Blues
9. Sick, Sober & Sorry
10. I Always Get Lucky With You
11. Sing Me Back Home
12. The Window Above
13. You Take Me For Granted
14. Don't Get Around Much Anymore

Amazon.com

Nearly 25 years after their last album together (1982's A Taste of Yesterday's Wine), the Possum and the Hag reunite... with a twist. This time, they sing each other's songs. The conceit can be dangerous unless you're playing it for laughs, e.g., Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley on the former's 1960 television special. But though Jones puts more emotion into interpreting Haggard's songs than Hag reciprocates, these two old legends manage to pull it off. And with the help of producer Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson), they keep the music solid, too, spotlighting steel guitar great Norm Hamlet and celebrated piano sideman Pigg Robbins, who played on many of their original recordings. Jones particularly shines on "The Way I Am," and Haggard proves sublime on "I Always Get Lucky with You." Where the album really lights up, however, is on the duo's pocketful of duets, starting with a poignant and intensely resonant rendition of Haggard's classic aging-musician ballad, "Footlights." Surprisingly, the repertoire never seems tired, and there's a surprise around every corner: Rhonda Vincent adding splendid harmonies on Haggard's new "Born to the Blues" and Jones turning transcendent on a confessional line about being "crazy and lonely." Just as these ragged masters take their leave, they put a little more Western in Duke Ellington's swing ("Don't Get Around Much Anymore"), filling in the middle with a warm, nostalgic banter that reminds listeners just how much these two have seen and done. Who knew hard-luck autobiography could sound so exquisite? --Alanna Nash

Album Description

On this disc the two country music icons take turns singing the other's hit songs. On four songs they team up on duets. The end result is an historic recording enhanced with stellar production by Keith Stegall and an all-star band.

Customer Reviews:

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME !!!!!!!!.......2007-06-29

Don't get me wrong! I didn't mean don't waste your time listenning to this album because it is not good. I just want to tell all of you to run out and get this piece of gem right now, by all mean neccessary. There's no need to read the reviews....just believe me.

im suprised ........2007-06-21

as i heard this album i was taken back . For in recent yrs jones voice has sounded like he has a renewed spark . LIKE A DANCER with a new step. i seen him in concert last yr and oh my he sounded wonderful . and never missed a note . just awesomwe . And merle on the other hand has lost a step . BUT WITH THAT BEING SAID merle missing a step is still better then most artist on tour now on thier best day . WITH only 4 people with many yrs under thier belts still doing what they do so well left touring . JONES .MERLE .WILLIE . AND HANK JR . i WAS thinking MERLE CANT DO GEORGE JONES songs .As no one can sing jones songs . AS WAYLON SANG .(WRONG ) YES I ADMIT i was wrong . merle was great on this outing . george on the other hand was very good . So the one i thought would be the stronger of the two was not . Now im not saying mr jones was lost on this album . But merle was the merle of old . But jones can sing anything so he got away with being different on this album .Like getting in the ring with a great fighter known for his right hook . SO YOU WATCH out for that right hook . and get knocked out with the left . HOPE they tour together this yr.

Good Ol' Boys being Good Ol' Boys.......2007-03-18

Sometimes two mixing two great talents togeter dilutes the result. Not in this case. Here, 1+1 is very much more than 2. Quite simply this is brilliant, blissful stuff. Outstanding.

Outstanding idea, well executed!!.......2007-01-19

One of my favorite albums ever. I've already bought several more as gifts!

Velvet Voices.......2007-01-18

I LOVE this CD. Merle's voice is pure velvet and George Jones is totally himself - the rich deep voice of yesterday. They make a great team. I hope they do another one!

Average customer rating: Best introduction to a legendary artist. One of the greatest country artists ever.... Very Good unique collection Merle's best!

Hag: The Best of Merle Haggard Merle Haggard Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | 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: Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones: Kickin' Out the Footlights... Again 21 #1 Hits: The Ultimate Collection Back to the Barrooms Ultimate Waylon Jennings Last of the Breed ASIN: B000HC2PCM Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. The Bottle Let Me Down
2. Branded Man
3. Sing Me Back Home
4. The Legend Of Bonnie And Clyde
5. Today I Started Loving You Again
6. Mama Tried
7. Im Bringing Home Good News
8. I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am
9. Hungry Eyes
10. Workin Man Blues
11. Silver Wings
12. Okie From Muskogee
13. The Fightin Side Of Me
14. Someday Well Look Back
15. If We Make It Through December
16. Things Arent Funny Anymore
17. Honky Tonk Night Time Man
18. Old Man From The Mountain
19. Living With The Shades Pulled Down
20. I Think Ill Just Stay Here And Drink
21. Big City
22. Pancho And Lefty - with Willie Nelson
23. Im Leaving Now with Johnny Cash
24. Runaway Mama
25. Thats The News
26. She Aint Hooked On Me No More with Toby Keith

Album Description

The first-ever career spanning, cross-label (Capitol, MCA, Epic, Anti, Compendia), single disc, "Best of" compilation. 26 classic songs all remastered from the original studio tapes. Features duets with Johnny Cash, Toby Keith and Willie Nelson. This collection focuses on Haggard's songwriting--23 of the 26 songs were written or co-written by Merle Haggard. Includes 13 #1 Country Singles.

Customer Reviews:

Best introduction to a legendary artist........2007-05-23

If you were going to buy a best of to introduce someone to Merle Haggard, this is a good one. Plenty of classics here, But I kind of wish they included more of his MCA and Epic era hits.

One of the greatest country artists ever...........2007-03-27

I really like old country music. It's much more sincere and real that the current garbage permeating the airwaves. Merle Haggard is a prime example of that old country music. He's one of the greatest songwriters to emerge from country music, and his songs are still valid today. Many people dismiss him as a right wing blowhard because of songs like Okie from Muskogee and The Right Side of Me. I actually like Okie, and its criticisms of hippie lifestyles is kind of funny and true, considering hippies were silly and naive. I don't care for The Right Side of Me, which is way too jingoistic in my opinion, but that doesn't mean one should just dismiss everything the man has written. Merle is a true artist and a complicated man. The Grateful Dead have covered his songs (most notably Mama Tried, included here), so even the hippie Dead recognized that Merle is a great songwriter, and his political views (which are probably more complicated than most people think) shouldn't matter when it comes to his art. Personally, I think there's more wisdom in a 3 minute Haggard song (and a Cline and Wiliams one) than in all the political rants of lefties and righties combined. There was a recent article on Amazon's plog about how people in Seattle were rather rude to him when he was performing, showing that liberals can be closed minded as well. This is a wonderful collection, featuring many of Merle's greatest, including Mama Tried, Okie from Muskogee, Hungry Eyes, and The Bottle Let Me Down. Haggard is still going strong today, and his music will go on forever....

Very Good.......2007-01-03

Merle Haggard is at his best on this cd. Would like to see a dvd from him.

unique collection.......2006-10-11

no need to skip tracks, pop it in and let it play,great car cd, remastering is excellent. Classic cover photo. Nice set,buy it.

Merle's best!.......2006-09-18

Merle Haggard is a musical genius, and this album shows why. Twenty six career spanning, great songs from one of country's greatest singer/songwriters. VERY highly recommended.

Average customer rating: As good as country music gets All the best, when Hag was young! Pure Country Desert Island Hank And Haggard, The Best singer songwriters ever

Down Every Road Merle Haggard Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Buck Owens Collection (1959-1990) 50 Years of Hits Nashville Rebel The Conway Twitty Collection The Essential George Jones: The Spirit of Country ASIN: B000002U0R Release Date: 1996-04-02

Tracks:

1. Skid Row
2. Sing A Sad Song
3. You Don't Even Try
4. Sam Hill
5. (My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers
6. Just Between The Two Of Us
7. If I Had Left It Up To You
8. I'm Gonna Break Every Heart I Can
9. Swinging Doors
10. The Bottle Let Me Down
11. High On A Hilltop
12. I'll Look Over You
13. The Fugitive
14. House Of Memories
15. All Of Me Belongs To You
16. Mary's Mine
17. Someone Told My Story
18. Go Home
19. Whatever Happened To Me
20. Loneliness Is Eating Me Alive
21. I Threw Away The Rose
22. Branded Man
23. You Don't Have Very Far To Go
24. Somewhere Between
25. Sing Me Back Home
26. The Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp
27. Seeing Eye Dog

Tracks:

1. The Legend Of Bonnie And Clyde
2. I Started Loving You Again
3. Is This The Beginning Of The End?
4. I'll Always Know
5. Mama Tried
6. In The Good Old Days (When Times Were Bad)
7. Teach Me To Forget
8. I'm Looking For My Mind
9. The Day The Rains Came
10. California Blues (Blue Yodel #4)
11. I Take A Lot Of Pride In What I Am
12. I'm Bringin' Home Good News
13. I Can't Hold Myself In Line
14. It Meant Goodbye To Me When You Said Hello To Him
15. Hungry Eyes
16. Silver Wings
17. Waitin' For A Train
18. Jimmie Rodgers' Last Blue Yodel (The Women Make A Fool Out Of Me)
19. California Cottonfields
20. White Line Fever
21. Workin' Man Blues
22. Okie From Muskogee
23. I Can't Stop Loving You
24. Huntsville
25. Irma Jackson
26. The Fightin' Side Of Me
27. I'll Be A Hero (When I Strike)

Tracks:

1. Right Or Wrong
2. Trouble In Mind
3. Stay A Little Longer
4. The Farmer's Daughter
5. Tulare Dust
6. Carolyn
7. Someday We'll Look Back
8. Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)
9. Grandma Harp
10. It's Not Love (But It's Not Bad)
11. I Wonder If They Ever Think Of Me
12. If We Make It Through December
13. The Emptiest Arms In The World
14. Everybody's Had The Blues
15. Things Aren't Funny Anymore
16. Honky Tonk Night Time Man
17. Holding Things Together
18. Here In Frisco
19. Kentucky Gambler
20. Always Wanting You
21. Living With The Shades Pulled Down
22. Running Kind
23. It's All In The Movies
24. The Way It Was In '51
25. I Never Go Around Mirrors
26. What Have You Got Planned Tonight Diana

Tracks:

1. If We're Not Back In Love By Monday
2. Ramblin' Fever
3. It's Been A Great Afternoon
4. Red Bandana
5. Footlights
6. My Own Kind Of Hat
7. Misery And Gin
8. Leonard
9. I Think I'll Just Stay Here And Drink
10. Rainbow Stew
11. Big City
12. Are The Good Times Really Over (I Wish A Buck Was Still Silver)
13. You Take Me For Granted
14. Pancho And Lefty
15. That's The Way Love Goes
16. Someday When Things Are Good
17. Let's Chase Each Other Around The Room
18. Kern River
19. Twinkle, Twinkle Lucky Star
20. In My Next Life

Amazon.com

For a long time, Merle Haggard has been best known for his least-important music--"Okie from Muskogee" and its sequels, "The Fighting Side of Me" and "Are the Good Times Really Over." All three of these patriotic novelty songs are included on this four-CD box set, but they are dwarfed by the riches around them. Songs such as "Running Kind," "If We Make it Through December," and "I Started Loving You Again" eschew sloganeering to draw powerful portraits of working-class folks pulled in one direction by a longing for footloose freedom and in another by economic realities and emotional ties. The catchy directness, the poetic vernacular, and Haggard's baritone purr mark those numbers as examples of country music at its finest. Down Every Road is as crucial as Robert Johnson's Complete Recordings, Hank Williams' Original Singles Collection ... Plus, or Bob Dylan's Biograph. --Geoffrey Himes

Customer Reviews:

As good as country music gets.......2007-03-24

When you think of traditional country music, few names command the respect Merle Haggard does. There are perhaps dozens of Merle compilations, but I find "Down Every Road" is arguably the best showcase of his versatile career.

It's amazing to see how far Haggard's career progressed from the early 60's to now; this collection covers the vast majority of his hits through 1994 or so, with a few minor exceptions ("Movin' On" isn't included, for example). It's all here. All the stories that make country music great: drinkin', trains, love gained, love lost, good-boy-gone wrong, etc. The thing is, Merle's lived most of this. The listener can almost feel the pain in his voice in a lot of this material, and it's completely believable. I guess that's why I like him so much, and one of the reasons he's been so well received over the course of his lengthy career. He's a road warrior, a survivor. I would recommend this collection to any real country music fan, but it's priceless for true Hag fans. Worth every penny.

All the best, when Hag was young!.......2006-03-10

I got this set for my Dad after he made me a compilation of Merle's classics. I listened to it, and while it was the same songs, they weren't how I remebered them. I asked Dad where he got them and he said from a more recent best of package. Apparently, due to record label rights, they had to have the vocals re-recorded for legal purposes. So instead of hearing Merle when his voice was still young with more range, instead of the older, more mature tones of his current vocals. Don't get me wrong, I love the recent stuff too, but this is a great collection when he was at his best.

Pure Country.......2005-09-04

I've been a country music fan dang near all my life. There's only one time that I was willing to put out over $40 (which is a lot of money to a workin' man like me) for a box set of music and this is it. That was about a year ago, and I have absolutely no regrets. They don't call Merle the "working man's poet" for nothing. Just pop one of these CDs in -- sit back, and listen closely to the words. He sings about what life really boils down to -- the hurtin', the lovin', the laughin', the cryin', the dyin', and in a way that just soaks into your soul. Just listen to the words and emotions behind "The Fugitive", "Branded Man", "The Bottle Let me Down", and "Silver Wings" for example. Merle's isn't just successful at singing heart-tugging songs, he can also belt out "get up and boogie" songs with the best of them -- songs like "Workin' Man Blues" and "Stay a Little Longer". Out of these 100 songs within these 4 CDs, there's not one bad song in the lot. You don't have a music career that spans decades if you're not touching a bunch of folks out there -- and Merle does just that with his heartfelt, believable singing. But, if you're checking out this album, you probably allready know that. Thanks, Merle, for all the great music.

Desert Island .......2004-12-18

If my entire music collection were lost, this would be my first purchase. I had all of Merle's (available) LP's and CD's when this came out, so I bought it for the unreleased tracks. The packaging and sound are wonderful. As this was a Capitol release, they went heavy on their own stuff (and also left off quite a few Capitol hits for obscure early album cuts). Quite a few essential Epic cuts are missing, and if I were to make a four CD Haggard set, I would balance it more with later hits. That being said, this is a fantastic set of music, and shows why Merle is the best all-around artist ever. As far as the combination of singing, songwriting, and musicianship goes (and he's great live),no one (including Hank) can touch the Hag. Buy this and see why most of the "singers" you hear today are imitations (albeit pale ones) of this man.

Hank And Haggard, The Best singer songwriters ever.......2004-03-29

Buy this with the Original Singles Collection by Hank Williams, and then throw in the theme cds by Haggard called Hurtin, Cheatin, Drinkin and Prison. If you can afford it get the Complete Hank Williams.

Average customer rating: Wohw. An Album Full Of Happines And Sorrows. Just Like It Is.. Back to the Barrooms Haggard at his best The best country album of the Eighties. "Back to the Barrooms", Best Merle Haggard Album Ever!!!

Back to the Barrooms Merle Haggard Manufacturer: Mca Special Products ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | 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: Serving 190 Proof A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World/It's All in the Movies Going Where the Lonely Go/That's the Way Love Goes Jones Sings Haggard, Haggard Sings Jones: Kickin' Out the Footlights... Again Big City ASIN: B00000DWFY Release Date: 2006-08-22

Tracks:

1. Misery and Gin
2. Back to the Barrooms Again
3. Make-Up and Faded Blue Jeans
4. Ever-Changing Woman
5. Easy Come, Easy Go
6. I Don't Want to Sober Up Tonight
7. Can't Break the Habit
8. Our Paths May Never Cross
9. I Don't Have Any More Love Songs
10. Leonard
11. I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink

Customer Reviews:

Wohw. An Album Full Of Happines And Sorrows. Just Like It Is.........2007-01-12

This Album Gives You An Idea How It Is To Be A SUPERSTAR. Nobody Give You Any Sparetime. Allways Wahtcing What Ever You Do. Live While You Can. Enjoy The Life....

Back to the Barrooms.......2007-01-11

Great CD, and Amazon also did a great job. Thank You

Haggard at his best.......2006-11-27

This is probably the best Merle Haggard release ever. If there were two country albums I would recommend it would be this one and Haggard's "Serving 190 Proof." They are Haggard at his finest.

There is not an average cut on this album. They are all superb. For the price, you can't go wrong.

The best country album of the Eighties........2006-09-25

I've been looking for this album on CD for at least 15 years. Why? Because it's Merle Haggard's best ever album, and the best country album of the 1980s. It's an absolute classic by a musical genius at the top of his game. "Make up and Faded Blue Jeans" and Merle's remake of Hank Jr.'s "I Don't Have Any More Love Songs" are worth the cost of the CD by themselves. HIGHEST recommendation.

"Back to the Barrooms", Best Merle Haggard Album Ever!!!.......2006-01-14

This is the definitive merle Haggard album. Merle recorded this album in 1980 with MCA records and in fact the very first song "Misery and Gin" was in the motion picture "Bronco Billy" starring Clint Eastwood. It would be impossible to say which is my favorite song on this album because each one is a favorite to me, there is not a bad song on the disc at all. Merle Haggard is a class act and his music is some of the best in country music even today. If your a Merle Haggard fan and you don't have this album, I highly recomend you pick it up. Merle has other great albums as well but it is hard pressed to beat "Back to the barrooms". I also recomend his albums "The way I am" and "Going where the lonely go" but "Back to the Barrooms" is still the best. Hurry up!!! Amazon.com, get "Back to the Barrooms" on here for sale so the rest of the world can enjoy this musical legend like I enjoy him.

Average customer rating: Wonderful memories 20 Of His Great Songs. merle haggard Great selection of songs by the "Master" You've gotta love this CD - It's the best of Merle

Merle Haggard - 20 Greatest Hits Merle Haggard Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Ultimate Waylon Jennings 16 Biggest Hits The Very Best Of Buck Owens, Vol.1 Waylon Jennings - Greatest Hits [RCA] 25 Number Ones ASIN: B000060NUP Release Date: 2002-02-26

Tracks:

1. Mama Tried
2. Workin' Man Blues
3. Silver Wings
4. Always Wanting You
5. Okie From Muskogee (Live)
6. Living With The Shades Pulled Down
7. Branded Man
8. Carolyn
9. If We Make It Through December
10. The Fightin' Side Of Me
11. The Bottle Let Me Down
12. House Of Memories
13. Today I Started Loving You Again
14. Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)
15. Honky Tonk Night Time Man
16. Sing Me Back Home
17. What Have You Got Planned Tonight, Diana
18. I'm A Lonesome Fugitive
19. Hungry Eyes
20. Old Man From The Mountain

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful memories.......2007-03-14

Merle has that wonderful early country music warmth when he sings. It is all about his experiences and his feelings. He doesn't rely on all the electronic back ups to high light his voice, it is just him.

20 Of His Great Songs........2007-02-08

Well This Album Has What You Need, When You Like Merle Haggard

merle haggard.......2006-03-29

this is just one of his many great albums. i would recommend it to any country music fan.

Great selection of songs by the "Master".......2006-03-16

This is the best collection of songs by the "Hag" that I have in my collection. Will bring back many memories to Merle Haggard fans.

You've gotta love this CD - It's the best of Merle.......2005-11-03

I was fascinated to find out that Merle either wrote or co-wrote most of the songs on this CD. I would recommend this CD to anyone who likes the "real country" music. All you have to do is listen to this CD and you will know that Merle has lived what he writes about. You will like this CD!

Average customer rating: Review of the CD I bought The Best County Singer ever salutes the Father of Country Music Keeping The Tradition Alive Brilliant musicianship The Hag's Best Ever

Same Train, Different Time Merle Haggard & the Strangers Manufacturer: Bear Family ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Indie Music | Stores | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: A Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World/It's All in the Movies Strangers/Swinging Doors & The Bottle Let Me Down Back to the Barrooms Recordings 1927-1933 Peer Sessions ASIN: B000006K5N Release Date: 1993-11-08

Tracks:

1. Jimmie the Kid
2. My Rough and Rowdy Ways
3. California Blues [Blue Yodel No. 4]
4. Narration, No. 1
5. Hobo's Meditation
6. Waiting for a Train
7. Mother, the Queen of My Heart
8. My Carolina Sunshine Girl
9. Narration, No. 2
10. Train Whistle Blues
11. Why Should I Be Lonely?
12. Jimmie's Texas Blues
13. Midnight Turning Day Blues (Blue Yodel No. 6)
14. Narration, No. 3
15. Mule Skinner Blues (Blue Yodel No. 8)
16. Peach Picking Time in Georgia
17. Down the Old Road to Home
18. Travelin' Blues
19. Miss the Mississippi and You
20. Frankie and Johnny
21. No Hard Times
22. Narration, No. 4
23. Hobo Bill's Last Ride
24. My Old Pal
25. Nobody Knows But Me
26. Narration, No. 5
27. Jimmie Rodgers' Last Blue Yodel (Women Make a Fool Out of Me)
28. Mississippi Delta Blues
29. Gambling Polka Dot Blues

Amazon.com essential recording

Oddly enough, Merle Haggard first heard the songs of Jimmie Rodgers on Lefty Frizzell's 1951 tribute record. Just as Frizzell (as well as Hank Snow and Ernest Tubb) did, Haggard took advantage of his station atop the country charts by paying homage to country's first legendary figure. Recorded across seven sessions between August 1968 and February 1969, the double-album Same Train barely registered on radar screens upon its initial release, but it remains a loving memorial to one of Hag's idols as well as one of Hag's most sensitive and engaging vocal performances. After all, Haggard could easily relate to the displaced and disillusioned characters that Rodgers portrayed. It's also testament to Rodgers's genius that his characters stayed relevant and his music fit seamlessly into the Strangers' clothes 40 years after the fact. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Review of the CD I bought.......2007-02-08

I received the exact product I wanted in a reasonable length. No problems at all.

The Best County Singer ever salutes the Father of Country Music.......2005-11-04

I was living in England when this album was issued and purchased the single LP condensation of the US two record set. When I got back Stateside I bought the two record set, which I have to this day. Although sometimes I get a little impatient with Hag's narrations, I always play the entire side through. I was delighted to find it on CD but when I'm home I still listen to the LP, reserving the CD for use in the car. This set has a very authentic feel with Hag's Strangers doing a good job of replicating the sound of the JR originals. While I think that Hag's singing improved subsequent to this album, his vocals here are clearly a labor of love,complete with yodels.

A very important set of recordings

Keeping The Tradition Alive.......2005-07-24

As tribute albums go it dosn't get any better than this. Merle produced two superlative tribute albums in the 1970's. "Same Train, A Different Time": The Songs Of Jimmie Rodgers and "My Tribute To The Best Damn Fiddle Player In The World": Bob Wills. With each of these, Merle demonstrates a deep rooted affection for not only the music, but for the men who defined the "Blue Yodel Sound" and "Western Swing". Without comming off as heavy handed or pompus Merle takes the listener on a musical journey through the past, into a time and place where hobos rode the rails, always on the watch for the railroad cops, always searching for that next town beyond the bend. A place where they might find a few days work peach pickin' or maybe choppin' wood. And with the Bob Wills album, Merle brings us back to the western Grange Halls where swing bands played a unique blend of country, swing and polkas all night long and fellas snuck out back to steal a kiss from their best gal. Merle knows the music better than anyone alive. He's played it and he's lived it and we can only hope he'll be around for many more years, keeping the sounds and the traditions alive of great musicians like, The "Singing Breakman", Jimmie Rodgers and "The King Of Western Swing", Bob Wills. Long live the sweet sounds of Bakersfield and long may you live live old friend, Merle Haggard.

Brilliant musicianship.......2005-04-21

Anyone who likes country-blues (especially the all-acoustic variety) will love this CD.

Firstly, the songs are the compositions of someone who needs no introduction, the legendary Jimmie Rodgers. Most of them are based on a 12-bar blues pattern, with the lyrics repeating the first verse twice over the first chord-change - a traditional form that was very dear to Rodgers. The words are a good reflection of depression-era themes, such as railroad hoboing (Hobo Bill), scrounging up a modest living (No hard time blues) and, of course, loving and leaving in their many facets (California blues, Jimmie's last Blue Yodel).

Haggard's vocal rendition is somewhat different then Rodgers,' but the result is equally engaging. While Rodgers' voice is haunting and languid, Haggard's is more round and palpable. Also, Haggard's yodeling is much less frequent, but when employed is extremely effective, equally "plodding" and never over-used. In a sense, it is by being completely himself that Haggard nails the spirit of Rodgers' songs.

The arrangements are one of the many strong suits of this CD. For the most part, pieces feature acoustic instruments - drums, bass, guitars, dobros (one played with the slide, the other a dobro-guitar), and blues-harp. A couple pieces have horns, played in a quasi-Dixieland style reminiscent of those in Rodgers' own recordings - while a violin, an electric guitar and a steel guitar surface in a minority of the tracks. Most pieces are moderate "2/4" two-steps, with the occasional waltz.

The accompaniment is provided by Haggard's own band (the Strangers) and the studio artists sometimes heard in his earlier recordings. Among the latter is none other than James Burton, one of the fathers of Country Guitar styles and, of course, the guitarist who toured with Elvis from 1969 to 1977. While most listeners are accustomed to hearing Burton's Telecaster, it is amazing to hear him pick away at a round-neck dobro with equal flair and musicianship (his fiery solo in "No hard time blues" is an oft-copied masterpiece).

Song-choice is varied and representative of Rodgers' output. Also, the recording is interspersed with a few (very brief) tracks of Haggard's narration of Rodgers' life and deeds - which can be easily skipped over once they are familiar to the listener.

Overall, I recommend this CD very enthusiastically to all who enjoy this style of music - a CD that has only strengths and no weaknesses.

The Hag's Best Ever.......2004-07-16

I bought this album in 1969 when it was first released and I still have it now. Even though my old record player is in bad shape I still listen to it whenever I get the time. One can not just sit and listen to one or two of the songs on this album and then cut it off, because when it starts you find yourself getting caught up in the singer the times and music and before you know it you have listened to every song on this two album set. I do not believe that there ever has been or ever will be someone quite like Merle Haggard. He has a voice with depth and quality that no one can duplicate or be compared to. He is truly one of a kind. I too feel that if Jimmy Rodgers was alive to hear this music he would truly be amazed at what he was hearing and wished (even though he could sing these same songs superbly) he could sing them the same way that the Hag could and does here. I have always been a fan of the Hag and always will be. God don't make singers of country music like him any more. This is the kind of music that takes you back to front porches and porch swings. Back to when time seemed to stand still. This music will live forever because of the heart and soul that was put into this music by Jimmy Rodgers first then Merle Haggard. Thanks Merle for sharing Jimmy Rodger's songs and your great talent with all that will give an ear to this great form of music.

Average customer rating: For Everything Merle The Hag Best country album of the early 80's Peerless Clean and Mean Country -- Hag's Way SAVE A HORSE, RIDE A COWBOY

Big City Merle Haggard Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | 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 CDs $7 - $10 | Honky-Tonk | Country | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Honky-Tonk | 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: Serving 190 Proof Back to the Barrooms Going Where the Lonely Go/That's the Way Love Goes Mama Tried/Pride In What I Am Seashores of Old Mexico ASIN: B0000296J4 Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

1. Big City
2. My Favorite Memory
3. Good Old American Guest
4. I Think I'm Gonna Live Forever
5. This Song Is Mine
6. Stop The World And Let Me Off
7. Are The Good Times Really Over (I Wish A Buck Was Still Silver)
8. Texas Fiddle Song
9. You Don't Have Very Far To Go
10. I Always Get Lucky With You
11. Call Me
12. I Won't Give Up My Train

Amazon.com essential recording

Merle Haggard's Epic stint was short-lived and aimless; it produced a slew of celebrity duets, but little of merit except this, his 1981 label debut and 47th album overall. The first album Haggard produced himself has no fat. With his love for Western swing peaking around this time, the Strangers are a bigger band than ever and get almost as much play as he does. But even when he brings in still more instruments, as on "Stop the World (And Let Me Off)," they're honed to a sharp, minimalist edge. The writing is also growing more ambitious. The title song is still an alt-country favorite, but the album also hides such gems as the slow-death "You Don't Have Very Far to Go," cowritten with Red Simpson. Can't say the bonus tracks add anything, but neither do they do Haggard any harm. --John Morthland

Customer Reviews:

For Everything Merle.......2007-01-18

This CD is way cool. I have the Oh! Boy Greatest Hits, but needed the song Big City. I got that and much, much more with this awesome CD. There are no repeated songs. Together with the Oh! Boy CD I now have Everything Merle.

The Hag.......2006-09-23

Wish Coke was still Cola and a joint was a bad place to be.

Listen to the Master.

Best country album of the early 80's.......2006-01-11

Arguably Merle's best album of the Epic years, this is a no-filler, must-have for any serious student of country music. The remastered disc sounds superb and is worth the price if you've got the older cd issue. I dispute the reviewer who asserts that Haggards Epic years were wasted with the exception of this classic. The Epic albums do have a different sound than the earlier Capitol years but that's only a natural progression of a man entering his 40's in a time when Nashville was swinging back to the "Urban Cowboy" pop period. Merle never gave in to the "Big City" sound and this album stands in clear contrast to much of what filled the airwaves then...and now. Pick it up and thank me later.

Peerless Clean and Mean Country -- Hag's Way.......2005-12-23

All the alt-country, neo-folk, new-Americana wannabees out there trying to carry the torch better listen closely to this 1981 Hag classic for how this should be done. The big man's songwriting was peaking, introspective and personal as usual, but with good humor, wit, and class at the same time. Hag's infatuation with western swing was also growing, and was used to great effect here, highlighting and illustrating the lyrics without sounding intrusive. The production is minimal and clean, and really sounds great. The title track, his raucous song about ridin' the rails ("Good Old American Guest"), and many others make this a superior collection that stands the test of time. Thank you Merle!

SAVE A HORSE, RIDE A COWBOY.......2005-07-09

MY HUSBAND AND I PLAY THIS CD ALL THE TIME. WE BOTH LOVE IT.

Average customer rating: great quality

Pancho & Lefty Merle Haggard , and Willie Nelson Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Honky-Tonk | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Western Swing | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Seashores of Old Mexico Highwayman Waylon & Willie Big City Serving 190 Proof ASIN: B0000DG00G Release Date: 2003-10-21

Tracks:

1. Pancho And Lefty
2. It's My Lazy Day
3. My Mary
4. Half A Man
5. Reasons To Quit
6. No Reason To Quit
7. Still Water Runs The Deepest
8. My Life's Been A Pleasure
9. All The Soft Places To Fall
10. Opportunity To Cry
11. Half A Man
12. My Own Peculiar Way

Customer Reviews:

great quality.......2005-07-13

The condition of the product is as good as the content of the cd... A must for any fan of Willie or Merle!

Music Album:

1. Misty Blue
2. Neighborhood Is Changing
3. Old Ways and Old Paths
4. Partners
5. Pure Country: Willie Nelson & Friends
6. Queen of Country [Import]
7. Red Dirt
8. "Ronnie Milsap - Greatest Hits, Vol. 3"
9. Silver Fox//Every Time You Touch Me [Import]
10. Sing The Hits of Elvis Presley 3CD+G set (Karaoke)

Music Album