Essential Collection [Enhanced] [Import]

Product Description
Australian collection for the instrumental quartet from the 60's, originally Cliff Richard's backing band, features36 tracks. EMI. 2004.

Essential Collection,The Shadows,EMI Int'l,British Invasion,Early British Pop/Rock,Instrumental Rock,Pop,Rock,Rock/Pop

Average customer rating: Great classic collection! A very good compilation of Hits! my favorite singer in the whole world Astonishingly Great Gladys and the Pips

Essential Collection Gladys Knight & the Pips Manufacturer: Hip-O Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Motown | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Aretha Franklin - 30 Greatest Hits The Ultimate Collection Before Me The Ultimate Collection The Ultimate Collection ASIN: B00001QGS4 Release Date: 1999-09-28

Tracks:

1. Every Beat Of My Heart
2. Letter Full Of Tears
3. Giving Up
4. I Heard It Through the Grapevine
5. If I Were Your Woman
6. Friendship Train
7. I Don't Want To Do Wrong
8. Daddy Could Swear, I Declare
9. Neither One Of Us (Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye)
10. Midnight Train To Georgia
11. I've Got To Use My Imagination
12. Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me, The
13. I Feel A Song (In My Heart)
14. On And On
15. The Way We Were / Try To Remember
16. Save the Overtime (For Me)
17. Hero (Wind Beneath My Wings)
18. Love Overboard

Amazon.com

While Gladys Knight and the Pips spent large portions of the '60s, '70s, and '80s on the charts, this smart CD is the first attempt to compile high points of their tenures at various labels (Motown subsidiary Buddah, Columbia, MCA). While Knight proved equally at home with smokin' church-bred R&B (the original "I Heard It Through the Grapevine") and uptown pop (an unfortunate medley of "Try to Remember" and "The Way We Were"), she was most effective on plainspoken tales of everyday people. That's the reason "Grapevine," "Midnight Train to Georgia," "You're the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me," and "Save the Overtime for Me," recorded over a 15-year span, sound so much of a piece. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Great classic collection!.......2007-05-13

What a great collection of the goodies from Ms. Gladys and the Pips! The collection spans years of wonderfully raw sound and solid emotion. I love to play this in the car when stuck in traffic in a bad mood. By the time I get where I'm going I'm mellow and singing along. If I Were Your Woman, Midnight Train to Georgia, Neither One of Us, The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me, and The Way We Were rip my heart out and have brought me to tears a million times. The vocals have a raw "been there, know the pain" edge, and when you hear that voice you know exactly who you are listening to. What a great addition to any cd collection!

A very good compilation of Hits! .......2007-03-06

This CD is a good choice for those who love real good, nice and smooth 70s Soul music. "I've Got To Use My Imagination", "Try To Remember/The Way We Were", "Best Thing Ever Happened To Me", and other great songs are included.

my favorite singer in the whole world.......2007-02-08

wow what can i say i have loved gladys since i was nine years old. i just saw her perform on new year's eve and wow what a powerhouse. the voice is still the same after all these years
i love her this cd is in my rotation right now and i never ever tire of hearing gladys and the fellows blow

this is truly the lady of the century for me
she is MY QUEEN OF SOUL

Astonishingly Great.......2006-03-08

Why has't GK been canonized to the extent some of the other famous R&B divas have? Her amazing, warm & soulful vocal prowess takes a back seat to nobody. This collection, the first I believe, to span all of her career, features an incredible parade of genius, state of the art vocalizing. From indispensable, classic chestnuts like "Heard it throught the Grapevine" and "Friendship Train" to the megaclassic "Midnight Train to Georgia" (I know we've all heard that one to the point where it's almost impossible to appreciate it anew, but listen, really listen, sometime to the eloquent and moving vocal, the impeccably arranged background vox, and the impossibly sweet and touching lyrics. It's a stunning experience), the aural pleasure this record induces never flags. She even tackles a few sappy, maudlin, middle of the road-y ballads, like "Hero" and actually acquits herself admirably. If she can rise above dorky material of that ilk, then she must indeed be some kind of dang genius.

Give it up for Gladys!

Gladys and the Pips.......2006-03-02

I've been listening to Ms. Knight and the Pips for many years, since the early 70's and she and they continue to amaze me with their beautiful voices. This CD is no exception. They are truly wonderful people who have Blessed us with their music and lyrics that positively impact the lives of all who will give them an ear. Glad I bought this CD. I think you will be glad too.

Average customer rating: Wonderful Western music themes Best Classic Western Music Great Western Themes Wandering Around the West Performance and sound Quality

The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection Various Artists Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection, Vol. 2 Songs Of The West, Vol. 4: Movie & Television Themes My Rifle, My Pony and Me (Western Movies Songs) The Greatest Western Movie Themes The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection ASIN: B00000K2DU Release Date: 1999-09-21

Tracks:

1. The Alamo: Overture - Dimitri Tiomkin
2. The Big Country: Main Title Theme - Jerome Moross
3. Buffalo Girls: Main Theme - Lee Holdridge
4. The Cowboys: Main Theme - John Williams
5. Dances With Wolves: The John Dunbar Theme - John Barry
6. A Distant Trumpet: Main Title - Max Steiner
7. El Condor: Main Title Theme - Maurice Jarre
8. A Fistful Of Dollars: Main Theme - Ennio Morricone
9. Gettysburg: Main Theme - Randy Edelman
10. Glory: Charging Fort Wagner - James Horner
11. Heaven's Gate: Sweet breeze - David Mansfield
12. High Plains Drifter: Main Theme - Dee Barton
13. How The West Was Won: Prelude - Alfred Newman
14. The Last Of The Mohicans: Main Theme - Trevor Jones
15. Lonesome Dove: Main Themes - Basil Poledouris
16. The Magnificent Seven: Main Themes - Elmer Bernstein
17. Maverick: Run Over By A Stagecoach - Randy Newman
18. Monte Walsh: The Good Times Are Comin' - John Barry
19. Once Upon A Time In The West: Main Theme - Ennio Moricone

Tracks:

1. The Professionals: Overture - Maurice Jarre
2. The Outlaw Josey Wales: The War Is Over - Jerry Fielding
3. The Proud Rebel: Pastorale - Jerome Moross
4. The Rare Breed: The Cross Breed/End Title - John Williams
5. Red Sun: Main Title - Maurice Jarre
6. The Searchers: Opening Theme - Max Steiner
7. She Wore A Yellow Ribbon: Main Theme - RICHARD HAGEMAN
8. Silverado: Main Themes - Bruce Broughton
9. The Sons Of Katie Elder: Main Theme - Elmer Bernstein
10. Stagecoach: Opening And Closing Titles - Richard Hageman/W. Franke Harling/John Leopold/Leo Shuken/Louis Gruenberg
11. True Grit: Rooster Coburn - Elmer Bernstein
12. Two Mules For Sister Sara: Main Theme - Ennio Morricone
13. Unforgiven: Claudia's Theme - Clint Eastwood
14. Villa Rides: Main Theme - Maurice Jarre
15. Wagon Train: Main Theme - Jerome Moross
16. The Wild Bunch: Train Montage - Jerry Fielding
17. Wild Rovers: Bronco Bustlin' - Jerry Goldsmith
18. Wyatt Earp: Prelude - James Newton Howard
19. The Wild Wild West: (TV): Theme From The TV Series - Richard Markowitz

Amazon.com

This grandly conceived two-disc collection of Hollywood and television Western themes showcases the City of Prague Philharmonic's indefatigable passion for rehashing great works from composers like Max Steiner, Dimitri Tiomkin, and John Williams. But listeners less prone to swoon over highbrow symphonic grandeur may respond with a yawn. Yes, the collection is a wonderful reference source, with a sweeping chronology from John Ford's Stagecoach to Lawrence Kasdan's Wyatt Earp. And the pieces are competently executed, with John Barry's contribution among the highlights. But the concert-hall acoustics--with little to no studio artifice--have a dulling effect. Those with access to the Dolby Surround may detect a rewarding nuance or two, but for others with fewer audiophile idiosyncrasies, the mood may be stuffy and uninspired. --Joseph Lanza

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Western music themes.......2007-05-15

This is the best collection of Western Movie themes I've heard. All the great ones are here including the incomparable Ennio Moriconne's. There is one defect of manufacture on the second DVD which has still not been corrected. (I have 2 copies due to borrowing by offspring.)

Best Classic Western Music.......2007-01-09

Not only does this CD bring back memories of favorite western movies, it's also just good music. I listen to them at work along with it's companion "Way Out West", at home while I'm working, and in my car. They go with me everywhere. This was definitly one of my better purchases.

Great Western Themes.......2006-03-28

The orchestra generally gives a fine treatment to the themes they perform but I do not agree with their selection. Soundtrack themes from Glory, Gettysburg and The Last of the Mohicans are not, to me, true westerns. Yet they miss Blazing Saddles and "Do Not Foresake Me" from High Noon.

Wandering Around the West.......2005-11-02

I bought this CD for a family trip to Montana hoping for some good background music as we drove through mountains & Indian reservations. My whole family loved it. It is very evocative of a different era. Now that we're home I still listen to it. There is a great selection and the arrangements are well done.

Performance and sound Quality.......2005-06-16

I disagree With anyone who says the sound quality is not good on The Wild West. I have a high end all tube system and this cd is one of my test cd's when someone wants to here my system. It is one of the best produced cd's I've ever heard and the performances are masterful too. We listened to this cd on my dealer's $60,000 solid state system and it blew him away. Now he uses it as a test cd too. Also try Way Out West. It is just as good.

Average customer rating: A good Hank Jr. CD thats how they do it in dixie Not Bad for a Collection It's not that bad. Only 12 Tracks? This Falls Wa-a-a-y Short of 'Essential'

That's How They Do It In Dixie - The Essential Collection Hank Williams Jr. Manufacturer: Curb Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Southern Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dangerous Man White Trash with Money If You're Going Through Hell It Just Comes Natural Hank Williams, Jr.'s Greatest Hits, Vol.1 ASIN: B00097DXHG Release Date: 2006-06-27

Tracks:

1. That's How They Do It in Dixie
2. Family Tradition
3. All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight
4. Country Boy Can Survive
5. Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound
6. Tear in My Beer
7. If Heaven Ain't a Lot Like Dixie
8. Born to Boogie
9. Women I've Ever Had
10. Country State of Mind
11. My Name Is Bocephus
12. Stirrin' It Up

Customer Reviews:

A good Hank Jr. CD.......2007-06-03

For the serious Hank Williams Jr. fan, this CD has little to recommend it. Reading the reviews will catalog all their objections, valid or not. I am not a big fan but like his work and enjoy hearing his songs now and again. For me, this is an excellent buy. There are at least five must have hits coupled with a strong selection of standards, make this a good buy. The title song is excellent and could become his newest must have song.

I am not enough of a fan to think Hank Jr. can do a great CD, however this is very enjoyable. When you want to hear his style of country, this is the CD to have.

thats how they do it in dixie.......2007-06-02

i was happy with the album especially the title song as i like country music probably the most this album is one of the better ones i've listened to as i live in australia the only way i can keep up with current american artists is by watching the Country music channel on Foxtel,and i have only recently seen and heard Hank Williams jr on this channel but i am impressed with his music and as i only have two of his albums at the moment i am sure in the future i will purchase more at the moment both albums are good this is the better of the two.

Not Bad for a Collection.......2006-11-07

Well the two new songs are Awesome... How they do it in Dixie and Stirrin it up. The other songs are good too. If you are a die hard Bocephus Fan you already have these albums but when it's a new album it's a gotta have no matter what! It has the classic good songs from Hank Jr and it would be great for new Fans.

It's not that bad........2006-07-11

O.K. Maybe they should have left off "The Essential Collection", and just kept the main title. But, if you count all of the hits ole Bocephus has had in the past. It would be down right impossible to fit them all on 1 CD (unless it's an MP3 format). If you did we would be calling it a boxset...Not, The Essentials. Being a longtime member of the Hank Williams Jr Fan Club, this collection of past hits compliments this CD. Along with the two new recordings titled, "That's How They Do It In Dixie" with a little help from his newest country friends Big & Rich, a very talented Gretchen Wilson and Van Zant. The second entry, "Stirrin' It Up" Is not too shabby in it's own right. Myself I woulda like to have seen "If The South Woulda Won" and "If It Will, It Will" added to this collection. But, the hits that appear on this one is good enough. Like old ThunderHead Hawkins would say "I Ain't Going Peacefully".

Only 12 Tracks? This Falls Wa-a-a-y Short of 'Essential'.......2006-06-28

Hank Williams Jr deserves a thorough career-spanning single-disc anthology. Unfortunately, THAT'S HOW THEY DO IT IN DIXIE: THE ESSENTIAL COLLECTION ain't it.

Don't get me wrong. Williams is one of the great outlaw country artists. I first got hooked on his mid-Eighties albums like BORN TO BOOGIE and MONTANA CAFE.

What ESSENTIAL COLLECTION does is cherry pick a handful of tracks from GREATEST HITS, Vol. 1-3 (all still in print) and then adds two new tracks: The title track (which features Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, and Van Zant) and "Stirrin' It Up." There are just too many missing tracks to qualify this as "essential." At only 12 tracks and a little over 40 minutes, fans deserve more than this before spending their hard-earned money. A better purchase (although more expensive) is Curb's 2000 excellent 3-CD set THE BOCEPHUS BOX. At 65 tracks, it certainly provides more bang for your buck.

Average customer rating: Excellent single disc compilation of the Red Rocker. AHHHHHHH Sammy!!!!!! Good Collection of Songs... David who? Probably the best sammy collection available to date.

The Essential Red Collection Sammy Hagar Manufacturer: Hip-O Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Pop Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Arena Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classic Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Hard Rock & Metal | 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 Best of Both Worlds Livin' It Up! Three Lock Box Standing Hampton Rock of Ages: The Definitive Collection ASIN: B0002KQOG2 Release Date: 2004-08-10

Tracks:

1. Bad Motor Scooter
2. Thinking Of You
3. Call My Name
4. Red
5. I've Done Everything For You
6. Heavy Metal
7. I'll Fall In Love Again
8. There's Only One Way To Rock
9. Fast Times At Ridgemont High
10. Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy
11. Two Sides Of Love
12. I Can't Drive 55
13. The Girl Gets Around
14. Winner Takes It All
15. Give To Live
16. Eagles Fly
17. High Hopes
18. Little White Lie
19. Marching To Mars
20. Mas Tequila

Customer Reviews:

Excellent single disc compilation of the Red Rocker........2007-07-11

This excellent single disc anthology for Sammy Hagar starts off with his biggest hit from 1973 with Montrose "Bad Motor Scooter" and then proceeds to go through 19 tracks from his proper solo career.

There are 20 tracks on here and the CD times out at 78:59. It covers his solo years from 1974 to 1984, his 1987 solo album while he was a fairly new member of Van Halen and 3 songs off of his 1997 and 1999 solo albums. The songs have been remastered in crystal clear clarity and really makes me wish that they would remaster Sammy's entire solo catalog from the 70's and 80's in similar fashion.

I'm not getting into if one song should have put on here instead of another as there is only so much you can cram onto an 80 minute CD. While I do think that they would have better served his fans by doing a 2 disc anthology, for a single disc anthology this does exactly what it should do is give someone a great overview of an artist's career in chronological order.

Most of the hits are here but the coolest thing about this is the you get the 3 soundtrack songs from the films Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Footloose, Over the Top in addition to 2 unreleased 1974 tracks as well. They also included the song "High Hopes" which was a track newly recorded for the prior 1994 compilation attempt "Unboxed".

Until they remaster his back catalog at some point, this is a most excellent choice for someone wanting to re-discover Sammy's excellent solo output and get a great chronological overview of his work.

Like I mentioned this would've been even better as double disc retrospective with a lot of his album cuts off of his solo albums on it (and some people say that there should be some Van Halen stuff on here but I disagree), but for what this is you can't do any better.

AHHHHHHH Sammy!!!!!!.......2007-06-07

For all you "RED" heads out there Amazon delivers.
You know the music is GREAT.
Amazon is a service that provides quick delivery and excellent discounts on their music.
I will use Amazon again and suggest that you do to.

Good Collection of Songs..........2007-03-14

I've got his other greatest hits & was happy to see that this one wasn't going to be 80% or more of the last one with recent hits. Only 2 songs from his previous (I've Done Everything & Bad Motor Scooter). Of course, with that being said, I wish Cruisin' & Boozin' was one of the 2 (maybe a live version?). Most guys don't have this many hits in their entire career. He's got 2 full albums, plus his VH stuff... & more records to come.

David who?.......2007-02-20

This is why David Lee Roth will never stack up to Sammy! Not only a better library of Van Halen songs and all six of his albums with them going to number one on the charts but what a great library of solo songs as well! Sammy can write and play with or without Eddie but Roth is a joke no writing talent at all except lyricly! Without great musicians surrounding him he sucks! But Sammy can get a bar band to back him and go out on tour and not only play his solo stuff but pull of pretty good renditions of Van Halen songs too! if you like any period of Sammy's solo stuff this album will open you up to all of them! The only this could be better just like the Tom Petty greatest hits is make it longer or more CD's so enjoy until the next greatest hits comes out or Sammy opens the vault and pulls out some unreleased stuff!

Probably the best sammy collection available to date........2007-01-23

Covering his days in montrose to his marching to mars album, this is probably the best collections you can get of Sammy's body of work. Although it lack one of my favorite little songs, three lock box, it covers everything else, including a couple of soundtrack songs (heavy metal and fast times at ridgemont high). It even includes the song rick springfield covered, "I've done everything for you", done in original sammy style of course. GReat collection for a Sammy fan, also complements the Van Halen collection as well. I have my unboxed greatest hits as well, I'll listen to it for three lock box. It's cheap here on amazon as well, pick it up to get an even more comprehensive sammy collection.

Average customer rating: collection of b-sides and album tracks The Finest Duran Duran

The Essential Collection Duran Duran Manufacturer: EMI Int'l ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Britain | British Isles | Europe | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Dance Pop | Compilations | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Strange Behaviour Ultimate Review (Dts) Arena Duran Duran - Sing Blue Silver Notorious ASIN: B000LW9PYE Release Date: 2007-01-22

Tracks:

1. Girls on Film
2. Planet Earth
3. Fame
4. Careless Memories
5. Anyone out There?
6. Sound of Thunder
7. Is There Something I Should Know?
8. Like an Angel
9. Hold Back the Rain
10. Save a Prayer
11. My Own Way
12. Rio
13. New Religion
14. Chauffeur (Blue Silver)
15. Hungry Like the Wolf
16. Lonely in Your Nightmare
17. Last Chance on the Stairway
18. Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)

Album Description

Although written off as an '80s teeny-bopper New Wave band, Duran Duran released a great run of singles during their heyday plus some very well crafted albums. This 18 track compilation focuses on the early years and features a mixture of well-known hits, single mixes and obscure album favorites including 'Girls On Film', 'Planet Earth', 'Anyone Out There', 'Rio', 'Save A Prayer', 'Hungry Like The Wolf', 'Hold Back The Rain' and many more. EMI Gold.

Customer Reviews:

collection of b-sides and album tracks.......2007-06-06

This is a odd collection of Duran tracks from 1981 to 1983. Tracks 1,2,4,5,and 6 are all from their debut 1981 self-titles album. Track 3 is the b-side from the 'Careless Memories' 7 inch. Track 7 is from the 1983 re-release of their bebut album. Track 8 is the b-side to the 'My Own Way' single from 1982. Tracks 10 thru 17 are the entire 'Rio' album from 1982. And track 18 is the b-side to the 'Reflex' single, recorded live in 1982 but released in 1983. This is basically Duran's best two albums w/ some good b-sides, I'm suprised at its set up and selection, but its worth a listen

The Finest Duran Duran.......2007-03-27

The title says everything, it's their essential work. If you like it, dig for more, if not, give up. Enjoy!

Average customer rating: Outstanding collection of classic Western music One of the Best Amazing stuff "the Pioneers paint a musical landscape"

The Essential Collection ( The Sons of The Pioneers) The Sons of the Pioneers Manufacturer: Varese Sarabande ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Cowboy | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Cool Water (& 17 Timeless Favorites) Ultimate Collection Tumbling Tumbleweeds My Saddle Pals and I Under Western Skies ASIN: B00008J2KI Release Date: 2003-03-04

Tracks:

1. When Payday Rolls Around
2. Love Song of the Waterfall
3. Chant of the Wanderer
4. Sagebrush Symphony
5. West Is in My Soul
6. Cowboy Has to Sing
7. Ridin' Home
8. Springtime on the Range
9. Cool Water
10. Cajon Stomp [Instrumental]
11. Touch of God's Hand
12. Timber Trail
13. There's a Rainbow Over the Range
14. Boss Is Hangin' Out a Rainbow
15. Yippi Yi Your Troubles Away
16. Trail Herdin' Cowboy
17. Trail Dreamin'
18. New Frontier
19. He's Gone, He's Gone up the Trail
20. Lord, You Made the Cowboy Happy
21. Texas Crapshooter [Instrumental]

Tracks:

1. So Long to the Red River Valley
2. Blue Prairie
3. Hold That Critter Down
4. Howlin' Pup [Instrumental]
5. When the Prairie Sun Climbs Out of the Way
6. One More Ride
7. Blow, Wind, Blow
8. Open Range Ahead
9. Song of the Bandit
10. Following the Sun All Day
11. Whisperin' Wind
12. By a Campfire on the Trail
13. Happy Cowboy
14. Over the Santa Fe Trail
15. Whoopee Ti Yi Yo
16. Tumbleweed Trail
17. Wending My Way to Wyoming
18. Kelly Waltz [Instrumental]
19. Down Along the Sleepy Rio Grande
20. When the Moon Comes over Sun Valley
21. I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding collection of classic Western music.......2004-12-28

Though this doesn't cover the entire Sons' career, it captures them in the full-flower of their post-Roy Rogers line-up, after founding member had returned to the group. At the time the Sons' were a 5-piece with the vocal trio of Spencer, Bob Nolan and Lloyd Perryman backed by Pat Brady on bass, Hugh Farr on fiddle and Karl Farr on guitar. All three of the instrumentalists also added vocals.

The group was well-served by the compositions of Nolan, including numerous Western standards like "Cool Water." In addition to their trademark harmonies and yodeling, the band also cut the occasional instrumental, such as the hard-swinging "Cajon Stomp" and the hot fiddle tune "The Texas Crapshooter." Forty-two finely-remastered tunes on two discs may be an oversized helping for a few, but for fans of Western song, this is an outstanding value. Those wishing a broader overview (with less detail on this particular Sons' line-up) might look at Hip-O's single-disc "Ultimate Collection," which includes earlier highpoints like "Tumbling Tumbleweeds" and "Bluebonnet Girl."

One of the Best.......2004-10-23

I have a lot of cassettes by the Pioneeers, some dating back to when Leonard Slye wasn't Roy Rogers yet; they are all special to me. I've read the other reviewers' comments and I agree wholeheartedly with the positive comments about this CD. I'm especially happy about one song in particular, "He's Gone, He's Gone Up the Trail", originally done by Pat Brady and Gabby Hayes (yes,Gabby Hayes) in a Roy Rogers movie. This is a real collector's item.

Amazing stuff.......2004-10-08

This music has made a really deep impression on me; it's pure, simple, honest and...historic---it preserves a sound, a vocal and instrumental style and a world view which I'm afraid is just about dead in 2004. A real pity. In fact, it's tragic.

So get this set and experience it! It's vintage PIONEERS, at the height of their fabulous art. The bare essentials---vocal trio, bass, 2 guitars and the astounding fiddling of Hugh Farr (who famous conductor Leopold Stokowski called one of the 2 greatest living violinists during the 1940's!)

Bob Nolan's "Song of the Bandit" is like a mythical American folkloric ballad--that third verse, when the bandit comes to the girl in her dream, complete with angels and a winged horse gliding down the moonbeams---whoa!! And yet, the tune is upbeat and energetic--not at all what you would expect from the lyrics.

"So Long to the Red River Valley" is another beauty---the haunting yodeling in the final verse, with Hugh's fiddle gently wailing away---it's true ART!

"Trail Herdin' Cowboy" is another rare gem---with more amazing fiddlin' from Mr. Farr, paricularly at the very end, when the voices go into what sounds like an extended "Amen" cadence.

"Whispherin' Wind" resembles a 19th-Century "parlor" Waltz tune--rather simplistic--yet the Pioneers arrangement and performance transform it into something remarkably elegant and touching.

This performance of Bob Nolan's masterpiece "Cool Water" is MUCH better than the later ones I've heard; the RCA version included on the "Cigareets & Whusky" cd is rushed and almost sounds like they were bored with it; this version, even though it ends a bit abruptly, really captures that mythical quality which we associate with the Old West, as man interacts with nature.

AND FINALLY----"Ridin' Home"---for me, the ultimate in the Pioneer's art---profoundly beautiful, the absolute essence of the romantic spirit of the Old West (unfortunately THIS TRACK is marred by some pretty harsh crackling from the old acetate master recording---but GOD, it's still so lovely!)

Wonderful music, beatifully preserved and re-mastered.

Incidentally, I am a "classical" (symphonic) conductor by profession, but this 2-cd set has given me some of the most satisfying musical enjoyment of the past 10 years.

"the Pioneers paint a musical landscape".......2003-03-17

This 42 song Varese Vintage Series album represents a range of The Sons of the Pioneers musical styles. Guitars are strummed as fiddles add quality of a wistful echo of sentiment, of the B-Westerns we enjoyed as little cowboys and gals. Saddle up for "The Essential Collection:The Sons of the Pioneers", as we sit round the campfire listening to lesser known works that render the ultimate of "pure Americana". Enjoy the cue "BLUE PRAIRIE", melody is deeply woven into the American landscape, blends of warmth and simplicity add a welcomed appreciation for the early days of The Western.

First rate singers, the Pioneers are also wonderful instrumentalist with this line performing ~ Bob Nolan (string bass/guitar/baritone vocals), Tim Spencer (tenor vocals), Lloyd Perryman (tenor vocals/guitar), Pat Brady (stand-up bass/vocals/comedy), Hugh Farr (fiddle/bass vocals) and Karl Farr (guitar/tenor vocals) singing and yodeling, became quickly the very definition of Western Cowboy Music. Moving tunes inclusive "WEST IS IN MY SOUL", "TRAIL HERDIN' COWBOY", "HE'S GONE, HE'S GONE UP THE TRAIL", "OPEN RANGE AHEAD", "DOWN ALONG THE SLEEPY RIO GRANDE" slow sad songs about a very difficult life in the west. Loneliness, old age and romance made a lifelong impression upon the wranglers. In closing this 2-CD-Set we enjoy "I'LL TAKE YOU HOME AGAIN KATHLEEN", traditional tune that director John Ford used in many John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara films ~ this lyrical and melodic song still tugs at your heartstrings. If you want a collection of the Pioneers, this album would be the essential choice.

Total Time: 2-CD-Set ~ Varese Records 302-066-439-2 ~ (3/04/2003)

Average customer rating: Wonderful collection and price! Awesome collection! Helicopters? Marines? A great addition to my music collection Quintessential Wagner

Twilight of the Gods: The Essential Wagner Collection Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Wagner | Wagner, Richard | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music National Philharmonic Orchestra London | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music New York Philharmonic Orchestra | ( N ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Wagner: Overture & Preludes The Best Of Wagner Wagner: The "Ring" Without Words Wagner without Words 25 Thunderous Classics ASIN: B000009ON7 Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

1. The Valkyries: Ride Of The Valkyries
2. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Funeral March
3. Lohengrin: Prelude to Act III
4. The Flying Dutchman: Overture
5. The Flying Dutchman: Sailors' Chorus
6. The Rheingold: Journey Down To Nibelheim
7. The Mastersingers Of Nuremberg: Overture
8. Tannhauser: Overture
9. Tannhauser: Entry Of The Guests
10. Tannhauser: Tannhauser's Pilgrimage
11. Siegfried: Act III Orchestral Interlude
12. Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
13. Twilight Of The Gods: Finale
14. The Rheingold: Entry Of The Gods Into Valhalla

Tracks:

1. Lohengrin: Prelude To Act I
2. Lohengrin: Bridal Chorus
3. Parsifal: Prelude to Act I
4. Parsifal: Good Friday Music
5. Parsifal: Transformation Scene
6. Tannhauser: Venusberg Music
7. Tannhauser: Pilgrims Chorus
8. The Mastersingers Of Nuremburg: Prelude To Act III
9. The Rheingold: Vision Of Valhalla (Scene II Introduction)
10. Siegfried Idyll
11. Siegfried: Brunnhildes Awakening
12. Tristan And Isolde: Prelude To Act III
13. Tristan And Isolde: Death Of Isolde

Amazon.com

If you like your Wagner served up in bleeding chunks or if you're simply in a hurry to hear the tunes, then this compilation is for you. The performances, drawn from the Polygram (mainly Deutsche Grammophon) back catalog, are for the most part authoritative. They feature the likes of Herbert von Karajan, with the Berlin Philharmonic, and Karl Böhm, with the Bayreuth Festival Orchestra (and chorus), in extracts from recordings of complete operas, and conductors Giuseppe Sinopoli, Otto Gerdes, and Antal Doráti in some of the more familiar overtures and preludes. Singing, without which it is impossible to get the full flavor of Wagner's work, is skirted whenever possible: this is an unapologetic tribute to Wagner the orchestral genius. At times the salesmanship is a little overblown--the glitzy packaging includes a cover shot of the helicopters from Apocalypse Now--and the sound, some of it from very good originals, seems to have been juiced with a little added digital reverb, resulting in an overall glassiness. The gaps between tracks are minimized, disco style, so there's no dead air, and the whole thing has an Entertainment Tonight feel to it. Were he around, Wagner would have screamed bloody murder, then happily taken his cut of the action. For today's on-the-go listener, this may well be the most practical way to enjoy Wagner's music, but we won't be happy until it motivates at least one newcomer to seek out a recording of a complete opera. Anyone who does that will find out what "apocalypse" really means. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful collection and price!.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Awesome collection!.......2007-01-10

This is a great collection of some of Wagner's most memorable songs for those of you who do not want to buy the whole opera's for some of his works.

Helicopters? Marines?.......2006-12-05

Do those infotainment marketing mavens ever get it right? Talk about Hollywood disconnect! Not only are the helicopters irrelevant, but to quote from the gushy drivel on the jacket, "The gripping power of Richard Wagner's music was demonstrated with spectacular effect in...Apocalpse Now, when the "Ride of the Valkyries' became synonymous with the chilling journey of Marine 'Huey' helicopters into battle..."

Marine? Marine? Them Hueys in the movie was ARMY Air Cav, slick! "First of the ninth--air mobile." If you're going to dally down that primrose path, at least get it right.

Better yet, drop the choppers. Most people who listen to Wagner probably realize that quality of an artistic work has a mystically inverse relationship to the number of helicopters contained in it.

As for the music, it is good, but the operatic equivalent of sound bites, which may be just right for people who are new to Wagner or just can't take very much of him. Hmm...perfect for a helicopter ride, perhaps?

A great addition to my music collection.......2006-07-20

This CD takes the place of all my other Wagner music. VERY well done. Somehow I didn't realize that there were two cds in the package--what a pleasant surprise! Of the two cds, I like the first one best, but they are both good. I listen to this cd daily on my way to work. Stirring! I am so glad that I purchased this. Some purists might have a problem with the fact that some of the selections are not there in their entirety. I have no problem with that though. I recommend this to anyone who loves Wagner.

Quintessential Wagner.......2006-05-15

Okay, so I like Wagner. I LOVE "Ride Of The Valkyries". Do I want to go out and buy every single stinkin thing Wagner did? No. If you are a die-hard Wagner fan you probably will not think much of this collection.

But if you like Wagner and appreciate "Ride Of The Valkyries", and maybe require it in just a little more substance than what is included in "Apocolypse Now Redux", then this is what you want. The extra tracks are bonuses and are quite good. Meets my needs, presentation great, performance excellent. I recommend it for anyone that needs a Wagner fix.

Average customer rating: lady has a distinctive voice... If you love "Only The Lonely" you have to buy this CD! Nobody can do it quite like The Motels. Very good compilation of an underrated band Nice Collection But Still Missing Hot 100 Hits!

Essential Collection The Motels Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music American Punk | Hardcore & Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music New Wave | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Harden My Heart: The Best of Quarterflash The Best of Missing Persons Millennium Collection - 20th Century Masters, The Best Of Berlin Quarterflash Patty Smyth - Greatest Hits - Featuring Scandal ASIN: B0007TKH5C Release Date: 2005-03-29

Tracks:

1. Suddenly Last Summer
2. Shame [Single Version]
3. Counting
4. Take the L
5. Kix
6. Total Control [Single Version]
7. Remember the Nights
8. Celia
9. Mission of Mercy
10. Careful
11. So L.A.
12. Tables Turned
13. Danger
14. Change My Mind
15. Only the Lonely

Customer Reviews:

lady has a distinctive voice..........2007-07-01

I'm not sure I get what her songs are always about...not that it matters, because
I simply enjoy hearing the voice. No one out there sounds like Martha Davis...and
that's good enough for me.

Did I say I like the woman's delivery and phrasing?

If you love "Only The Lonely" you have to buy this CD!.......2007-01-27

I bought "Essential Collection" by the Motels because I wanted the song "Only The Lonely." I think that's one of my 10 favorite songs of all time. It turns out the whole CD is awesome! There's a certain "film noir" atmosphere to many of these songs. This is smart stuff! So feed your brain and buy this CD!

Nobody can do it quite like The Motels........2005-11-03

I was actually quite thrilled to see that The Motels had come out with an Essential Collection cd. They were one of the best bands to come out of the 80s, yet still they were SO underrated. Sad to say, but I had even forgotten about them until 2 years ago when VH1 did a "Where are they now?" on different bands. But then it struck me...MARTHA DAVIS!!! (And the Motels of course.)

"Only The Lonely"...which is my personal favorite and may be one of the most remembered..was absolutely one of the best songs straight out of the 80s. "It's like I told you..Only the lonely can play".

"Suddenly Last Summer"....as another user added, this was also a great song to come out of the 80s..I'd say it was the 2nd biggest hit of the band.

Other songs you might be vaguely familiar with.. "Shame" and "Remember the Nights". If you were EVER fan of the Motels, pick up this CD and get interested again! And if you aren't familiar with the band but you like other bands such as Quarterflash, Blondie, Berlin or Missing Persons..then check this out. You won't regret it!

Very good compilation of an underrated band.......2005-05-15

I hadn't heard a Motels song in like 15 years until 'Only the Lonely' played last week on XM Radio. I was instantly reminded of just how much I enjoyed listening to the band back in the 80's.

Unable to locate the 'No Vacancy' CD (it's apparently out-of-print), I purchased this compilation instead. It is very, very good - not great as I really prefer their later material over the earlier stuff.

Few vocalists can belt 'em out with the raw energy of Martha Davis - she's terrific, as is the rest of the band.

The music of the Motels has aged very well, and in a business overloaded with hype and hysteria, I can honestly say that this group is (for the most part) underrated. 'Suddenly Last Summer' is one of the best ballads to come out of the 80's, period.

Recommended, and well worth the price of admission.

Nice Collection But Still Missing Hot 100 Hits!.......2005-05-04

Yet another compilation from The Motels. EMI/Capitol does it again -- that is, milking cash out of them as much as they can! Instead of giving their albums a proper update and remaster treatment (5.1 audio on DualDisc perhaps?), Capitol throws out yet another collection! Yet they still didn't get it right!

Notable Billboard Hot 100 entries are still missing!:
"Forever Mine" (#60 - 1982). Only it's b-side, "So L.A.", makes an appearance.
"Shock (7" Remix)" (#84 - 1985). Would have been nice to have this in remastered form on CD finally. Why it was left off again I'll never know.

Furthermore, including Martha Davis' lone charting solo single, "Don't Tell Me The Time" (#80 in 1987), could have been a possibility as well. Keep in mind that much of the Motels' back catalogue remains out of print, so these lost charting singles remain on those hard-to-find albums.

On the positive side, all tracks have been digitally remastered very nicely! The sound is breathtaking! That's the only real advantage of this collection and reason enough to buy it. However, instead of getting perhaps an even fresher remastering for 2005, the tracks appearing on the 2002 release, 'Classic Masters,' seem to have been placed directly on this collection with the same mastering, as evident by the 2002 publishing credits. I could be wrong, however, since Evren Goknar gets the mastering credit here instead of Robert Vosgien (on 'Classic Masters'). Regardless, the Motels have never sounded so good!

Unlike the 'Classic Masters' collection, the single versions of both "Shame" and "Total Control" are included. The latter track is nice having in it's edited form for a change even if I don't like how it was edited. It does get chopped quite a bit, removing many key parts of the track and going from 5:54 on 'Classic Masters' to 3:52 here.

I think the main problem with this so-called 'Essential Collection' is the failure to fill the disc with 79 minutes of music. There's easily enough room for at least another 6 tracks here. The disc only clocks in at just over 52 minutes of playing time! That leaves another 27 minutes of space! Capitol could have easily squeezed in those missing chart entries in addition to other radio/single highlights and b-sides. Even the gorgeous "Some Things Never Change" would have been a welcomed addition.

I suppose the label was trying to present something different to the 1990, solid yet flawed, 19-track 'No Vacancy - The Best Of The Motels' release. But this compilation simply comes across as inferior with the skimpy tracklisting and song choice. Perhaps it would have been best to have just reissued the now out-of-print 1990 collection with a slightly altered tracklisting -- including the Billboard Hot 100 entries "Forever Mine" and "Shock (7" Remix)" -- with a fresh 2005 remastering.

Overall, 5 stars for the remastering and 1 star for yet another poor attempt at compiling Motels' classics on disc again. Maybe next time Capitol will offer us all those charting singles on one disc?

Average customer rating: Not My Style Rockin' Western Collection Hard to Find Great Western Themes Western Music A great follow-up

Way Out West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection, Vol. 2 Manufacturer: Silva America ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Holdridge, Lee | ( H ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Newman | Newman, Alfred | ( N ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Rossini | Rossini, Gioacchino | ( R ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Television Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection Songs Of The West, Vol. 4: Movie & Television Themes From Alamo to El Dorado, Vol. 2 The Essential Elmer Bernstein Film Music Collection The Greatest Western Movie Themes ASIN: B000060PBU Release Date: 2002-03-26

Tracks:

1. The Hallejuah Trail-Overture
2. The Alamo-The Green Leaves Of Summer
3. The Alamo-Davy Crocket
4. The Big Country-The Welcoming/Finale
5. The Big Valley-Main Theme
6. Blazing Saddles-Blazing Saddles
7. Bonaza-Main Theme
8. Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid-raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head
9. The Comancheros-McBain/Main Title
10. Duel In The Sun-Main Title/The Legend/Orizaba
11. A Fistfull Of Dynamite-Duck You Sucker
12. For A Few Dollars More-Main Theme
13. Friendly Persuasion-Thee I Love
14. Giant-Main Theme
15. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-Main Theme
16. The Good, The Bad And The Ugly-The Ecstasy Of Gold
17. Gunfight At The O.K. Corral-Suite
18. Hang 'Em High-Main Theme
19. The Hanging Tree-Main Title

Tracks:

1. High Caparral-Main Theme
2. How The West Was Won-Prelude/The Land
3. High Noon-Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darlin'
4. The Jayhawkers-The Lynching/Two Brothers/The Hayhawkers
5. The Lone Ranger-William Tell Overture: Finale
6. Nevada Smith-Main Title
7. Old Gringo-Main Themes
8. Once Upon A Time In The West-Man With The Harmonica
9. One Eyed Jacks-Main Title
10. The Proud Rebel-Main Titles
11. The Quick And The Dead-End Titles
12. Quigley Down Under-End Titles
13. Rio Bravo-Rio Bravo/De Guella
14. The Scalphunters-Main Title
15. Shane-Main Theme: The Call Of The Farwaway Hills
16. The Shootist-Main Title
17. The Unforgiven-The Need For Love
18. Viva Zapata-Gathering Forces
19. The Virginian-Main Theme

Customer Reviews:

Not My Style.......2007-05-11

This CD has a lot of good songs on it, but it just too bland for our taste. We prefer Western music to sound as though genuine cowboys are singing it - not a fancy chorus!

Rockin' Western Collection.......2006-08-28

For anyone who likes movie/tv music from westerns should purchase this CD. What a wonderful collection of both film and tv with great renditions of each piece. I'm about to purchase Vol. 1 to complete my collection.

Hard to Find Great Western Themes .......2006-03-16

This CD has a number of great western themes that are not in some of the standard lists. For example it includes "The Hallejuah Trail", "Blazing Saddles", and "Giant". This CD also has what I consider the true theme of "The Comancheros". I have been disappointed with some other CDs I have purchased listing "The Comancheros" which had a song rather than this theme. Many of the tracks on this two disk CD go beyond the main theme music and are actually suites. The "Big Country" and "How the West Was Won" are just a couple of examples. It may be a little more expense than some CDs, but not bad for a two disk set. I am really happy with my purchase.

Western Music.......2005-07-29

I enjoy this CD. It has many familiar melodies. Good background for reading, nice to listen while driving. It is also the only CD I've ever found that has the great theme from the movie "Giant."

A great follow-up.......2003-08-29

This is the second collection by SilvaScreen, who are also responsible for "The Wild West: The Essential Western Film Music Collection" (see my review). And it's just as good as the first. There are themes in here that everyone will recognize ("Bonanza," "A Fistful of Dollars"), themes that may not be so familiar ("Duel in the Sun," "The Hanging Tree," the lively "Blazing Saddles"), and even themes you may not associate with Westerns at all ("The Friendly Persuasion"). And no duplication either: when this disc includes a piece from one of the same sources covered in its predecessor, it's a different piece. One great treat: the full lyrics to "Gunfight at OK Corral," which I've never heard outside the soundtrack of the movie itself. The arrangement from "Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid" includes not only the familiar song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" but an overview of the music--seguing almost seamlessly into Bernstein's magnificent "The Comancheros," a rare find indeed. An expensive item, but if you love Western film music, well worth it.

Average customer rating: "Essential" Says It All That Old Story Teller! Essential Tom T. Hall: Twentieth Anniversary Story Songs one of a kind wonderful for children of all ages

The Essential Tom T. Hall: Twentieth Anniversary Collection-The Story Songs Tom T. Hall Manufacturer: Mercury Nashville ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | 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 Country Folk | Country | Indie 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 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Country Songs for Children Storyteller, Poet, Philosopher The Definitive Collection Ultimate Collection Tom T.Hall - Greatest Hits No. 2 ASIN: B00000613G Release Date: 1998-03-31

Tracks:

1. The Year That Clayton Delaney Died
2. It Sure Can Get Cold In Des Moines
3. Ravishing Ruby
4. The Little Lady Preacher
5. A Week In A Country Jail
6. Ballad Of Forty Dollars
7. The Hitchhiker
8. Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs
9. Salute To A Swithblade
10. Turn It On, Turn It On, Turn It On
11. Old Dogs, Children And Watermelon Wine
12. Coot Marseilles Blues
13. Don't Forget The Coffee Billy Joe
14. Homecoming
15. Trip To Hyden
16. The Ballad Of Bill Crump
17. Second Handed Flowers
18. She Gave Her Heart To Jethro
19. Pay No Attention To Alice
20. Before Jessie Died

Amazon.com

If you haven't yet been bitten by the Tom T. bug, this well-chosen single-CD collection serves as a perfect introduction. Not so much a hits package--it leaves behind many of his biggest charters--Essential instead focuses on his strongest narratives and most memorable characters. Blessed with an uncanny ability to turn a phrase, Hall clearly isn't an average, ordinary, run-of-the-mill American; yet those are the people he's obsessed with and the people he seems to understand better than they understand themselves. Waitresses, farmers, preachers, musicians, soldiers, hitchhikers, and assorted misters and ma'ams populate his stories, and Hall himself is the narrator, the observer, the straight man as it were, utterly fascinated by what most consider mundane. Hall is amiable and incredibly credible, somehow removing all the sap from sentimentality. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

"Essential" Says It All.......2007-02-07

Fun to actually hear all the words of the story songs again! Very enjoyable!

That Old Story Teller!.......2006-10-25

Country fans should not be dissuaded that only 7 of the 20 selections herein made the Billboard charts. "The Story Songs" are not a "Greatest Hits" compilation. They are pure country magic from the Old Storyteller from Olive Hill, Kentucky. This reviewer was unfamiliar with most of the songs, but took the advice of previous reviewer Wardlow and bought "sight unseen". A wise move! Virtually each of the 20 tracks pleases the ear here. Favorites are always highly subjective, but this reviewer liked a cynical "Ballad of 40 Dollars", a foot tapping "Ballad of Bill Crump" (`he made the church, he made the pew') and "The Homecoming". There are 2 fine "sung" tracks; "Old Dogs.." and "Who's Gonna Feed Them Hogs?". The final 3 tracks are real life sad; Tom T must have been writing about folks he knew. Life must be better than fiction. How else does he derive these "stories"? In fact, most of his songs seem to capture life in the raw; other country performers have done the same but none so consistently as Hall. Here is a singer/songwriter who truly throws himself into his work. This observer does not know why most of these tracks were not "hits". They probably are not "radio" releases, but must be listened to for complete appreciation. That is what CDs are for! There are minor low points here: This reviewer could have done without "Salute to a Switchblade", about some not so memorable Army days. Also, some of the tracks, notably those final 3 are sad! But since when does country music have to cheer folks up? Tom T might not be for casual country listeners but for veterans the best advice to my amazon friends is to indeed buy sight unseen. Be adventurous and hit that "Add to Cart" button.

Essential Tom T. Hall: Twentieth Anniversary Story Songs.......2006-02-01

Tom T. is one of my favorite artists. His talents are very obvious in this album. I had looked for Turn It On, Turn It On, Turn It On for a long time and accidentally found it while browsing the Amazon site. Tom T. Hall has written many songs, story songs, ballads and some very good gospel. All the songs on this album have a lot of truth in them. Anyone will enjoy this collection of some of the best of Tom. I have added it to my collection with pride.

one of a kind.......2005-04-18

Nobody told a story in a song like Tom T. Hall. In the late '60s and '70s, you might hear "Week in a Country Jail," Homecoming, "Old Dogs, Children, '''", "Clayton Delaney," etc., on the radio. You sure to God won't now, and more's the pity. Anybody dumb enough to judge this singer based on "I like Beer," like my family did, is foolishly uninformed. 10 of these songs I've never heard before, but his reputation is rock solid and I'm buying, sight unseen. The one song of his I truly disliked--"That Song is Driving Me Crazy," isn't even on this album, so I'm banking on a winner, taking a sure thing. Nobody sounded like Tom T. Hall, either--unlike to-day, where everybody sounds like everybody else. Hall, Haggard, Cash, Twitty, Dave Dudley--you couldn't confuse them with anybody else, by voice, style of song they would record, etc.

wonderful for children of all ages.......2002-08-07

Tom T. Hall's music is wonderful to listen to for children of all ages. His manner of story telling is very informative and entertaing.

Rock Music:

1. Favourite Jeans [CD-single] [Import]
2. Fiji Baby [Import]
3. Fire of Freedom
4. Future Kings of Spain [Import]
5. Great British Psychedelic Singles Box V.4 [Box set] [Import]
6. Greatest Hits [Import]
7. He's About a Groover: An Essential Collection
8. Headroom of Conscience
9. Here Come the Brides [Clean]
10. High Priest/Black List [Import]

Rock Music