5 comments about Blue Trail of Sorrow: 16 Top Bluegrass Gems.

1. This is a great bluegrass album, filled with great bluegrass tunes. If you enjoy this type of music, you will love this CD. Take it from a person born in bluegrass country.



2. Since the release of 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' It has opened up a can of old stew still vibrant and magical as it has been for decades in American tradition. Blue Trail of Sorrow on the Rounder label CD features all the burnished mountain soul of West Virginia native Hazel Dickens' "Hills of Home." The spirited, lowsome sound of Rhonda Vincent's "You Don't Love God, If You Don't Love Your Neighbor."
   

   
   Legends like John Hartford grace the album. Who brought himself fame as the writer for "Gentle on my Mind" sung many times by Glenn Campbell on his one time TV shoe and hit album. Many other bluegrass greats like the Stanley Brothers and The Cox Family spiritual accompanied by Alison Krauss, "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven." The Irish American trubadour with his Appal-Irish flair Tim O'Brien with Tony Furtado does his rendition of "Man of Constant Sorrow." The Freight Hoppers sing the traditional oldie "Cotton Eyed Joe." A song popularized by the Swedish group the Rednecks on the pop charts in the early 1990's.
   

   
   Plus a double header with the best loved of any contemporary and traditional bluegrass of Alison Krauss & Union Station with a cut from the title track. I also recommend the Roots Music: An American Journey album, an odyssey of traditional American music done in 68 tracks. If you like collecting vintage sounds in new formats I'd suggest giving the two a try and adding them to your collection of old-timey favorites.




3. To say that the this collection of bluegrass music from the Rounder stable of artists wouldn't exist were it not for the "O Brother" phenomenon would be to overstate the obvious. Not only does it feature some of the same artists (Alison Krauss, Dan Tyminski, Norman Blake, the Cox Family), it also features two of the same songs: Lloyd Chandler's a capella "A conversation with Death" (retitled and reworked as "O Death" by Ralph Stanley on the "O Brother" soundtrack) and banjo whiz Tony Furtado and vocalist/madolin player extraordinaire Tim O'Brien's "Man of Constant Sorrow." Both of these versions are certainly the equal of the "O Brother" soundtrack recordings.

   However, to mistake this collection as a mere knock-off in a crass attempt to sell a few albums would be a mistake. This is a thoroughly enjoyable anthology from start to finish. While most of the material has been pulled from the artists' nineties output, Hazel Dickens' mournful "Hills of Home" is from 1986, Norman Blake's "Bringing in the Georgia Mail" is from his 1972 debut, and the Stanley Brothers' "Meet Me in the Moonlight" is from a 1959 radio broadcast. Overall, this is a terrific overview of a handful of the numerous gifted artists on the Rounder label dedicated to carrying bluegrass into the 21st Century. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED




4. This is a great collection of contemporary Bluegrass/Americana musicians performing great traditional songs, but three of the best performances would not be recognized only from the track listings. The title song "Blue Trail of Sorrow" is given a performance so strong and vibrant you'd be sorrowful as well if you weren't also so exhilirated by the power of the performance. As listed, the song is performed by Alison Krauss and Union Station, but that is only half of the story. Dan Tyminski - Alison Krauss' right-hand man, singing voice of George Clooney in "O Brother" and all around good guy provides that hair-raising lead vocal on "Blue Trail". Dan ALSO gives an equally scintillating performance on the opening track "I'll Remember You, Love, In My Prayers". (Both of these are from AKUS' "So Long, So Wrong" Disc - HIGHLY recommented)The wonderful tune "Man of Constant Sorrow" made famous by Tyminski (singing for Clooney) in the movie is here from a recording from Banjo Wizard Tony Furtado, but the vocal is by the incomparable Tim O'Brien - on pretty much ANYONE's SHORT list of "best Bluegrass or Americana vocalists." (And anyone wanting to complete their "Man of Constant Sorrow" collections would do well to get Ralph Stanley's original version, Blue Highway's - with Shawn Lane's lead vocal, and "The Pizza Tapes" with David Grisman, Tony Rice and Jerry Garcia's lead vocal.)
   
   So - the rest of the album is great too, but tip your hats to Tim O'Brien and Dan Tyminski.



5. More hillbilly chic. A number of popular musicians in the American Roots Revival genre turn in excellent performances on this wonderful companion CD to 'Down From the Mountain' and 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou?'
   I like to put all three of those CDs in the tray and hit "random play" for a seamless collection of bluegrass gems.

   Supper's on! Don't y'all be trackin no mud on the kitchen linoleum now, ya hear? ...Is there gas in the TransAm? Gotta run up to Riddlesburg for a half rack and some smokes afer supper, you boys wanna come?

5 comments about Closer.

1. I admit, I had not heard of Susan Ashton before this disc, so I only learned aftwerward that she mainly makes christian music, so I believe I can say I am judging this disc solely on its own merit.
   
   I bought this disc after seeing her do a live performance on CMT (Country Music Television). I expected a few nice songs, but go so much more! This is a disc that I have listened to often, and can listen to from start to finish. "Come On Out Of The Rain", and "You're Lucky I Love You" and "Think Of Me" are just pure pop/country gems as good as they come, one of which was released as a single, and the others easily could have been too. "Faith Of The Heart" (from mega-writer Diane Warren) may be recognizable to you from commercials, or you may recall the song being sung by Rod Stewart, but in my opinion much more beautifully done here.
   
   "Our Little World" and "Getaway Car" are relaxing, soulfully beautiful songs that are just pleasing to listen to. "Closer" and "Breathless" are the two most upbeat songs on the disc and break up the tempo perfectly to round out everything else. "Supernatural" is another great song which has since been remade by country star Sara Evans.
   
   As if that wasn't enough, "Shot For The Moon", "Can't Cry Hard Enough", and "I Ain't Gonna Fall For Love Again" for a bit of classic country heart-wrenching, and you get one completely solid disc.
   
   The only disappointing thing is that there has not been a follow up to bolster this "diamond in the rough".
   
   If you like the music of Faith Hill, or Sara Evans, or Martina McBride, give this a listen you will probably like this equally, if not more!
   
   This disc is Out-of-print so buy one from someone before it gets too hard to find!



2. I am not a fan of country music, so it's not really fair for me to rate or review this entire album. But I had to check out what she did to "Can't Cry Hard Enough" as soon as I heard about it. Personally, well... I think Susan Ashton is at her best when she collaborates with others whose style or influence is evident in the work, for example, the vocals she has done on Jim Brickman's albums. The same is true here, "Can't Cry Hard Enough" is by far the best song on this album, mostly due to the fact that it is one of the best songs ever... There are many others I'd love to hear cover this song (Annie Lennox?), but don't settle for any less than the original version by the guy who wrote it (see The Williams Brothers), it's so beautiful and full of emotion (and so different when it's being sung by a man), it's chilling (BTW, remember it on 90210?). Go out and get the real thing. Go... now...



3. I have the first Susan Ashton album ~ and I LOVE it. I felt this CD was just plain 'lacking'. It left me missing the old Susan. Perhaps I just prefer her to remain a Christian artist. After reviewing the lyrics and the album cover I am not impressed. Not something I would like to put in to spend some time alone with God and I could do that with her first album. Sorry but I have to poo poo this album. It's to bad too because I really was hoping to enjoy this one too!



4. So many have commented that Susan Ashton's previous work in the contemporary Christian genre is superior to this crossover release. I agree wholeheartedly, but the previous reviews here amply speak to that.

   The voice is such an incredible gift. It is truly compelling. While I'm not really impressed by the bulk of this album, there are two songs that make it worth owning: "Shot for the Moon" and "Can't Cry Hard Enough". "Shot for the Moon" is a spare yet lush ballad that lets Susan's voice shine, and the ballad "Can't Cry Hard Enough" is a work of art -- the range of emotion here is heartbreaking.

   I hope another album is forthcoming, because it would be a shame if we never hear her sing again. I am so grateful for her career in contemporary Christian music, though -- in my opinion, those releases truly showcase her talent, conviction, and artistry -- they are still some of my very favorite music.




5. As others have said, this is a well done and fun album. Susan Ashton's voice is clear and strong, and it is encouraging to see a Christian artist reaching into the mainstream. I'm sure it doesn't mean that she will leave the Christian message of her previous work behind. Instead, expanding her audience will mean that many more will be willing to hear that message. Enjoy the album, it's worth the purchase.

5 comments about Freedom and Justice For All.

1. If only we could find a man like Charlie Daniels to lead this country back to what we once were - The Greatest Nation On Earth! He may be countrified, he may be a Simple Man, but by the grace of God he is EXACTLY what he is: a red-blooded American who pulls no punches, and leaves nothing unsaid. God bless you, Charlie Daniels, and God bless our still-great country.



2. A fantastic CD for any true American to have in their collection.
   You don't even necessarily need to like country music to enjoy this very Patriotic music, But, loving America will pretty much guarantee you will be glad you bought it.



3. i really enjoy this album. it is a must have for all of us fans of mr daniels. i feel just about like him when it comes to america. like america should be freedom of speach. he's welcome to his' just as i am and you are. he is the king of sothern country music and always will be. so but this one if you like ole charlie daniels. its a must have. you'll be glad ya did. i am.



4. Mr. Daniels is clearly profiteering from the War on Iraq, just like those idiots who were selling t-shirts with pictures of the twin towers exploding a day after 9/11. Shame on you, Mr. Daniels.



5. I am not an American, but I live in this country as a foreign worker and I appreciate everything good that America stands for. I am here legally, I didn't sneak across borders, nor am I living on welfare. I love this country as though it were my own. So I despise self-hating American liberals and those who would sell out this country to the villains of the world, including the corrupt United Nations.
   I thank Charlie Daniels for being one of those rare celebrities who are proud of their country and unashamed to be public about it. I listened to this entire album in Borders before I bought it. The opening track is a spoken word piece taken from Daniels' book "This Ain't No Rag." It's a beautiful description of all that's great about America.
   The rest of the songs are all patriotic. Country music is not my favorite genre, but this music is good because of its lyrical content. There are even some songs that got my foot tapping, like the "Summer of '68," about the way the Vietnam Vets were persecuted by self-indulgent hippies who had neither the courage to lay down their lives nor the insight to appreciate it. "American Farmer" is a salute to the unappreciated farmers that the Democratic Party is trying to take subsidies away from. Charlie even salutes MLK Jr. on "Let Freedom Ring." "The Last Fallen Hero" is a ode to US troops currently in Iraq. It's like an anthem but it has a sound that reminds me a bit of Leonard Cohen. "Simple Man" is an expression of outrage at the lack of justice in liberal-dominated courts and Charlie suggests a few alternative means of justice!
   This album is an excellent counterpoint to the empty-headed refrains of Steve Earle, the Dixie Chicks, Bruce Springsteen, Chrissie Hynde and other knee-jerk liberals.

3 comments about Hoppy, Gene and Me.

1. Loved this CD. Tho I bought it primarily for the title song, I also liked "Cowboy Heaven) (a take-off on "Hillbilly Heaven"), the "Movie Trails" medley and "Happy Trails" tho I half expected Dale to chime in somewhere. The rest were the usual COWBOY 'tears in your beer' kinda stuff with, usually a guitar, fiddle and bass as accompaniment. "Cold Cold Heart" brought back memories of Hank but the rest of the CD, tho good was pretty much usual stuff.
   
   But that title song made me think about another song by Rex Allen, Sr--"The Last of the Silver Screen Cowboys" so I got the album he made with Rex, Jr. "Singing Cowboys" AND that CD has a song, "Can You Hear Those Pioneers" which made me think of the "Sons of the Pioneers" so I also got the 2 CD album "Cool Water"--primarily for that song and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds". All in all, I wound up buying 3 albums because of the title song here.
   
   By the way, later I went to Bob Nolan's website where there are DOZENS of FREE downloadable versions of THOSE 2 songs. Including by the Supremes, Clint Eastwood and the Longines Symphonette, to name a few.
   
   But I think that ANYONE "into" Western or Cowboy (not "country") music would love any or all of the above albums.



2. I love this CD. I'm not a country music fan, and for the most part, I'm not even a Roy Rogers fan. But I truly love this CD. In it, Roy Rogers sings about the things that, once upon a time, were truly important to people: the love of an American for his cowboy culture (track 1 - "Cowboy Heaven"); the love of a husband for his wife (track 2 - "A Very Fine Lady"); the love of a father for his son (track 3 - "Hoppy, Gene and Me"); and the love of a folk hero for his fans (track 4 - "Happy Trails").
   
   Roy Rogers singing "Hoppy, Gene and Me" is a heartwarming experience rarely seen in the world of music. It explores the joy of childhood, the heartbreak of adolescence, and the happiness of life. I first heard this song in the summer of 1986 (I was 11 years old) while visiting the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum in Victorville, California (I'm told it has since relocated to Branson, Missouri).
   
   So, that song was the main reason I bought the CD. But I was not disappointed by any of the others. Roy Rogers' voice is always fun to listen to and smooth. This music is for the whole family, and its messages are timeless.



3. This album was originaly released in 1973 as an idea by the producer of the disc, Snuff Garrett, and includes previously unreleased material.
   
   The CD sound is so clear it is as if it was recorded just yesterday. Roy's voice comes across more clear in this album than in any other album I have listened to and with my Yahoo Jukebox subscription I have listened to almost every Roy Rogers album they have made available. Tennessee Stud is probably my favorite track on the album. Although some of the tracks are a little slow for myself, I believe the best part fo the album is the sound quality that makes it sound like Roy recorded it yesterday.

5 comments about God.

1. I've got this album plugged into my CD on my motorcycle. Cruising with Cash and God rocks.



2. I am not a Christian, but I still count this CD as among the best that the Man in Black ever cut. The album resonates with emotion and John's voice truly is the telling sign of how personal these tunes were for him. Also, be sure to check out the other 3 albums in the "quadrilogy:" Murder, Love, and Life.



3. While some artists singing about God may make you raise your eyebrows in unbelief, Cash makes you raise your eyebrows in delight. With so many songs previously that dealt with spirituality, Johnny Cash goes back to his original roots with some old hymn songs and some songs that he wrote himself. Obviously, the overall theme is "God" and Cash sings with the emotion that we have all grown to love. Fans of Cash's earlier work should still love this because it's the same style, except what he is singing about has more substance.



4. This disc collects together music handpicked by Johnny Cash to express the religious faith he grew up with that sustained him through a hard life as a cottonpicker in Arkansas, the death of his older brother at a young age in a sawmill accident, and by Cash's own account through a long battle with booze and pills. The God Cash sings about is not some casual acquaintance or marketing tool to capture a certain segment of his listening audience: it is Someone Cash knows and loves and he Wants you to love Him too. The songs here range from a 1957 track ("Belshazzar" cut while Johnny was still with Sun Records) through 1996 ("Kneeling Drunkard's Plea" on American Records).
   
   HIGHLIGHTS:
   "Redemption" is probably the single most powerful tune here: expressing the totality of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. "Man in White" is a clever retelling of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. ("I was blinded so that I might see...") "Belshazzar" was one of the few gospel tracks Sam Phillips allowed Johnny to cut while at Sun and it's a good one. The trademark "boom chicka boom" guitar underscores the tale of a king "Weighed in the balance and found wanting" by a disembodied hand.
   
   LOWS:
   "The Great Speckled Bird" is a country music/gospel standard but Johnny's version doesn't really sound heartfelt. Johnny himself in the liner notes says "At times, I'm a voice crying in the wilderness, but at times I'm right on the money and I know what I'm singing about." I'm guessing that was a "wilderness" moment.
   
   BOTTOM LINE:
   Fans of Cash who aren't opposed to genuine emotional Christian expression will find a lot to love here. Fans of Christian music who usually listen only to touchy-feely "I'm OK..you're OK" lyrics should get a load of "Redemption" for another take on what the gospel really means. Gospel means good news..and Cash loved to spread it via song. This anthology demonstrates that love. The best gospel song Cash ever did, though ("The Man Comes Around"), doesn't appear here because this compilation was assembled before its release. For that reason, after getting this one you'll need to get AMERICAN IV: THE MAN COMES AROUND as well for a spine-tingling account of the Apocalypse to come.



5. This is a collection of religious songs by Johnny Cash, personally selected by Cash himself. The earliest song is from 1957 (one of the few religious songs he was allowed to record for Sun Records) and the most recent song is from 1996 (his second American Recordings album). This is good music that should appeal to Johnny Cash's fans, especially his Christian fans. You can tell his religious convictions are heartfelt when you hear him sing these songs. Recommended to Johnny Cash fans.

No comments about I'll Be Long Gone.

2 comments about Sunday Mornin' Singin'.

1. This is one of the all time bluegrass albums filled with tight harmonies and great playing. The melodies are strong and extremely memorable-I have been waiting forever for this to be reissued. Don't even think about it-buy it!!!



2. This is indeed my favorite bluegrass album of all time. The harmonies are tight, the instrumental playing is first-rate, the tunes are great, and you can't beat the message. Carpenter of Wood, as the liner notes say, "has one of those haunting melodies that tends to stay with you." And how. "Shine Hallelujah Shine" is a Bill Monroe song done to perfection. "From cradle to cross to crown" is another great favorite.

   I bought the LP in the mid 80s and am so glad to have it again. The album is the original 1980 recording plus 7 bonus songs--gospel tracks from five other albums. And what a bonus. You can't find a better gospel bluegrass album anywhere!

5 comments about I Heard the Angels Singing.

1. If you like great harmony and good gospel music this one's for you. These boys are the best and I would love them to come over to Australia some time and do a show. I would be the first in line to buy a ticket !!
   Love 'em



2. This group knows how to put sound together! They sound great and harmonize beautifully! Praising God with this music is a great way to spend some time.



3. IMAGINE THIS. A MAN IS CRUISING AROUND IN A CAMARO WITH THE BASS SPEAKERS BOOMING, BUT WAIT THATS NOT ROCK AND ROLL POURING OUT THEM THERE SPEAKERS. THE MUSIC IS THIS ALBUM AND THE MAN IS ME! I KNOW YOU CANT HEAR A SAMPLE OF I "HEARD THE ANGELS SINGING", TOO BAD. IF YOU CAN BELIEVE ME THAT SONG ABSOLUTELY "ROCKS" (FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD). THE MASTERING ENGINEER DID NOT BOTHER TO EQ IT DOWN INTO SOME WARM "FUZZY" EASY LISTENING GOSPEL SONG. THAT SONG WAS LEFT WITH ITS RAW POWER AND BEAUTY! KUDOS TO DOYLE LAWSON AND QUICKSILVER. I CAN ONLY HOPE AND PRAY THE REST OF YOUR ALBUMS ARE AS GREAT AS THIS ONE!



4. For those who like gospel music and are not familiar with Doyle, Lawson & Quicksilver, do yourself a favor by adding this one to your collection. For those who are familiar with the several cd's available from this group, this one is a must. Cuts include this group's outstanding harmony as well as some superb acappella numbers this group soars with like "Stormy Waters," "I Heard the Angels Singing" and "Rock of Ages." Their upbeat songs use metaphors characteristic of gospel music conveying the need for strength to face life's storms/challenges and the strength one gains by accepting a higher being. Great vocals, excellent instrumentation. I would like to see this groups, and others, include in the jacket printed lyrics to the songs.



5. For those who like gospel music and are not familiar with Doyle, Lawson & Quicksilver, do yourself a favor by adding this one to your collection. For those who are familiar with the several cd's available from this group, this one is a must. Cuts include this group's outstanding harmony as well as some superb acappella numbers this group soars with like "Stormy Waters," "I Heard the Angels Singing" and "Rock of Ages." Their upbeat songs use metaphors characteristic of gospel music conveying the need for strength to face life's storms/challenges and the strength one gains by accepting a higher being. Great vocals, excellent instrumentation. I would like to see this group, and others, include in the jacket printed lyrics to the songs.

1 comments about Porter Wagoner - Country Legends Live Mini Concert.

1. ITS A GOOD DVD BUT ITS REALY SHORT. BUT IT WAS THE ONLY DVD OF PORTER WAGONER THAT I COULD FIND AT THIS TIME. I HOPE TO BE ABLE TO FIND A COLLECTION OF ALL HIS HITS SOME DAY. THANKS FOR HAVING IT - WILLIAM

2 comments about Eternity.

1. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CD. I LOVE THE WAY SHE PLAYS THROUGH THE STORM, YOU CAN FEEL GOD'S ANOINTING ALL THROUGH THE SONG. SHE IS TRUELY THE BEST, AND BEING THE BADEST WOMAN SAX PLAYER THERE IS, IS JUST AN ADDED BONUS. I HAVE 2 OF HER CD'S AND I AM ABOUT TO BUY HER LATEST ONE DRAW THE LINE . YOU WILL TRUELY LOVE THIS CD.



2. Absolutely Wonderful!!!! Angella Christie's Cd "Eternity" is truly a blessing. She is anointed with the Spirit when she plays and it touches your heart as you listen to it. I would recommend this Cd to jazz lovers who are not really into the Contemporary style of Gospel music, or to any Christian who feels/knows that there is more than one form of music to listen to while in Praise and Worship.