5 comments about Steel Witness.

1. To much contempory Christian sounds like it already died and went somewhere--but not this album, it has a good beat, an accurate message.



2. This leaves little room where CDB and this brand of country folk stand on a number of issues. I will stand with then until we all perish. No fear, and no regrets. Love it, or get the hell out of the way.



3. If you are in the mood for some soulful gospel on steroids Charlie Daniels Steel Witness is for you. One of the great qualities of this album is Daniels powerful song writing abilities. He shines in this area. Most of the theology is fairly solid, my only complaint is that it is a tad heavy on end times focus. The background vocals in my opinion add a lot to the quality of this album.
   
   The song simly titled "Jesus" is amazing, summing up the power of His ministry, the power of a relationship with him for the believer, and His power to save, transform and deliver. It is simply an inspiring song with an inspiring and truthful message. The tune "He's Not Here" while a little heavy on the guitar rifts is about the power of the resurrection, excellent summation of the hope and glory of Christianity. Another great song is "New Pharisee," everybody knows a few of these Church attendees. This has an excellent message that highlights the freedom and liberation we are provided in Christ.
   
   A few of the songs are not really that exceptional. If this album was speaking about items other than the power and truth of Christianity it might be mediocre, but the truth and witness of the words are powerful. All in all Daniels has created a rocking powerful praise album. If you are a seeker, or a sinner saved by grace jump on board.



4. I love Charlie Daniels and The Door is one of my favorite albums for dancing my prayers. So I ordered Steel Witness expecting the same. The music doesn't disappoint, although it is perhaps somewhat less compelling than that in The Door, being less coordinated. But I have some theological issues with three songs, since I come from a tradition which does not accept his Rapture theology. But that doesn't stop me from playing the album- I just rachet up my tamborines and dance along to the glory of God.



5. There was no mistaking about this being Charlie Daniels. However, every song seemed to be at the same pace and tempo.
   It sounded like his bus was running outside and he was in a hurry to get going. Some Gospel Music just can't be sang in a fast tempo and still have the same message. I've collected and sung Gospel Music for 40yrs. I'm glad Charlie is singing a different tune these days .... but he needs to slow it down a bit.

4 comments about God's Country: George Jones & Friends.

1. God's Country: George Jones & Friends CD
   
   This is one of George's Best CD's. My husband and I are true George Jones Fans. The music is so BEAUTIFUL...



2. Nice album but George only sings on 2 tracks. A duets album would have been better



3. This CD is the best of the best of TRUE country music singers. These are people who when you hear them on radio, you know who you are listening to. Every cut on this CD is great and the title cut by George Jones is a wonderful song that should be heard by everyone on the radio. Sammy Kershaw's cut of "He Stopped Loving Her Today" is truly beautiful considering that this song was George Jones' biggest song and has to be the most difficult for any singer to even think of re-making. But Sammy Kershaw has done the Possum proud with "He Stopped Loving Her Today." I love Pam Tillis on "Take Me" and Vince Gill does a great job on "She Thinks I Still Care." The bonus of this CD is getting the DVD on the making of this CD. Love getting a chance to see the "behind the scenes" view of how an album gets made. Thank you Category 5 for putting this fantastic tribute to George Jones together!



4. This album is classic traditional country music performed by artists that are not "past their commercial prime", but performed by artists that country radio abandoned in their quest for the "stud or babe of the week" format that pervades country radio these days. I would much rather hear some of these artists than the one-hit-wonders that you hear on the radio. These people still have the chops and it's a pleasure to hear them perform classic Jones songs.

5 comments about The Oak Ridge Boys.

1. I have been a HUGE ORB fan since I was a little girl in the 70's! I LOVE all the old stuff and some of the newer (especially the newest stuff released). I bought this CD for the first time a couple of weeks ago as I didn't even know it existed! This CD is beyond AWESOME! It is SO reminiscent of the "old style" yet is modernized. I felt like I was back in my little girl bedroom playing all the LPs again! What a great purchase! For all you true ORB fans from the "old days", you will really appreciate this one!



2. I love to here the oak ridge boys and this Cd out does there
   previous stuff.I also like a lot of the new songs on this one
   also some of the new tunes get stuck in your head and you find
   your self singing them.And to I rather pay (Money) to listen to
   a Oak Ridge Boys CD instead of listing to whats around in country
   music today all I have to say the oaks our the best.........



3. As the title of my review says this cd has the Oaks getting back to what made them so fresh and exciting when they crossed over to country from gospel in 1977. Their vocals are more up front in the mix than some of the previous releases. The instruments are more country flavored than they've been for some time. Baby When Your Heart Breaks Down is an upbeat song with an a capella chorus. Where The Sun Always Shines is a poetic ballad which showcases Duane Allen's smooth lead voice. Deep In Louisiana is a mid-tempo cajun flavored song. Lady My Love is a Golden vocal that fits his voice and style to a "t". What'll I Do is another mid-tempo song that is standard Oaks fare. Perfect Love gives Joe a chance to step up to the plate. He laments in the song about letting quality women pass by looking for the "perfect love", which ultimately backfires on him. Ain't No Short Way Home is an upbeat kickin' song that takes advantage of all four vocalists in the chorus. Richard's rumbling Bass voice gets a lead on If All I Had Left. Anyone who likes the Oaks or miss the country music of the late 70's should find this to be a refreshing recording.



4. Ever since I was a little kid, I always liked the Oak Ridge Boys. Four part male quartet (Tenor, Lead, Baritone, Bass) in the country music field has been few and far between. Only the Oak Ridge Boys and The Statler Brothers have been its spokesmen. When I became older and became involved in quarteting myself, I enjoyed The Oaks even more! I was pleasantly suprised to see the original lineup (in the country music crossover at least) back together again after 10 years with the rejoining of William Lee Golden (he of the beard for those who aren't familiar with the Oaks).

   "Voices" is their latest effort (their previous mainstream release since 1992). What I really like about this CD is that The Oaks are still making music like they used to. With so many country artists crossing over into the pop music genre, it is nice to know that many still like to make the same great country music that made them famous, despite society's changing tastes in musical styles. Their voices are in fine shape still after 25 years together. They can still put out great toe-tapping and catchy tunes like "Baby When Your Heart Breaks Down", "Deep in Louisiana", and "Ain't No Short Way Home" and also tone down to croon a few ballads, just like they could 15-20 years ago.

   If you are an Oak Ridge Boys fan, this release will not disappoint you. If you are not a fan, this CD is just as good as any other they've released to introduce you to great four part harmony in country music. Long live The Oaks!




5. This album is nothing less than superb. Each song is unique and the listener has the opportunity to hear each one of the Boys in the lead. The Oaks continue to demonstrate their wholesome image by not recording typical country/pop "somebody cheating" type songs. The video for "Ain't No Short Way Home" is also wonderful. Joe, Duane, William Lee, and Richard look and sound better than ever. If you ever have an opportunity to attend one of their concerts, don't pass it up - their energy level is unbelievable and the show is totally awesome!

5 comments about A Distant Land to Roam: Songs of the Carter Family.

1. Good song selection
   Clear vocals
   Crisp instrument playing
   I like Ralph Stanley



2. Ralph Stanley may have the most distinctive and expressive voice in American music. Certainly few - if any - can convey the gravity and depth that his voice can. To listen to Ralph Stanley is to be reminded of what really matters in life. It is a voice without artifice or pretension, and nowhere does it sound more compelling than in this moving gem. I have been unable to stop playing it in the month or so I've owned it, and each time it transports me to a place as simple and enduring as the mountains of southwestern Virginia.



3. Songs of the Carter Family may be lost except for people like Ralph Stanley. Stanley's voice is fantastic for blue grass folks. My only regret is that Dr Stanley is getting old because he keeps a lot of the old music alive.



4. I echo all the favorable comments made by other reviewers. Ralph Stanley singing these songs, born of the soil, sounds like what an Old Testament prophet might sound like. I loved in particular "Little Moses."
   
   What left me perplexed was the sound quality. I'm wondering if T. Bone Burnett wanted a mono-like sound reminiscent of the thirties and forties a la the era of the Carter Family. The soundstage is compressed and sounds like all the instruments are massed in the center. There's little imaging, air or separation between guitars, autoharp, banjo, etc. and Ralph, of course, is dead center. In addition, there's a haze or veil over the recording. Again, I'm wondering if this was intended to mimic those bygone days.



5. As a Stanley fan, I was a bit put off by the "Ralph Stanley" album that followed the O Brother craze. Too sparse, too morose, no bluegrass, whatever. But whether you are a longtime Stanleys fan, a Carter Family fan, or an "O Brother" fan, THIS album hits the sweet spot. Like someone else said, spreading Dr Ralph's genius on top of the Carters' genius - how could it go wrong in the hands of these master craftsmen? Each song has Ralph's soul and perfectly captures the old rough hewn Carter spirit too.

3 comments about Shine On.

1. Ralph Stanley and his powerful and inspiring band do a great job as always with "Shine On." One of the strong aspects of this album is the versatility of the arrangement styles and harmony styles. I love the old time gospel style of four part harmonies which are showcased well with "Sing Songs about Jesus", and "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot." Also of course I love the featuring of different lead singers that is always a strong focus of bluegrass music. Ralph II does and excellent job with "My Main Trial is Yet to Come." Ralph II is one, if not the best lead singers in bluegrass music today. He is just as good as the best that Ralph has had over the years.
   
   I have seen this band several times live and I must admit Ralph needs to feature John Rigsby more on lead in albums because of his unique sound. Rigsby is an excellent versatile musician who can just about play and sing anything. His lead singing on "The Lowest Valley" is really beautiful and breathtaking. Of course the song like the rest of the album has a powerful transforming message.
   
   Ralph Stanley is of course an enchanting and brilliant artist. Nobody can copy his unique sound and eerie vocals. He is definitely a prophet in the musical sense. Other great songs featured on this album is the upbeat inspirational classic "This Little Light of Mine," Dolly Parton's well written "Shine On," and "Palms of Victory." I like the thematic emphasis of the light of Christ as well in this album. What's so amazing is Ralph has even better albums than this one. He definitely knows how to deliver the message of salvation and the love of our Lord in a simple and soul-stirring manner. Simply great songs from the master of artists.



2. This is an outstanding project by one of the few remaining pioneers in American music. This is a must for any bluegrass fan or traditional gospel music fan.



3. Playing Time - 40:04 -- After listening to a number of new acoustic and country releases, I always come back to queue up and appreciate some good old-time mountain music. Ralph Stanley's `Shine On" is a bluegrass gospel album that makes us not only treasure musical roots but also to revel in the glory of God. Of course, Ralph Stanley likes to sing gospel. He believes in it, and a lot of others do too. Ralph once said, "We were raised in the churches. We were raised to sing gospel and respect gospel music. I'm not necessarily trying to convert people with it, but it would tickle me if I knew I did. And which, I have got letters and so forth from people that said it had, you know, and I feel good that they do."
   
   Singing and playing in a lonesome style full of feeling, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys (John Rigsby, Ralph Stanley II, Steve Sparkman, James Alan Shelton, Jack Cooke) choose material from the traditional canon as well as from contemporary songwriters like Dolly Parton who penned the title cut. Nathan Stanley picks the mandolin on two cuts, Albert Brumley's "I'll Fly Away" and Bill Crawford's "King of All Kings." The elder Stanley sings "The Old Church Yard" solo without any accompaniment. The Clinch Mountain Boys' a cappella quartet is featured on "Sing Songs About Jesus," while "Why Should We Start and Fear to Die" has John Rigsby along with Junior, Marsha and Amber Davis singing harmonies to Ralph's lead vocal. An a cappella trio with hand claps on the chorus is the rendition chosen for "Swing Low, Swing Chariot," a song that Ralph sung at Bill Monroe's funeral. The song, "On a High, High Mountain" is given a lean arrangement of only Rigsby's fiddles to Ralph's recitation. Only guitar and bass accompany Pearlie Mullin's "The Lowest Valley," lead vocals sung by John Rigsby on the verses.
   
   Many of the songs on "Shine On" have happy, upbeat and joyous themes. This gospel recording has been long awaited. On February 25, 2007, Ralph Stanley will be 80 years old. Although his voice is a bit gravelly or husky in spots on this album, some of that rustic character actually enhances his charm. There is no better message than the message of Jesus Christ. Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys thank God for His guidance. The music on "Shine On" lifts us up, aligns our hearts with God, and will lead others to Him. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)

4 comments about Sacred Steel: Traditional Sacred African-American Steel Guitar Music In Florida.

1. Mention the steel guitar and most likely you will get images of the Hapa Haole music of Hawaii in the 30s, or the twangy sounds of hard country. But there's another side of the steel guitar, one that is not as well known, but is perhaps one of the most amazing roots traditions still alive in this country, the black Pentecostal tradition of the pedal and laptop steel guitar.

   The sacred tradition of steel guitar playing reaches back to the late 20s and early 30s and is tied to the history of the Holiness churches, particularly the Keith and Jewel Dominions of the Church of the Living God, headquartered in Northern Florida. Holiness churches are deeply Pentecostal churches, taking as their primary spiritual tradition the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" which they trace to the second chapter of Acts. Music in this tradition is more than just a pretty decoration for the service. It is a sacrament in itself, serving to open congregants to the power of the Holy Spirit. True Pentecostal music, whether in traditionally white or traditionally black churches is characterized by an infectious rhythmic quality and an ecstatic lyricism based on the spirituals of the south.

   In the Church of the Living God, the steel guitar is the primary instrument of the worship service, replacing the more common electronic organ of most gospel music. This disc presents music from some of the Church's finest musicians. The first 9 selections are mostly instrumentals. Each practitioner approaches his instrument differently, from the almost vocal inflections of Sonny Treadway, to the more modern, jazzy improvisations of Glenn Lee, the youngest musician on this disc. Particularly amazing are the three cuts by Willie Eason, the granddaddy of the steel tradition. He uses his guitar as a backup choir to his own folksy vocals, but intersperse them with tasty fills and blues licks. Most interesting is his original composition, Franklin D. Roosevelt, which is a latterday example of the historical ballad, a form of traditional song which interprets current events through the prism of faith.

   The second part of the disc is the real killer, the live services. Recorded in churches throughout Florida, these cuts offer generous selections of congregational singing, lead by the steel guitar. Many of the selections represent "praise" music, songs of increasingly fast tempo that are meant to raise the spirits...and boy do they ever. Sonny Treadway's This is a Holy Church and Aubrey Ghent's Praise Music are so sanctified that you almost levitate listening to them. The music isn't polished, but that's essential to it's spirit. The music flows without restraint. This music is as wild and free as any that I've ever heard. It is truly spirit-filled!

   So if you are a fan of real down-home Gospel, or a fan of roots music, this CD is a must have. But it is also recommended to adventurous people into edgy jazz or other forms of alternative music. Certainly music like this goes a long way toward helping people understand the spirituality of movements like the avant-garde jazz movement. This is music of the Spirit and as any Pentecostal will tell you...the Spirit frees!




2. A thoroughly captivating collection of one of the most obscure offshoots of the blues/gospel music axis, this disc collects 20 tracks of African-American gospel music as performed on electric steel guitars. The liner notes trace the style back to the 1930s, when steel guitars came into vogue; the performances are by a handful of contemporary performers who come from a Pentecostal church in Florida, where the tradition is still very much alive. Blues, R&B and gospel have always had an interesting Saturday night/Sunday morning interrelationship, and these recordings inject a distinctive "white" country flavor into that mix. This is one of Arhoolie's biggest-selling and best received releases in recent years and when you check it out, you'll understand why. Cool stuff. (There have also been several follow-ups and solo albums featuring the same artists on here, but this is the disc that, to me, seems most magical.)



3. I grew up in North Florida and the sounds and faith behind the words of this beautiful album are a revelation and a confirmation both. NPR uses bits of it as bridge music on their "All Things Considered" and "Morning Edition." I think it is because of the essential purity and sweetness of the music. "Little Church on the Hill" is something celestial. It evokes heaven, a place that exists only in time, not on a map. I don't listen to this every day, it is too good for that. I just listen to it in moments, and those moments, like this collection, are too lovely to convey.



4. Being raised in the pentecostal church (Mt.Calvary and House of God keith Dominion). This cd is a reminder of the church services in Mt.Airy, NC. with my uncle on the steele and sweet sounds of the steele, giving direction and inspiration to the church service. GLenn Lee is remarkable,the way he blends country and blues with tradional steele playing. His interpretation of "Pass me not. oh gentle savior" is without comparison, an old gospel favorite, with a country twist. Totally original! Also his own "Joyful sounds" has the uncanny imprint of his uncle bishop Harisson, with a nice twist. Nothing can compare to the old favorite "Franklin D Roosevelt,A poor man's friend", by Willie Eason. Let's not forget the foot stomping "Live religious services on the cd. IF you don't get uplifted by these selections from both Jewel and Kieth Dominions check your pulse 'cause something is definitely wrong. Believe me you will love this cd and be uplifted.

5 comments about The Essential Elvis, Vol. 2: Stereo '57.

1. I finally bought the "Essential Elvis, Vol. 2: Stereo '57" CD and the stereo sound is fantastic - much better than I expected! After reading some of the reviews of this CD that described Elvis' vocals as being removed from the rest of the band, I expected to either hear all of the instruments on one side and only Elvis on the other, or a mono mix of the instruments on both sides and Elvis on one side, but I was pleasantly surprised that the original binaural tracks separated the different instruments across both tracks, leaving Elvis on one side. Buy this CD - it's as stereo as it gets!



2. This is a great CD and makes me want more Essential Elvis releases.To hear this young,brash pioneer...to hear the creator of a new sound at work is amazing.To listen as he works up I beg of You,BlueBerry Hill, Is It so Strange and classic gospel numbers like It Is No Secret and peace in the Valley is just indescribable.Unique...Different....Historic....Awesome.Words cannot do justice to this wonderful set.Just Listen.



3. This CD features recordings that Elvis made in January, 1957. Tapes featuring the unedited recording sessions from January 13 & 19 were found in the late 1980s. These tapes happened to be in binaural (two track) stereo, with Elvis in the left speaker and everyone else in the right speaker. It's a very primitive form of stereo, but it's still fun to hear Elvis isolated from the rest of the band. The bulk of this CD features alternate takes from these recording sessions. These are very interesting, as you can hear what went on at the recording session. Some comments made before and after the songs are included. You can also hear mistakes made by Elvis, as he sings the wrong lyric or busts out laughing (or laughs BECAUSE he sang the wrong lyric). Elvis even hits a bad note on "That's When Your Heartaches Begin" (it even happens to the best singers). I should point out that "Mean Woman Blues" take 14 is not an alternate take, but is in fact the master take that was used on the Loving You album way back in 1957 (but this is, of course, the first time is was released in stereo). There were five songs recorded during these sessions for which no binaural tapes could be located. So, these five songs close out the CD in their original mono master take versions. This is a great CD which should appeal to any Elvis fan.



4. Mayby I can't add to what the first review said, but,thiscd is great. even on cassette tape , but, I borrpowed my frinds cd and words fail me how I STARTED CRYING playing the cd. Now if only ELVIS'S YES MEN HAD TOLD HIM TO STOP EATING ALL THAT FATTENING FOOD WE WOULD STILL HAVE H I M AROUND !!!!!



5. This CD will appeal to those who have an interest in very early stereo recordings of rock and roll. The following quote from the CD pamphlet explains it better than I could:

   "A couple of years before the advent of the stereo disc in mid-1958, major record companies had been experimenting with stereophonic recording of classical music (often referred to then as 'binaural'). In the popular-music sphere, however, state-of-the-art studios were using the new Ampex 2-track tape recorders for making binaural tapes for other purposes. The engineers would place, say, the vocalist or soloist on one track and the backing band on the other; this enabled further engineering and mixing to produce the final mono master after the performers had left. In the earliest days--as in the case of these Elvis sessions--the binaural machine was run only as a safety copy. Although these 2-track tapes were never intended for stereophonic release thirty-odd years ago, I have very carefully prepared them for stereo enjoyment utilizing techniques that I hope are compatible with the aims of the original recording team and artist. The quality and clarity of these originals certainly belie their age and permit and exciting stereo image by any standard--a tribute indeed to the Radio Recorders engineers. The discovery of these 2-track masters is nothing short of a miracle. The tape boxes have "erase" clearly written on the master log sheets. They are the only ones know to exist from the pre-stereo era".

   Note: the last 5 tracks (16-20) are in mono and the CD states this.

   We are very fortunate that Elvis signed up with RCA. Had he not, it could have been another five years before we heard him in stereo and who knows what would have happened to the master tapes from many lesser known record companies that went out of business in the sixties.

1 comments about Precious Memories.

1. Track listing:
   
   1. Precious Memories
   2. Come On Down
   3. Whispering Hope
   4. Lord, I'm Coming Home
   5. Did You Think To Pray
   6. I Need Thee Every Hour
   7. Sweet Peace, The Gift Of God's Love
   8. Oh How I Love Jesus
   9. Softly And Tenderly
   10. The Ninety And Nine
   11. Were You There?
   12. How Great Thou Art
   13. His Eye Is On The Sparrow
   14. Sweet Hour Of Prayer
   15. When They Ring The Golden Bells
   16. My Jesus, I Love Thee
   17. What A Friend We Have In Jesus
   18. It Is Well With My Soul
   19. Hold To God's Unchanging Hand
   20. All Hail The Power

3 comments about Headed for the Promised Land.

1. You just can't go wrong with the Chuck Wagon Gang, uplifting toe taping music. Four part harmonies and clear lyrics. Timeless, classic style. Music that most anyone will enjoy. (this review is for the original group 1930s to 1960's) if Rose or Anna are singing you will be Blessed.



2. 10 songs remastered:
   1) I'm Headed for the Promised Land
   2) He's Coming Again!
   3) There's Gonna Be Singing
   4) We Are Climbing
   5) I'm Telling the World About His Love
   6) Massa's in the Cold Cold Ground
   7) Higher
   8) After the Sunrise
   9) Way Up in Glory
   10) Walk and Talk With Jesus



3. 10 songs remastered:
   1) I'm Headed for the Promised Land
   2) He's Coming Again!
   3) There's Gonna Be Singing
   4) We Are Climbing
   5) I'm Telling the World About His Love
   6) Massa's in the Cold Cold Ground
   7) Higher
   8) After the Sunrise
   9) Way Up in Glory
   10) Walk and Talk With Jesus

1 comments about The Essential Louvin Brothers 1955-1964: My Baby's Gone.

1. Essential American roots music. Many great songs here ("Must You Throw Dirt in My Face," etc.) Worth the price for "Christian Life" alone -- it can bring tears to the eyes of an atheist like me. If you are only familiar with the versions of "Christian Life" on "Sweetheart of the Rodeo" by the Byrds, this is the real deal. Five stars in red, white, and blue.