1 comments about The Best Of You Can't Hear Me Callin' Bluegrass: 80 Years Of American Music.

1. This is a single CD sampler for a stupid, pointless box set that I have reviewed negatively (stupid and pointless because it does a horrible job of chronicling the history of bluegrass music). Since this sampler doesn't attempt to achieve what the box set attempts, it is a harmless, mostly fine collection of bluegrass and old-time country music. Having said that, the Byrds, the O'Kanes, and the Dixie Chicks simply do not belong here. Additionally, a few bluegrass related tracks towards the end of the CD don't fit stylistically with the rest of the CD, leading to a schizophrenic feel.

3 comments about 20 Greatest All Time Hymns.

1. Slim Whitman's songs and yodelling are loved by millions around the world, but few probably know about Slim's religious faith. He was raised as a church goer. He fell in love with the minister's daughter and they wanted to marry. Slim was just 17 and Geraldine 16. They got permission from both sets of parents. I was just a kid in the 1950s when the headline of a British paper (Slim being very popular there) said: You'll Never See Slim Whitman in Movies,
   They went on to explain that his wife, a minister's daughter, did not mind him becoming famous but she did not want him to ever go to Hollywood and be in movies. Slim VOWED to her that he would never do that. And he never has.
   
   God must have had a purpose for his life (when Slim did not even know what he was going to do in life), for when he was in the Navy during the Second World War, he was at the last minute, transferred from one ship to another. The first ship he was to be on was hit by enemy fire and sunk, all on board died.
   
   Yes, Slim is still married to his 16 year old sweet-heart (as of 2008) - 67 years of happy married.
   
   You'll enjoy these great hymns sung by one of the most popular 20th century singers - Slim Whitman,



2. On some tracks, this CD has an annoying technical problem--occasional crackling sound distortion. (You may be able to hear it on sample track 1.) It's very disappointing, because the selection of hymns is good & he has a wonderful voice.



3. I reall am enjoying this cd, the gospel singing by slim is fantastic.

5 comments about Voices.

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!

3 comments about Hillbilly Fever.

1. Red Foley may be forgotten now, but he was a great star once and this shows why. If you've heard anything of Red's and liked it, then you can't go wrong with this box. He sang like Bing and had such an easygoing but also witty style that he does not become tiresome to listen to. This box has long-forgotten gems like a song called "Television" which shows that people back then had the same concerns about technology and loss of privacy that they now have for camera-phones and You-Tube.
   
   The sound quality is great and the booklet is informative. I didn't know Red Foley from Red Sovine until I picked up a single-disc on him last year and learned who he was. I decided to look a little deeper and bought this box set. It's definitely one for the permanent collection.
   
   What's also great about these Proper boxes is that unlike an American box you don't have to open the whole thing up to get to an individual disc and they hardly take up any more space than two regular CD's.



2. When I first saw this collection become available, I figured it was just some cheap, budget line collection. Probably wouldn't have any notes, and would just be a hodge podge of recordings.
   
   Well, one night I got brave and ordered it. Holy smokes!!! I'd say as of right now, this is the definitive Red Foley collection. It contains his first recordings from 1933, and hits almost all of his top 10 hits. Only "Our Lady of Fatima," "Slaves of a Hopeless Love Affair," and "Jilted" are omitted.
   
   All of the recordings have great sound, and are all the original masters. Nothing from his double greatest hits remake album from the mid 60's are included.
   
   The booklet is another revelation. Probably in the same league with a Bear Family booklet, it features great notes, and individual recording dates.
   
   This collection is a steal for the price it's available for. You really don't need to be hesitant when thinking about purchasing it.



3. Red Foley has faded abit in our memory of country greats and this collection shows why that's too bad. This very inexpensive Four CD set is chocked full of great tunes. Foley had a very pleasant Baritone voice and he used in many great novelty tunes, ballads, sacred songs and love songs that are in the package. This collection is a must for Country music fans and as noted the price is right. I give this CD set only 4 stars because about 1/4 of the songs are not memorable or of high quality. There are certainly 75 gems here among my favorites are "Hang your head in shame", "smoke on the water" and "peace in the valley".

1 comments about Bluegrass Gospel Karaoke.

1. I confused a song title on this with something else, but it's good to have a variety of music available, so the disc will be a nice addition to the collection.

1 comments about Love Is Strong.

1. Paul Overstreet is one of the best writers around. Many people do not realize all the songs that he has written. Paul writes straight from the heart and you can feel his love of God, home, and family in each of his songs. Love is Strong is an outstanding recording and touches deep.

No comments about Ralph and Carter/The Later King Years.

2 comments about Me and the Boys.

1. If you ask me what Charlie Daniels Alumbs that I like it would have to be this one cause it's a great alumb and cd. But if you ask me to name my favorite song from that cd it would have to be the song talking to the moon not that the other's ain't good cause they are like the single American Farmer it deals with the plight of the farmers right here in America. But the reason i chose talking to the moon because Glenn Frey wrote it and done it. So buy the cd no matter if you love Charlie or if you like great songs. Rondall



2. Charlie Daniels just keeps cranking out the music. While this is by no means my favorite CDB album they still put together some exellent music. American Rock and Roll is a tribute to Charlie's rock influences. Class of '63 is Tom Crain's contribution about his high school reunion. Taz wrote Ever Changing Lady not one of my favorites my him. This is a romantic love song i'd rather hear him wail. If you are a CDB fan and don't own this album you will enjoy it. If you are looking for your first CDB album skip this one and buy Million Mile Reflections.

No comments about Greatest Gospel Songs.

5 comments about Connie Smith.

1. Dolly Parton said it best when she said "There are only three real female singers on this planet: Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Connie Smith. The rest of us are just pretending".
   This CD is a testament to that remark and unlike today's bubble gum country from pop wannabes like Reba, Martina McBride, Shania Twain and Faith Hill who have compromised just do what "Sells", thank the Lord there is still a true and talented country artist out there like Connie Smith who has never compromised! Enjoy!



2. This Cd is Absolutely brilliant !!Every song is Straight from the heart.I read she gave up singing to raise her family (5 kids)Her early stuff is Fabulous--This Cd is awesome.



3. It's just great to see this great female singer making a comeback. The first time I heard Connie Smith sing was in the 60's. I bought 5 or 6 of her albums back then and I lost them all when I went through divorce in "82". I was so exited a few years ago when I saw a cd of Connie "The Essential" that I bought it right on the spot. Now a couple of years later I dicovered that she made a comeback. And what a comeback with this CD. My favorites on this CD are "How Long", "Just Let Me Know", and "You Can't Take Back A Teardrop". The whole CD reminds me of the Connie Smith I remember when I was a teenager living in Maine and enjoying her music. She still has that powerful voice which is ALWAYS on key and hasn't lost anything through the years. I enjoy listening to her now as much as I did back when. To me she's still the best female country singer that ever recorded. I just hope she comes out with a new CD soon, even though she might not get any radio play, which is a crying shame. What is wrong with Nashville? Don't they recognize great talent anymore? There's no other female singer in Nashville today that can even come close to Connie's powerful and soulful deliveries singing from the heart today. I recommend this CD to everyone. Good songs, good music, and I'll always be a big fan of hers. Keep up the good work Connie. Guitar Bob



4. I WAS SURPRISED AND VERY PLEASED TO HEAR THIS C.D. OF OUR CONNIE. SHE HAS IMPROVED IF THAT WERE POSSIBLE,AND WITH THE HELP OF HER HUSBAND MARTY STUART HAVE PRODUCED WHAT I CAN ONLY DESCRIBE ,AS A WONDERFUL GROUP OF SONGS WITH THE BEST WOMAN FOR THE JOB SINGING THEM----PLEASE LETS HAVE MORE CONNIE !!!



5. Just wonderful good old country music,the way it should be,pure country. With Marty Stuart and Connie writing 9 of the songs,and with him playing the guitar and the mandolin it's just magical.