5 comments about Simple Man.

1. As much as I've tried to like the new Charlie that has recorded over the past few years, the truth is that just like several of his more recent albums, this one leaves me wanting. Oh, the production's fine and the playing is fine, but the fire of the content of the material is just not there for me. I long for the days of old when Charlie wrote more about the real issues that plagued the common man in songs like "Land of Opportunity" and "Grapes of Wrath" and left out the formula driven pablum that seems to be the normal fare for him and most of the other remaining Southern Rock artists. Charlie, the fans that loved and supported you in the 70's are still there... and we're waiting for your return.



2. I was in college when "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" became a hit for the Charlie Daniels Band and Million Mile Reflections, the album that contained that song, went platinum. Million Mile Reflections is a classic, but I think Simple Man comes close. The title song is one of Charlie Daniels' classic Southern anthems, and he and his CDB bandmates rock out elsewhere on the record. The opening song "What This World Needs Is A Few More Rednecks", like "Simple Man", is a good old Southern country rocking song from Charlie, as is the toe-tapping song "Oh Atlanta", where Charlie showcases some of his fine fiddle work. The bluesy concluding number "It's My Life" is also a strong song. Furthermore, Charlie is a strong ballad singer. "Was It 26", "Midnight Wind", "Saturday Night Down South", "Old Rock 'N Roller", and "Mr. DJ" are all great ballads by Charlie and his CDB bandmates. If there's a weak link on Simple Man, I think it's "Play Me Some Fiddle". "Play Me Some Fiddle" is an OK song, but I don't think it's as good as Charlie's other fiddle anthems--"Texas", "The South's Gonna Do It", "Ragin' Cajun" and the aforementioned "The Devil Went Down To Georgia". "Play Me Some Fiddle" is too long(almost five minutes) and the story line--a bar patron gets into a fight which the cops break up--has literally been done to death in other songs. Even "Oh Atlanta", this record's other fiddle tune, is better than "Play Me Some Fiddle", at least in my opinion. Still, I think Charlie put together one solid album in Simple Man. I like this record, and I think anybody who likes the Charlie Daniels Band should have Simple Man in his collection.



3. Another very good CD from Charlie Daniels. From the opening track of "A Few More Rednecks" to the final notes of "It's My Life" there are no weak songs here.

   On this CD, like so many others, Charlie captures the essence of the working man. The attitude with lines like "yes I drive a pick up truck and I'm full of American Pride" and "I'd hang him up high on a short piece of rope and let him swing till the sun goes down" - a little vigilante justice for a drug dealer who got off. The loneliness associated with a truck driver on "Mister DJ" and the thoughts back to old partying times "Was It 25 or 26".

   This album has soul running through it and will be an excellent addition to anyone who likes music. It's a "new classic".




4. I have a CD rack that is under my monitor. This CD is right there so that it is easy for me to get at. Being a blue collar worker all my life, these songs are about values that I hold dear. I never get tired of this CD and can put it on replay without any problems. When I find that the way that the world is going, this CD is one of the ones that help me realize that the values I hold dear are still important. I find this CD to be one that I would recommend to anyone to have in their collection, no matter what their musical tastes are.



5. Not as good as Charlie's southern rock cd's but still a great album. Simple Man(a classic) and Oh Atlanta are my favorite songs. A Few More Rednecks, Was it 26, Saturday Night down South, Old Rock N Roller, and Mr. DJ are also good songs. Play me some Fiddle was the weakest song on the album. It would normally be considered good, but it is not on Par with Charlie's other fiddle songs.

5 comments about Today's Gospel Favorites.

1. This is the best Gospel music CD I have ever heard. Great songs and wonderfull voices to make wish there were more to listen when it is all over.



2. The Statler Brother's Gospel Favorites is one of my husband's favorite cd's. If you like good old songs gospel music this is the cd for you.



3. For someone who's musical tastes range from the neo-Cajun Pine Leaf Boys to hard rockers like Def Leppard and Motley Crue to edge-of-Country bands like The Mavericks and the Desert Rose Band, you'd probably think that a review of a Statler Brothers' album would seem out of place. However, I must admit that I have a very soft spot in my heart for these guys. Growing up in southwest Louisiana, my dad ruled the radio and was the primary music buyer in the family. I was treated to acts like Merle Haggard, Jimmy Swaggart, Fats Domino, and Marty Robbins. I also got a healthy dose of the Statlers who, other than Merle, were probably my dad's favorite artists. My first concert was a Statler Brothers show and I would eventually see them again in Dollywood a few years later. Their sound has stuck with me forever.
   
   This particular album shows the Statlers at their finest: singing Gospel music. I'm not talking about modern Gospel sounds. Nope, I'm talking about Southern Gospel, complete with four-part harmony, string pickin' and plenty of "oomph" to get you on your feet. Contemporary Christian artists can't hold a candle to traditional Southern Gospel sounds. From the wonderful "Just A Little Talk With Jesus" to the upbeat gem that is "I'll Fly Away," this album is wonderful. My personal favorite tunes include "Precious Memories" and "Turn Your Radio On."
   
   Yes, a kid who grew up with Guns N' Roses, Whitesnake, and Metallica does know what good music is. You may not fancy my other tastes in music, but give the Statler Brothers a try. You might be surprised at how much you will really enjoy them.
   
   Highly recommended.



4. This CD is a treasure for any Christian and Statler's fan. It will keep you humming all day.



5. Yes! This CD is a winner!! Cannot beat the harmony of the Statler Brothers and there were plenty of selections for wonderful listening. Buy it!!

2 comments about History of the Hymnal.

1. I am a traveling salesman, and I like this cd. It is like being in church and singing in church while I am driving. I also like it for working around the house, etc.



2. I wasted my money on this. There is a soprano voice that is very strident, off key and does not blend with the other singers. When I read the list of songs I thought it would be great... it would be great except for the one voice that ruins it. I will never listen to this again

No comments about The King & the Father.

No comments about Something Beautiful.

2 comments about Show Me Your Way.

1. You may or may not approve of Campbell's turn to Christianity. Don't let that keep you from this disc. It is a tightly crafted, well produced, marvelously song collection of songs. If you enjoy Glen Campbell, you will love this disc.



2. 1. Greatest Gift of All
   2. Jesus and Me
   3. Where I Am Going
   4. The Wayward Son
   5. Unto the Least of These
   6. Show Me Your Way
   7. This Savior I Sing of Today
   8. A Few Good Men
   9. Where Shadows Never Fall
   10. The Four Horsemen

No comments about Greatest Gospel Songs.

5 comments about To Be His Child.

1. If you were introduced to this band by Rounder's "Handpicked" comp's inclusion of "every humble knee", don't even waste your time with the rest of this album. Some of the songs on here are just OK and some just downright boring. The instrumental work is decent but nothing on the album makes up for the painful repititousness of "Goodnight, the Lord is coming" and "Drifting Away" or the draggingly dull a capello, "To Be His Child". If your looking for some bluegrass gospel with soul, check out Ralph Stanely's "While the Ages Roll On" or, "Answer The Call".



2. This is Bluegrass at its best! Being rather new to BG, I wasn't familiar with the NBB until I heard "Every Humble Knee" on a compilation album. Fell in love with their sound, and had to get this album.

   I did not think anything could possibly surpass "Every Humble Knee" but now I'm not so sure. I honestly can't pick a favorite cut from this album - it's all pure gold. But high on my list are "You're Drifting Away," "To Be His Child," "Are You Afraid to Die," and "New Born Soul." And of course, "Every Humble Knee."

   The thing is, their vocal work is as stellar as their instrumental work. And these guys aren't afraid to lay down their instruments and let their voices shine on a capella stuff---especially "New Born Soul" and "To Be His Child." But when they DO play, Compton rules on the mandolin, as far as I'm concerned! And Stuart Duncan has the sweetest fiddle tone I've ever heard. But the vocal harmonies are what make this such a splendid albumn. This is a remarkable blending of great material (every song here's a winner), fantastic playing, and superb singing. My only complaint is that the album's too short. Only one cut is 3 minutes or longer, and there are just 12 songs.

   Buy this album. Relish in it. You'll be glad you did.




3. I, too, have played this casette over and over again. You don't have to live in Tennessee to appreciate this music. Light and uplifting, a pleasure for the soul.



4. This is one of the best bluegrass gospel CD's available today. I have seen this group perform live and this album is the next best thing. These guys are the original band members and thus should make it even more of a collectors item.



5. These guys also do a great number with the Fairfield Four

4 comments about Classic Cuts: 1933-41.

1. This Is a great selection and I have enjoyed it greatley! I receiveed it fast and in great shape!
   Thank You!



2. I have a few Delmore Brothers songs from what I friend of mine gave me. I have been a lover of the real true classic country music for just a short period of time, 25 years. I just received this Delmore Collection last week in the post and it is the best collection of Delmore songs any person could want. It covers all their different musical styles with flair. If anyone is contemplating on adding this to their collection I would highly recommend it. It is the Delmore's at they really best. To me a five star rating is a bit too low. I would at least give it twice that. It should be in anyone's classical music collection. I really highly recommend it. Perfect work.



3. I think that Rich Kienzle must have written his review based on the good faith that this set would include all of the Delmores' Bluebird and Decca sides. It does not. It's a good hefty collection of their pre-war material, but there are many important sides missing. The Columbia 1931 disc is not there, and most of the Decca sides are absent. Some Bluebird B-sides are also MIA.
   This is rather shocking for JSP. They are usually so thorough in their reissue boxes. I'll grudgingly buy this, because I know the remastering will be good, but don't believe for one moment that you're getting the whole enchilada. If you're curious as to what these guys sound like, or like 'em and want 4 hrs of their music, go for it. But there's many sides left out. :( Maybe Bear Family will get off their arses and finally do the Delmores right.



4. I bought this set yesterday. For as old as these recordings are the way they were remastered sounds great. Again as I have stated in previous reviews this this set is "Great" but it's not for the new kid that thinks Country Music or Good Bluegrass is The Dixie Chicks or Toby Keith. These songs by Alton and Rabon are some of the Best Root Country Music that you can get anywhere. 1933 - 1941 ,That during the time that Jimmie Rodgers died and not many good strong groups were on the scene ( not counting the Original Carter Family). This Set is worth every penny and I think the price is downright cheap for what you are getting ! Purchase this Box Set and you will truly be Purchasing a part of real American History. "ENJOY"

4 comments about The Glory Road.

1. Fern Jones shows us how it's done. Constantly compared to Elvis, this dame can sing! Almost all folk-types were god-fearing back then, so don't let the religious aspect scare you. If anything, it gives it a kitsch feel that anthropologists and music-lovers alike can enjoy. I especially enjoy songs like "Didn't it Rain," and "I Was There When it Happened." Also, the release is on a great label, so support the dying music business and buy this CD!



2. Fern Jones' slightly sassy styling and amazing phrasing makes you wonder how many hundreds of superstars never made the big time.
   
   If you love fifties honky tonk and gospel; if you want an appreciation of the era, or if you just want to keep your foot tapping and head nodding buy this cd!



3. Absolutely great! Her's is an amazing story. She should have been a star.....



4. If Fern Jones could have sung the blues, country & pop songs she REALLY wanted to sing, she'd have been another legend. These rare recordings of country religious tunes swing & rock, thanks to Fern's soulful delivery.