3 comments about Tragic Songs of Life.

1. Excellent quality product. I have bought the vinyl version back in 1960, and loved it.I was very pleased to find it on Amazon.



2. It's terrific to see that this title is still available some 50 years after its initial release. It just goes to show you that there are still a few record producers and labels who have not totally sacrificed taste and class in the name of greed. My CD collection numbers over 2,500 CD's and spans 15 different genres, including country, jazz, opera, blues, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, folk, classical, western swing, bluegrass, Latin, show tunes, Seasonal and movie soundtracks. But I will happily go out on a limb and proclaim this as one of my 20 favorite albums of all time.
   
   A friend introduced me to the vinyl in 1978. At the time, I knew little about Country music and even less about Bluegrass. Yet the very first time I heard it, I knew I was experiencing something special. Some may find Take The News To Mother or Mary of the Wild Moor (or any of the other 12 songs for that matter) somewhat hokey, but the unadorned, raw sentiment of these heartbreaking songs is what makes this album work so well. Why do you think it's called Tragic Songs of Life?
   
   Charlie and Ira's proficiency in guitar and mandolin will floor you, but their plaintive harmony will haunt you forever. My two favorites, A Tiny Broken Heart and the Carter Family's perennial I'll Be All Smiles Tonight are masterpieces of feeling and harmony.
   
   A Tiny Broken Heart is particularly gut-wrenching. The story of a little boy whose first love moves away, his pleading for his father to stop the sale of the farm next door will touch even the most jaded of hearts. "Oh no, he cried, dear God don't let it be - they can't take my sweetheart away! ...Give them all my toys, that dear Santa gave; and give them the pennies in my little piggy bank, pennies that my darling helped me save". The world was a far simpler place when Charlie and Ira penned those lyrics, but time has not diminished their effectiveness one bit.
   
   Lesser artists always change the gender when singing a gender-specific song written in the voice of the opposite sex. Like many true artists, they don't bother to alter the lyrics to I'll Be All Smiles Tonight, which is written in the first person from a female perspective. Nevertheless, their wailing will touch you in ways that are difficult to describe, even when you think (and their sincere delivery will convince you otherwise) that they are performing this material with their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks. "I'll deck my brow with roses; my true love may be there. And gems that others gave me, will shine within my hair..." the song begins. You forget instantly that the lyrics were written to be sung by a woman; Maybelle and Sara Carter were only slightly more convincing. True genius.
   
   There is not a bad moment on this album or a bad note in their mouths. The Louvin Brothers, who are known in country history as one of the finest - if not THE finest bluegrass duo who ever lived - produced what is arguably their best album with Tragic Songs of Life. I don't expect it will remain in print forever - it's much too good. Go get it while you can.



3. A dark and truly beautiful album, quite possibly the Louvin Brother's finest. Every song is filled with a terrible beauty that is hard to explain if you are not familiar with Ira and Charlie's work."Katie Dear" and "Knoxville Girl" are particularly memorable songs and stay with you forever! One of the greatest and totally essential.

5 comments about Take It Back.

1. I still like Dorinda's first solo CD better. I also like her live better. This was just an okay offering.



2. I have been a fan of Dorinda since she started with the Clark Sisters. The overall album has a good vibe to it. One of my favorite songs is the colloboration with her cousin J. Moss on "Return." Another mid tempo song that has a nice groove is "It's ok". If you love all of her churchy songs, then I suggest listening to Track 4 titled, "Take it Back." Overall, I would recommend purchasing the cd.



3. This whole Cd is so great. My favorites are "Hold On", "Return w/J Moss" ( always listening for J Moss), and of course "Take It Back". It just makes me feel good and encourages me to keep pressing towards the mark. I would love to see her and the other Clark sisters perform live. What a gifted voice. I cant begin to even think I woould sound anything like her. It is amazing how so many people from the same family sound so wonderful and annointed. Great job and I look forward to a live show in my area soon.



4. What a GREAT CD. This is my favorite CD by Lady Dorinda! Very uplifting, and 'it's okay' is my jam!



5. Dorinda takes her God given talent seriously. And this CD displays exactly that. Need uplifting? Need encouragement? Need Jesus? Well let go of yourself and let the holy spirit minister to you through these songs. One word describes this CD for me. POWERFUL!
   
   Anita

1 comments about Purified.

1. I'm in my early 20s and I was looking for gospel music that appealed to my R&B taste, just something you could really get into. I FOUND IT. This album has a great mix of contemporary upbeat songs (I LOVE 'Let Everything') and slower introspective songs like 'All I Need'. Her voice is so smooth and powerful and the lyrics are equally as great. I recommend this to anyone especially young people trying to give up the sexually saturated music of our generation for more meaningful and spiritually uplifting music that you can still rock to!

5 comments about Christmas in the Country.

1. The only way to listen to this group is live. If you can't hear them live, then listen to a live recording. Only then can you appreciate their tight harmonies and amazing vocal ranges. If you don't well up during the singing of "Oh Holy Night" ... well.. I do, every time I hear it. Incredible!



2. I think I share the sentiments of many Gaither Vocal Band and David Phelp's fans when I say that this live version of "O Holy Night" is the best I have ever heard. And I've heard or seen about 30 different versions. It's a great showcase of David's talent and Anthony Burger's, as well. Two people who always 'bring it all to the table' when performing. They are the Michael Jordans of the music world. Whenever you see them perform, whether on TV, CD, or in person, you always get your money's worth and become inspired.



3. I am ecstatic to find this CD (bought the video too!). On Christmas Eve 2000 my TV was on late and just when I was about to turn it off, I inadvertently hit the channel button instead of the power off. Whatever channel was struck, at that moment, a singer began to sing a Christmas carol and for a few minutes I was spellbound hearing the song "O Holy Night" being sung like I had never heard it sung before. I was stunned with the beauty of this rendition and thought about it for one entire year wondering if I would ever again find this vocalist. By pure coincidence, while channel flipping tonight, I happened to see the Bill Gaither Group on TV and recognized the vocalist. I then searched Amazon Music under Gaither and saw the review that described this song incredibly sung by David Phelps. I listened to the sample and knew I had finally found this treasure. I am grateful that technology supports such searches. I feel blessed to have found this beautiful gift which will be shared with my family every Christmas from now on.



4. I love this CD. I have many of the Gaither CDs and videos. I also was fortunate to see them live recently. OH HOLY NIGHT is my favorite Christmas song. I have never heard it sung better than David Phelps does, backed by the Homecoming Friends. Simply incredible. You must have the video! All the Gaither CDs and videos are a mix of beautiful music and so much laughter and fun. I have my favorites, but I would recommend any of them. (...)
   Hallellujah! All the Saints say......AMEN and AMEN!



5. There really is no such thing as a bad Homecoming CD or video. Every one of them contains enough wonderful moments to make them essential purchases for all Southern Gospel fans. So, why did I only give this one four stars, instead of five, you ask. In comparing it to their other Christmas concert video, Joy to the World, I felt this one didn't quite measure up to the magical holiday feeling of the first one. I can't really put my finger on why.

   There are some great songs on this one though. My favorites were Tennessee Christmas, featuring Babbie Mason and Guy Penrod. I do have to laugh at the verse Guy Penrod sings. He does a wonderful job, but the words don't really fit him. He sings about being attracted to the glamour and excitment of Hollywood. If there is anybody who would be less likely to head for LALA land, I can't imagine who it would be. That's not a criticsm. It just amuses me to hear him sing this.

   Bob Cain passed away the day this CD/video was made. Russ Taff sings his theme song, What a Wonderful World. Frankly, I have to say he sings it better than Bob Cain did.

   One song which really did capture the sparkle of Christmas is the medley sung by Greater Vision. If you find yourself repeatedly hitting the replay button on that song, you should buy the Greater Vision Christmas Album, which is one of the all time best Southern Gospel Christmas CDs.

   I advise buying Christmas in the Country. However, if you don't already own the Giather's Joy to the World Cd or video and ony want to buy one Gaither Christmas project, opt for Joy to the World over this one.

4 comments about Gospel Roots.

1. Everything from "Aaron Neville" is wonderful. His voice is definitely a Blessing from God. Another plus is that he is a great guy and a devoted friend. Pick any of his albums and you will not be disappointed, including this one which I call "Easy Listening", and Terrific Dancing Music.



2. I expected great sounds from Aaron Neville and was not disappointed. His voice is like golden syrup - smooth, sweet and flows softly thru.
   
   I actually live in Tauranga new Zealand not Hamilton.



3. You haven't lived until you've heard Aaron Neville sing "Ave Maria" and "Amazing Grace." After a hard day, put this on, sink into a comfortable chair and enjoy!



4. This was given as a gift. So I don't have any comment either way.

4 comments about Joy In the Camp.

1. Bill Gaither often says that if Christians can't get along on earth what are they going to do when they get to Heaven where they HAVE to get along. This is one of the favorite Gaither Homecoming dvd's. It exudes pure joy and is very funny. Actually it has the best humor of all the dvd's in my opinion.
   
   Those of you who know your Bible remember that Shadrach, Meschah & Abednego (I hope I spelled them right) were put in the fiery furnace because they would not bow to the King. But they did not burn and there was a fourth man in the fire (Obviously God). Bill Gaither and crew develop a skit called the "Fourth Man" with Tim Lovelace, Jake Hess, Rex Nelon, George Younce, Willie Wynn. It is hilarious. At first you think Bill is serious - then you know he is joking. I won't tell you the skit - would spoil the dvd for you.
   
   The other songs are:
   
   Joy in the Camp - Ann Downing
   The Happy Jubilee
   Thank God I'm Free - Jack Toney, Ed Enoch, Vestal Goodman
   The Haven of Rest - featuring Glen Payne
   I Was There When It Happened
   Beautiful Isle of Somewhere - Bob Cain
   Getting Used to the Family of God
   I Know - Ivan Parker, Willie Wynn, Jake Hess, Calvin Newton
   Swing Down Chariot
   The World Didn't Give It to Me
   The Fourth Man - Tim Lovelace, Jake Hess, Rex Nelon, George Younce, Willie Wynn
   
   Go Ask - Bill Gaither, Gloria Gaither, Ivan Parker
   (This is one of the few videos that Gloria sings in a trio)
   The Night Before Easter - Donnie Sumner
   Sinner Saved By Grace - Glen Payne George Younce
   and many more.
   
   This dvd is joyous, has a chapter insert, and there truly is Joy in the Camp.



2. Best ive seen yet, I would recomend it to all



3. I have seen several of the videos, but this one is by far the best. It is uplifting and encouraging. The testimonies tell of the love of a savior who is also a redeemer.The video will make you laugh,and it will make you cry, but most importantly, you will experience the majesty of Jesus through this worship experience. This video is wonderful



4. Oldies but goodies!!!!!!!!!!! Spirt Filled Awsome jo

4 comments about Whatcha Lookin' 4.

1. Love Kirk Franklin, but the song selections weren't that good and he's not singing most of them. Would not recommend this album to anyone



2. MY REVIEW IS SORT OF LIKE LIL TONEX (REVIEW DONE)THIS ALBUM IS THE BEST THAT I HAVE. I LOVE KIRK FRANKLIN HE IS OFF THE CHAIN. I LOVE HIS MUSIC. THE WAY THAT HE COMES UP WITH SONGS IS SO AWESOME. YOU WILL LOVE THIS ALBUM FROM START TO FINSIH YOU WILL FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS ALBUM. THIS ALBUM IS FILL WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND I LOVE IT AND YOU WILL TO IF YOU BUY THIS ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



3. This album is totally crazy!! This album is full of anointing, beautiful singing, tight choir harmonies, and he even go back to church on this one! This is one of if not the best of his collection. I absolutely love this cd and you will too. You WILL BE BLESSED!! HAYA!! WHEN I THINK ABOUT JESUS AND WHAT HE'S DONE 4 ME, WHEN I THINK ABOUT JESUS AND HOW HE'S SET ME FREE, I CAN DANCE, DANCE,... SEE YOU GOTTA BUY THE CD FOR THE REST!!



4. All of Min Franklins albums are unique. There is always a song to help and fit someone wether your hispanic, african american, white. It doesn't matter. You'll be blessed. God has truly anionted this young man to do his will ... I love it We love him so we buy two of everything When one wears out we are already prepared . Never go anywhere without a Kirk Franklin CD !!!!

5 comments about Christmas the Season of Love.

1. I love Christmas music and own a ton of it, but this collection is by far my favorite. 4HIM does classics and new songs as only they can. You will love this!



2. This is my favorite Christmas music and I have hundreds of tapes and cds! I originally bought this many years ago in cassette and now am buying it in cd. I am so afraid I will wear it out and not be able to replace it! Strange way to save the world is the best and should be as classic as Silent Night. Very beautiful song. I LOVE every song on this disc and how many times can you say that?? I have given this away as a gift A LOT. I think everyone needs this in their collection.



3. 4HIM's exquisite harmonies make The Season of Love a must-have Christmas album. 4HIM breathes new life into Christmas classics and contribute new originals that are destined to become classics. Up-tempo renditions of numbers such as "Do You Hear What I Hear" may initially seem strange to those used to a more traditional sound, but 4HIM's innovation brings a freshness to oft-rendered favorites. They effectively capture the warm spirit of Christmas without ever seeming cliched. The biggest highlight of the disc is the closer, "Strange Way to Save the World", a rumination on Christ's birth from Joseph's viewpoint that drives home the true meaning of the "season of love."



4. My title says it all. We get this album out on Thanksgiving while we're putting up our million trees and listen to it throughout the season. We've lost the cd in our move and are now back for another. 4 Him's incredible harmonies are so highlighted here in this album it just really feels like "Christmas" when you listen to it. I wasn't sure about "Do You Hear What I Hear" since it's one of my favorites and they do an upbeat version, but I really like it now and find myself singing it throughout the year. Make sure this one is in your collection of Christmas albums. I'm sure it will become a family favorite.



5. There's something about the holidays, Christmas in particular, that makes many of us just a little misty eyed. Whether it's the cookies, the gifts, the time with family and friends, or the music, something about it tugs at the heartstrings and makes us take notice. 4Him in their only Christmas album has done just that. Combining secular and sacred, old and new, they have created an offering that can appeal to all the various facets of our holiday experience. As with any album, some songs are better than others, and the preference for each should be left to the individual. However, the mix is quite well done, and the update of updated arrangements of several Christmas favorites will leave you wanting more. It's an all around good album, one you defiantly don't want to miss.

5 comments about The Faith.

1. i love this album! i think Truth continues to concentrate on delivering different messages, all Biblical, with his amazing flow and great beats. i like this album a little better than "Open Book", where it's apparent that he was making beats to appeal to a wider audience(i don't much like crunk, or Southern rap, but, to each his own right?), so for me, personally, i couldn't get passed those beats to listen to the lyrics. however, THIS album is on repeat over and over in my car-i've had it for 2 months now. bottom line? amazing lyrics, catchy beats, and great messages-i haven't listened to secular rap since i got this album!



2. This dude is truly blessed. You can't listen to this music and tell me its not of Christ. This is one of my favorite rap albums. Rap tends to be harder to listen to for people who are used to other styles but, it offers something that most other genres don't and that's the ability to get a message across with so much contents in it. You can tell a whole story in one song.



3. A christian rapper who knows his stuff, and is only worried about getting the message out. Great stuff!



4. Every song on this album is reppin' Christ to the fullest. Da Truth is definitely one the best Christian hip hop artists out there. Love this cd!!!



5. Highly recommended. "Da' T.R.U.T.H. is an extremely intelligent young man. In the age of "hip-hop," Da' T.R.U.T.H. has the ability to speak to our young people while still maintaining a standard. It's Rap, but, he does not look like the typical "rap artist." His pants are not sagging, nor does he look like a "thug." I was extremely impressed. His music didn't glorify him, but, every song glorified Christ and directed you to the Father.

5 comments about Free to Worship.

1. What more can be said about this man? Do you all know what an incredible singer/songwriter/arranger of music this man is? I think his ablility to re-invent himself on each and every album/CD is amazing to me. If you listen to POL: Speak Those Things, then listen to this album, you will see my point. As a child of the 70's, I can definitely hear the soul/R&B/funk influences in his music. His music never gets boring and predictable, and you'd better believe he's going to make you move. The "This is the Day" remake is nothing short of genius, considering the old school way of singing it made me not like the song. And "L.O.U.D. L.O.U.D." reminded me of the techno-keyboard driven songs of the 80's, but he made it tight by making the hook an acronym of praise. And my favorite song on the CD is "Greater Love". Mr Hammond is one of the few artists of any genre of music that I would pay to see. That, for me, is the biggest compliment that I could give him.
   
   P.S. Don't sleep on the DVD that's included as well.



2. Great CD!!! Pick up the DVD too!!! Fred is an awesome and annointed minster of music. You will be BLESSED!!!



3. Quite frankly, I make no bones about my feelings for the Man.
   My family & friends know all to well how I feel about...none other than the Great PIPE PIPER OF GOSPEL MUSIC..((himself))***FRED HAMMOND***
   I remember FRED HAMMOND or better yet OF his great Musical talents from back in the day.
   I've being Blessed& touched by the Beautiful sounds of: COMMISSION as well as his Present musical ministry Can we say R-e-u-n-i-o-n(PLEAZZE)Now.
   I'm also happbee that my children are diggin'on his OLDIES but Gospel GOODIES..FRED HAMMOND is such a musical Gift that I came to Love& treasure, enjoy with each passing of the years. Yet & still it never fails that, His immortal Spiritual youthful glimmer grow EVER more seasoned Rejuvenating & renew each year Praise God!
   He's totally what the doctor order, what a therapeutic soul reviving cup of mmmmmgood Tea he is to me.
   I can truly say their isn't a day that go by that I have the "gotta" have it" , my cup on Tea, the same goes without saying about this Great Gospel GIANT. He's definitely EAZZY on ears & Eyes.
   "OOH...HOW MUCH DO I LOVE THEE :GOSPEL'S MUSICAL GREAT, LET ME COUNT THE WAYS...I I..haaI...think ya probably can tell..aahaa. just lil' weee...teeny bit..huh?.((giggle)) I can go on & on but I simple had needs to share my feelings about the Album SOMETHIN' BOUT LOVE..Brillant, Brilliant CD(AS IS HIS LATEST: FREE TO WORSHIP got for Christmas ,it was a child-like experience that I relived...Awesome..What a HIT) HE Like BLEW MY natural borne Mind. I cried when I heard HE LIVES & LORD YOUR GRACE, What passionate songs of Praise!!
   I have hours of listening pleasure& enjoyment every sooo ((much)) song after song through years. One of my many, many favorites is .."You're Love Is" Being serenade one on one by Fred. Is the ultimate. the .woaaa Wow this song is ill..& up touchy,touchy close... oooh sooo ..Personal...hmmmh, furthermore, I feel. When those vocals come through its((caca. powwow))) ooh yeahhh it's on nowwww..it's..him sharing himself with meee... What an "Musical Rarity" treasure He & his Gift sharing are. None can copy no compare. because NO one does it like Fred...the BEST..yuppp!
   His lyrics, TOUCHES,are EVER MESMERIZING, THOUGHT PROVOKING, PERSUASIVE, DEMANDS no,nooo..NOTHING LESS THAN YOUR FULL ATTENTION, MIND BLOWING & ALWAYS HEART PIERCING,* SOUL STIRING*!
   THANKS FRED!! please remember even when you feel at your lowest down times know this sister appreciates (((you)))May the lord always keep bless you & yours forever more in Jesus precious name!
   Fred is EVER the total PIPE PIPER of Gospel music..! what a great tallented handsome man...I LOVE YOU Fred.. !!!sigh** :O) **FRED HAMMOND IS THE ONE & ONLY GOSPEL PIPE PIPER ,that truly MOVES & INTRIGUES ME**
   A True Fan ;O)



4. I've been a Fred fan for years and this project is another to add to the collection. The music is straight from the heart nd the lyrics are biblical and glorify God. I love it and would highly recommend it.



5. I am a big Fred Hammond fan, and I enjoyed the cd, but it wasn't his best work. I miss him singing with radicals for christ. This album was nothing like what I expected. I'm not knocking my boi, but I hope that the next one is better.