Saying that there's nothing quite like hearing Lorne Greene sing is something of an understatement: the man who starred as a patriarch in Battlestar Galactica, Code Red, and, most memorably, Bonanza, has a preposterously b... more »ooming, uncomfortable-sounding baritone that makes him sound as though he's never quite sure of what's going on around him. Bizarrely enough, he scored a number one hit with "Ringo," a spoken-word number that casts him as a tender grandfather reading a good-night story, in the 1960s. But the real reasons to listen to this album are the unintentionally hilarious takes on the Bonanza theme, "Skip to My Lou" (with guest vocals from Michael "Little Joe" Landon), and "Sixteen Tons," which needs to be experienced for itself. --Randy Silver« less
Saying that there's nothing quite like hearing Lorne Greene sing is something of an understatement: the man who starred as a patriarch in Battlestar Galactica, Code Red, and, most memorably, Bonanza, has a preposterously booming, uncomfortable-sounding baritone that makes him sound as though he's never quite sure of what's going on around him. Bizarrely enough, he scored a number one hit with "Ringo," a spoken-word number that casts him as a tender grandfather reading a good-night story, in the 1960s. But the real reasons to listen to this album are the unintentionally hilarious takes on the Bonanza theme, "Skip to My Lou" (with guest vocals from Michael "Little Joe" Landon), and "Sixteen Tons," which needs to be experienced for itself. --Randy Silver
"I have this album, and listen to it at least every two weeks. It reminds me of our roots, and of a more sincere time in our lives. Listen to "The Old Tin Cup," "Ringo, and Five Card Stud" among the many other spectacular cuts on this album. What a great tribute!"
Not a Bonanza Fan -- but love this CD!
Stephen | 12/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've never really watched Bonanza, but this CD isn't just for fans of the show.I originally heard just a bit of Lorne Greene singing one of the songs and his voice was incredible! I got the CD to hear more.The way the CD is put together is also a treat in that it gives the feel that you are invited to a family gathering where these songs are being sung just for the shear enjoyment of singing.I'd recommend this to anyone who likes good singing and story telling."
Welcome to Marlboro Country!
Stephen | 08/24/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"20 years ago, while working at a radio station in small town North Ontario, my friends and I got hooked on re-runs of "Bonanza." Then, last month when I saw this CD, I just had to have it. Here are the Big Sky/Cowboy Songs, served up with a sly wink from the head of the house at the Ponderosa. Put this CD on and (if you can put aside your 90's hipness) you'll be whisked back to 1892. Maybe it's Christmas Eve and you've been invited to the Ponderosa for a party. The Cartwights have taken it upon themselves to enterain. And here comes "Paw" himself, Ben Cartwright, to tell a few stories and sing some cowboy songs. Play this CD with that kind of attitude and you won't be disappointed."
GREAT for what it is
Michael T. Terry (michael_terry@abt | Reading, Massachusetts | 08/29/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This CD will evoke the Old West for anyone in his or her late 30s or older, as "Bonanza" was for most of us our most constant exposure to that different time. So his voice may not be the best, but it does take one back to his childhood when all the good guys wore white hats (except for Adam, a young Pernell Roberts). Greene has lots of fun on this album, and some songs, like "Ringo," truly capture the imagination: "And on his grave, they can't explain the tarnished star above the name, 'Ringo.'""
Positively addictive western music from a great TV Dad...
jon sieruga | Redlands, CA USA | 11/06/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"No, Lorne Green is not a singer capable of a variety of octives, but so what? He's adept at putting you right there with him on the prairie as he sings "Ol Chisholm Trail" or "Pretty Horses", and very good at singing/talking a suspenseful tale. "Ringo" is a memorable No.#1 hit, as it deserved to be; other songs like "Mule Train" just as good. If you can, try picking up the German imports of Lorne's other albums, which include great songs like "Ol' Cyclone" and "Destiny". For starters, this one will definitely whet your appetitite. Get along little doggies. B+"