Ralph Stanley's half-century-long career received a nice boost late in 2000 with the release of Joel and Ethan Coen's movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? The film prominently featured three tunes from the Stanley repertoire, ... more »including the title tune of this stellar anthology (although it's not Stanley's version that's featured in the film). Another is the hillbilly lament "Oh Death," a traditional song that perfectly suits Stanley's high, wavering, mournful voice. Focusing on Stanley's post-Stanley Brothers career, this set serves as a fine introduction to his estimable body of work, including gems like "Goin' Up Home to Live in Green Pastures"--as pretty a country gospel tune as has ever been recorded--"Hard Times," and "Old Richmond Prison." It's an altogether satisfying collection that leaves the listener wanting more. --Gregory McNamee« less
Ralph Stanley's half-century-long career received a nice boost late in 2000 with the release of Joel and Ethan Coen's movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? The film prominently featured three tunes from the Stanley repertoire, including the title tune of this stellar anthology (although it's not Stanley's version that's featured in the film). Another is the hillbilly lament "Oh Death," a traditional song that perfectly suits Stanley's high, wavering, mournful voice. Focusing on Stanley's post-Stanley Brothers career, this set serves as a fine introduction to his estimable body of work, including gems like "Goin' Up Home to Live in Green Pastures"--as pretty a country gospel tune as has ever been recorded--"Hard Times," and "Old Richmond Prison." It's an altogether satisfying collection that leaves the listener wanting more. --Gregory McNamee
"Ralph Stanley is one of the living masters of American music. This release contains music apparently featured in the new Coen Brothers film "O Brother Where Art Thous?", but it also serves as an excellent career overview to Stanley's unique style of Bluegrass.Banjoist Ralph and his guitar playing brother, Carter, were the Stanley Brothers, a pioneering act in bluegrass music. Heavily influenced by traditional string band music, the Blue Sky Boys and bluegrass creator Bill Monroe, the Carters recorded and performed together from the late '40's until Carter's premature death in 1966, creating some of the most original and lasting work in the bluegrass field. Carter was the lead singer and showman of the group, and there were real questions whether Ralph Stanley could pursue a successful solo career.Fortunately for fans of bluegrass, Ralph Stanley was more than up to the challenge. Raplh Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys have been at the forefront of bluegrass for over thirty years, recording numerous albums that combined Ralph's haunting harmony vocals with a series of fine lead vocalists, including Keith Whitley, Roy Lee Centers and Charlie Sizemore. Even at the end of 2000, Ralph Stanley remains active, touring widely and recording frequently with a band that features son Ralph II on as lead vocalist.The material on this CD was recorded from the '70's through the '90's, and is a fine selection of Stanley's music. It combines traditional tunes, gospel songs and originals. Stanley and his musicians avoid the sterility that afflicts many contemporary bluegrass groups; there is a genuineness and sincerity that sets their work apart. Like his friend, the late Bill Monroe, Stanley's otherworldly harmnonies often dominate the songs, to great effect.Although Bill Monroe remains the starting place for anyone interested in bluegrass (see "16 Gems" on Columbia/Legacy), Ralph Stanley's "Man of Constant Sorrow" is a terrific introduction to this music."
This is your chance to get to know the Great Ralph Stanley
Tribe | Toledo, Ohio United States | 08/12/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a result of "O Brother Where Art Thou?", Ralph Stanley is finally reaching reknown beyond bluegrass fans. Hard core bluegrass fans have known for decades that Ralph Stanley is the premier male mountain singer....this collection will let everyone else know that Stanely is a great singer...period! This collection is a mini-retrospective of Stanley's solo work during the seventies. I'm sorry I missed these songs when they were originally issued because this is bone-chilling, hair-raising mountain singing. Every cut on this CD is a gem; the standout being "Old Richmond Prison," a paen to regret, loneliness and isolation that'll convert you for sure."
Man this one kicks!
Kevin Reardon | Sunnyvale, ca United States | 10/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Here I am only half way through the CD and motivated enough to write such a positive review! This album kicks!"
A Superb Collection Honoring a Surviving Member of the Stanl
Ben J Korgen | 06/19/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD features thirteen excellent tracks of the Appalachian Mountain variety. Ralph Stanley, the veteran banjo player and tenor singer who can make almost anyone cry, is the lead singer on most of the tracks. Keith Whitley is the lead singer on two tracks, while Roy Lee Centers and Sammy Adkins serve as lead singer on one track each.
All four lead singers perform with The Clinch Mountain Boys. This enriches all the tracks. Ralph Stanley is at his best while singing "Man of Constant Sorrow." His rendition of this song made history by revitalizing bluegrass when interest in it was sagging.
Bluegrass lovers might find Keith Whitley's role in this CD to be of special interest. Most Keith Whitley fans know of his soaring pop-singing talent and that he died much too young. Some have no idea he sang bluegrass music. I believe that Keith Whitley had the greatest natural bluegrass music voice ever recorded. I also believe that this CD includes the greatest single bluegrass music song ever sung. It is "I Am Weary" with Keith Whitley as the lead singer.
For insight into Ralph Stanley's role in The Stanley Brothers before his brother Carter's early death, see my review of the CD titled "The Stanley Brothers & The Clinch Mountain Boys 1949-52."