Classic soundtrack to an idealized 50s honky-tonk
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 04/03/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've had this disc for a few weeks now, and I finally figured out what it sounds like: a jukebox at some idealized 50's honky tonk. Columbia has gone back to the vaults to pull out a wealth of country honky tonk material, *27* tracks, clocking in at an incredible *73+* minutes! The recordings range from the mid 40's through the early 60's. The sound is really quite impressive throughout.Artists include Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys on a mid-40's blues, Floyd Tillman, "Little" Jimmy Dickens, Lefty Frizell, Marty Robbins, Carl Smith, Johnny Horton (forever wiping out the sound of "North to Alaska" and "The Battle of New Orleans" by ripping it up in an almost rockabilly style on "Honky Tonk Man"), Ray Price (with great versions of "Heartaches by the Numbers", and "Crazy Arms"), and more.Lots of fiddle and peddle steel round out the package. A great buy."
HOT!!
T. Jackson | north carolina | 01/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As fine a compilation of serious pre-nashville glitz honky tonk as you'll find. REally a great disc."
Country Hits and Misses
A. Nannetti | Phila., Pa. United States | 05/30/2007
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I ordered this CD for the Floyd Tillman tracks, which are almost impossible to find elsewhere. The rest of the mix is spotty at best, with some tracks bordering on mere filler."