Archive for June, 2010

Classic Album Review-Mark Chesnutt “Longnecks And Short Stories”

It's now been eighteen years since the release of the subject of today's Classic Album Review.

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Classic Album Review-”Mel Tillis On Stage”

Here's something you don't see too much, anymore, a “live” album.

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Classic Album Review-Johnny Paycheck “11 Months And 29 Days”

Today's Classic Album Review takes us back to 1976, for a release from Johnny Paycheck, one of the leaders of country music's 1970's outlaw movement.

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Classic Album Review-Ray Price “The Other Woman”

Today’s album is one of those rare discs that can truly be called a work of art. As a longtime fan of Ray Price, I had not, prior to today, previously listened to this album, though I had heard some of the tracks.

While I was looking forward to listening, I wasn’t prepared to be blown away by an incredible display of vocal work, mixed with outstanding arrangements on a collection of incredible songs. Then again, maybe I should have expected it. After all, Ray Price is a legend in country music, known for his trademark shuffle sound that could be heard on most of his hits from the late ’50′s through the mid ’60′s, including the tracks on this album, recorded in 1965, when I think, Ray was at his peak, vocally.

The album’s title is “The Other Woman”. Released in September, 1965, it contains two hit singles; the title cut and “Don’t You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me”, plus eleven more songs that easily could have been hits. The album peaked at number three on the bestseller list.

Within the first few seconds of the opening track, one has already realized that it is not a singer we are listening to, but rather a stylist. And not just a stylist, but one of the greatest. In and of itself, “The Other Woman” is a great, underrated hit song, but with Ray Price at the controls, we are not merely listening to a cut on an album, but rather we are enjoying a true listening experience.

And then, after all of that, there’s nary a chance to catch your breath, before Ray hits you with “Don’t You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me”, a true classic from the pen of the legendary Hank Cochran. Incredible stuff, and we’re only 2 tracks in.

The next track, “After Effects (Of Loving You)” is almost as good. The trademark Ray Price shuffle makes this track nothing but pure pleasure to listen to.

But wait! There’s more! If you like the first three tracks, then number four, “Too Much Love Is Spoiling You” will not disappoint. Again, the shuffle going strong, here. So far, we are hearing outstanding melodies, along with thoughtful, intelligent lyrics, a stellar backing band (including Buddy Emmons, Grady Martin, & Floyd Cramer; top notch talent!), and of course, Ray Price himself.

“An Eye For An Eye” does not drop off one bit. All I can say, is another great track.

Side one wraps with “Unloved, Unwanted”, a song that never charted, but has been popular with Ray’s fans over the past forty-five years. And listening to this track, one can understand why. Again, what can I say, other than outstanding?

What is noticeable about side one, is that all six tracks use basically the same tempo, with slight speed variances; and of course, the same basic arrangements. However, unlike some of the albums reviewed, here, I never get the feeling of sameness. Each track sounds fresh and different than the previous one. Credit for that goes to the writers, of course, as well as producers Don Law and Frank Jones, but much credit has to be reserved for Ray, himself.

Side two opens with Ray’s interpretation, not version, interpretation of Willie Nelson’s classic “Funny How Time Slips Away”. It’s amazing that song has never been a top ten hit; it’s a true classic. In my book, one of Willie’s three best compositions, with “Crazy” and “Hello Walls”. Had Ray’s version been a single, I think it would have been a sure-fire top ten hit.

Next, Ray covers the Ted Daffan classic, “Born To Lose”. Another great cut on this disc! Ray makes the song his own, with his performance. Here’s a tough choice: the better version of “Born To Lose”, Ray Price or Ray Charles? I’ll have to get back with you on that one.

Nine cuts into the disc, and I’ve yet to find a cut that I don’t even remotely like. “Just Call Me Lonesome” was a 1955 hit for Eddy Arnold; here Ray gives his take on this classic, and again, gives a performance that just makes you say, “Wow”.

Ray Price may well also be country music’s best-ever blues stylist. You hear it in pretty much all of his recordings, but on some tracks, it comes through even stronger, and that is the case on the Floyd Tillman composed “This Cold War With You”. Ray takes another outstanding song, and turns it into pure listening pleasure.

By the time we get to “Rose-Colored Glasses”, I don’t have much to say, that I haven’t already said. Another stellar track. By the way, this is not the same song that John Conlee later made famous.

We come to the album’s final cut, a tasty little nugget that first came to light in the 1930′s, “The Last Letter”. Again, the bluesy Ray Price comes through on this ballad. What a way to end what is arguably the best album yet seen on this blog.

Not currently available, this album has been on CD, and from what I see, the remaining new copies are going for premium prices, starting at about $40, while the used CD’s can be had as low as $13. The used vinyl copies are pretty reasonable, as well. Whether CD or vinyl, this is an album that should be a must for your collection.

The album’s Standout Track is a difficult choice, as literally, you could make an argument for any of the 12 tracks. I will go with the title cut, “The Other Woman”, since it was a big hit in 1965. Again, the Hidden Gem is practically impossible to pick, but I’ll go with “Too Much Love Is Spoiling You”. And Weakest Track? On this album???? Simply put, there are none.

I’ve been a lifelong Ray Price fan, since the day, as a child, I first found my dad’s old 45 copies of “Crazy Arms” and “I’ve Got A New Heartache” (we’re talking mid-seventies when this happened), of which, by the way, are now practically worn out. However, this is the first time, I’ve listened to this album. Unbelievable and incredible are the words that are coming to me, right now. Unbelievable to describe the quality of this work of art, and yes, this album is a true work of art. Incredible is what best describes each performance. This may well be the best album I’ve listened to, so far, for this blog. It’s truly country music at it’s best, and certainly Ray Price at his best. 5 out 5, no question.

HackingEthics

Classic Album Review-Keith Whitley “L. A. To Miami”

Today we look back at the 1986 release from Keith Whitley, “L. A. To Miami”. While it wasn't Keith's first album, it was his first release to really grab the attention of country music fans, and was merely a glimpse of his incredible potential.

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Classic Album Review-Wilf Carter “32 Wonderful Years”

We conclude our week-long look at albums from forgotten artists, with a look back at a 1965 release from Canadian country singer, Wilf Carter.

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Classic Album Review-Con Hunley “I Don’t Want To Lose You”

Continuing our salute, this week, to some of country music's forgotten artists, today we look back at a 1980 release from Con Hunley, “I Don't Want To Lose You”.

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Classic Album Review-McBride And The Ride “Sacred Ground”

Continuing this week's theme of albums from some of country music's forgotten artists, today, I'm looking back at a 1992 release from the group, McBride And The Ride.

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Classic Album Review-Kenny Price “The Sheriff Of Boone County”

This week, we are looking back at albums from artists who've been somewhat forgotten in country music, history. Today, we turn our attention to a 1971 release from “The Round Mound Of Sound”, Kenny Price.

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Tribute To Jimmy Dean

Jimmy Dean, who is best known for "Big Bad John", as well as his sausage business, died at 81, on Sunday evening.

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