George Jones Classic LPs Re-Released on CD April 1, 2009
Posted by dixiedining in Uncategorized.Tags: A Picture of Me (Without You), American Beat, Billy Sherrill, Collectors' Choice, Country Music, George Jones
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Two classic Billy Sherrill-produced albums from the early ‘70s to be housed on a single CD, due out April 7.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The original liner notes from 1972 say it all: “George Jones has been around long enough to be a household name to country music fans. Even though his unique phrasing and style, his trademarks, are still the same as his ‘The Race Is On’ and ‘White Lightnin’’ days, there’s a subtle difference — a mellowing that comes from years of experience combined with the teaming of super-talented George and equally talented producer Billy Sherrill.” On April 7, 2009, two of Jones’ signature Sherrill-produced albums, A Picture of Me and Nothing Ever Hurts Me, will be reissued as a single CD by American Beat Records, now part of the Collectors’ Choice Music family of labels.
Both A Picture of Me and Nothing Ever Hurts Me are regarded as George Jones classics, and both are recipient of rare five-star reviews on AllMusic.com. A Picture of Me reached No. 3 on Billboard’s Country Album chart and featured two Top 10 smashes — the title track and “What My Woman Can’t Do.” A world-class songwriter in his own right, Jones nonetheless employed several of Nashville’s finest to write many of the songs on these albums — then-wife Tammy Wynette (“Wine [You’ve Used Me Long Enough]”), Tom T. Hall (“Second Handed Flowers, ” “Never Having You”), Lefty Frizzell (“Mom and Dad’s Waltz”), Bobby Braddock (“Nothing Ever Hurt Me [Half As Bad as Losing You]”), Freddy Weller and Spooner Oldham (“She Loves Me [Right Out of Mind]”) and Peanut Montgomery (“The Man Worth Lovin’ You, ” “We Found a Match”). In addition, The Jordanaires, best known as vocal accompanists on many of Elvis Presley’s hits, provide background vocals here.
In the space of two short years, American Beat Records has made a name for itself as a reissue label concentrating on ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s power pop and country. Collectors’ Choice Music is proud to announce that American Beat has joined its list of imprints (along with Noble Rot and Hep Cat Records), and that the label will continue to put out key Americana releases, including upcoming deluxe reissues from the Del-Lords and the Paley Brothers!
“Air Castle of the South” – WSM October 12, 2008
Posted by dixiedining in Uncategorized.Tags: Country Music, WSM, Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, Tennessee, Minnie Pearl, Hank Williams, Owen Bradley, Radio
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I just received a review copy of this book and finished it in two days. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in the history of country music or in the development of radio as a medium. Havighurst tells this Southern success story with great detail and does a fine job of weaving in interesting sidebars on personalities like Dinah Shore, Minnie Pearl, Sam Phillips, Roy Acuff and many others. I especially enjoyed the behind the scenes anecdotes regarding the early days of the Grand Ole Opry, which really helped to put WSM on the national map. Buy this book — you’ll enjoy it.
Started by the National Life and Accident Insurance Company in 1925, WSM became one of the most influential and exceptional radio stations in the history of broadcasting and country music. WSM gave Nashville the moniker “Music City USA” as well as a rich tradition of music, news, and broad-based entertainment. With the rise of country music broadcasting and recording between the 1920s and ‘50s, WSM, Nashville, and country music became inseparable, stemming from WSM’s launch of the Grand Ole Opry, popular daily shows like Noontime Neighbors, and early morning artist-driven shows such as Hank Williams on Mother’s Best Flour.
Sparked by public outcry following a proposal to pull country music and the Opry from WSM-AM in 2002, Craig Havighurst scoured new and existing sources to document the station’s profound effect on the character and self-image of Nashville. Introducing the reader to colorful artists and businessmen from the station’s history, including Owen Bradley, Minnie Pearl, Jim Denny, Edwin Craig, and Dinah Shore, the volume invites the reader to reflect on the status of Nashville, radio, and country music in American culture.
http://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/catalog/43dyt6hb9780252032578.html
And for all you Minnie Pearl fans, here’s a clip with Carl Smith …
Aaron Tippin’s “Drill Here, Drill Now!” October 9, 2008
Posted by dixiedining in Uncategorized.Tags: Aaron Tippin, Anwar Alaska, Country Music, Energy Crisis, Gasoline Prices, Offshore Drilling, Protest Songs
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Saw Tippin performing this on Fox News this morning. Thought provoking stuff.
Proper UK Releases New Steel Compilation September 1, 2008
Posted by dixiedining in Uncategorized.Tags: Bob Wills, Country Music, Pedal Steel, Proper UK, Speedy West, Steel Guitar
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Proper UK has a great catalog of obscure recordings from days gone by. The also offer these collections at bargain prices. But that doesn’t mean that the packaging and liner notes aren’t first rate. Take a look at their many offerings at www.proper-records.co.uk .
The review of Steelin’ It seen below is from Amazon.com …
Most of the recordings are pre-1960….so the sound quality is going to be an issue, especially the stuff recorded in the 1930’s. That having been said, the Bob Wills, Milton Brown, and Speedy West stuff is the primest of the prime. Top drawer stuff. If you like western swing and honky tonk, this is a great place to start.
