Customer Reviews

Appalachian Angel: Her Recordings 1950-1972 & 1996

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This box set is a major investment, but well worth it for any fan of great singing. The bell-like timbre and soaring range of Anita Carter's voice is unlike any other popular vocalist in the 20th century. So few people know about Anita Carter, but thanks to Bear Family records that will hopefully change. Now I hope that Bear Family will release all the sides cut by the Carter Sisters (Anita, June and Helen) and Mother Maybelle.

I was familiar with Anita Carter for years as part of the Carter Sisters group which use to tour with the Jonnny Cash Show but it wasnt until Bear Family released the single cd a few years ago that i had heard her solo recordings and the cd just blew me away! I was so glad when they released this box set of Anita's complete recordings. I just cant say enough about this woman's voice, she is without a doubt the greatest Female vocalist of all time, even though she never got the recognition or radio air play she deserved, all her fans know that what i say is true. She really was the best of the girl singers in country music and any other kind of music as well. I hope later on Bear Family releases a dvd of her live performances like the ones they have done of artist that were on Town Hall Party. I'm sure there are performances from the johnny cash concerts and the opry out there that were filmed years ago that could be put onto a dvd. Lets cross our fingers that a dvd is released.

Like the booklet says "Anita Carter never got the fame she deserved." This isn't just talk. This is the definite truth. My guess for why she didn't achieve the fame is because she wasn't urban enough for the folk scene. Anita not only matched her contemporaries, I'm sure she would have send most of them running.
Bear Family has done a service putting these recordings together. The box comes with a hard bound book, full of pictures, a few of which come from her Carter Family days. One thing comes through she was one beauty and as the booklet describes a modest person.
There are seven discs here. The first and second deal with her early years and include her Hank Snow duets. Her voice is maturing here but it's pretty cute. I especially enjoy the numbers Don Juan and Blue Doll. The other discs show off the country and folk side she would truly excel at. Generally the best of these show up on the Ring of Fire compilation. Anita's 70's recordings sound a bit different than these but they are still brilliant. Her Waylon Jennings duets are here as well as her last 1996 recordings.
The seventh disc is of her 'Nita Rita and Ruby period. Apparently these were done by Ruby Wright (Kitty Wells' daughter), Rita Robbins, and Anita just for fun. But it comes through pretty well, something reminiscent of the 50's Chordettes sound.

This 7 CD Set with an oversized fully illustrated hard cover 80 page book is well worth the high price. There is quite a variety of music styles here. You can hear how Anita matured as a singer as the years went by. Anita sang what she liked to sing, not what some handlers thought would be most commercial. What a shame so many have never heard her recordings. I'm thankful this was released as her singing is wonderful. Her last recorded song in 1996 which she also wrote is "God Is" It's a wonderful song that expresses love for a loving God, and no doubt is the way she lived her life too. The CD's come in a big box. The book is a gem too. Wonderful pictures that tell the story of her professional + personal life. Also much information including the thoughts of many of the people closest to Anita. If you haven't got my drift yet, I highly recommend this.

The Bear Family has really done it this time. I have several of their other female box sets like Connie Smith and Wanda Jackson but this outstanding set on the music of Anita Carter surpasses the rest. Why this lady was not the main female star of the 50's & 60's is a real mystry to most. Her real smooth and mellow Appalachian singing voice was better in my opinion then even Patsy Kline!
Where has all of these songs been stored over the years? Most folks who think "Ring of Fire" is the extent of this fine ladies achivements is in store for a rude awakening! My God,what a voice - after hearing the CDs in this great box set I think it is worth every penny that I paid for it (and it's not cheap).
The duets with Hank Snow are second to none and when her sister and mother (Maybelle)back her up on tunes like "I Dreamed I was there in Hillbilly Heaven", the results are downright scary!
Please keep in mind that this set is not for everybody. If your idea of Country Music is a naked Faith Hill rolling around under the sheets looking like a B-Girl singing God only knows what on some perverted music video then this set is not for you (that other kind of junk ain't part of nothing as the late Bill Monroe would say). This is real roots Country Music from one of the members of the first family of Country Music. The reproduction and remastered sound of this vintage collection is perfect.Boy could this girl sing and something that I will never understand is why collections like this can't be offered during the life of the Artist as they can see just how many folks are starving for their works. If Anita had not passed away at the young age of 66 who know what other recordings could have been made.
This set is a real keeper and again hats off to the Bear Family!

"Enjoy" JFKopeck

So what is an Applachian Angel? Well if you buy this awe-inspiring collection then the truth will be discovered. From the 50's to the 90's this is a soundtrack of life. All themes and dreams are covered in this wonderfully packaged boxed collection. Anita IS the voice of country. Nothing or no-one can compare to the absolute beauty of her; her talent, her story telling and her seemed indifference to her voice. I recall she stated her tone as "pipey". WOW!!

The are no comparisons, there are no equals. Her passing has left a large hole in the music industry however if you purchase this collection you will be buying it's history and something that will make you smile, cry, laugh and tap your feet.

My standouts are many. Every song was her personal choice and she sang it her way. It's time the world knew her amazing gift. I believe that if you are moved by one song on this collection then her work as artist is complete. In the history of recorded artists, this are far and few between. Buy it, sit back and start your journey.

On tour with the angels... and Anchored in Love.

The Carter Family has been in the music buissnes for quite a while now. Anita Carter realy prowes that she has the right to be called: "Country Music Grand Old Lady". I will also thank the Bear Family, for the job they have done, to make this album. It`s something I`ll keep for the rest of my life. It`s that good. Please don`t forgett all the other great artists appering on the album. Listen and enjoy it.