Customer Reviews

Bluegrass Rules

5 star:		(37)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I actually purchased this after Ancient Tones and wondered if it could be 1/2 as good as that. Believe me it's all that and more. I absolutely love the old songs and the old time sound that Ricky and his band gives these songs. The harmonies in these songs are the greatest. I liked every one of the cuts on this CD, my particular favorite Rank Stranger. An old tune brought to life by Ricky, et al. I agree that I think Ricky is the best thing in bluegrass music today, and I've been following him since the late 70's early 80's and love the way his beautiful voice has matured and become more beautiful. Please give us more Bluegrass Rules/Ancient Tones/Soldier of the Cross!!!!!!!!

I can't say it any simplier: This is one of my favorite recordings of all times!

If anyone needs a modern sampler of traditional bluegrass music I would recommend this one. If you need more, the albums that followed this one are right on up there too!

I don't believe there is anybody more convicted to the perpetuation of the "ancient tones" of bluegrass into the next millenium than Skaggs. "Bluegrass Rules" exemplifies the fusion of modern, refined music recording and the bluegrass tunes of days past that we see today. Skaggs has definately captured and preserved the "high lonesome sound" of the Stanley songs on this release. This album is a must buy for any bluegrass fan young or old.

Ricky spent more than a decade on a major label during which time he, officially, did not record any bluegrass music, though we all know that he never strayed far from his roots. Free from any constraints, Ricky returned to a traditional bluegrass sound with this stunning album. Brilliant musicianship is, of course, a trademark of any album with Ricky's name on it. Incidentally, if you are looking for Ricky's commercial recordings of the eighties, I recommend the double-CD Country gentleman, which I've already reviewed.

After a brief spoken intro by J D, Ricky launches into a blistering four-minute instrumental that really rocks. Ricky then sings his way through a series of mainly upbeat songs that you expect to find on bluegrass albums, broken by the occasional instrumental or slow song. The upbeat nature of most of the album only serves to highlight the exceptions. Another night is sad, but mild compared to Drunken driver, a chilling story about the consequences of drinking a lot of alcohol then getting behind the wheel.

If you enjoy bluegrass - traditional or modern - you'll love this album.

This album really tells you that bluegrass does rule. The sound quality i think is great. He has is own original songs on there and his stunning instrumentals and some originals like Rawhide and Rank Stranger. Even if you dont have the new live cd this Skaggs cd is still a must have!

Musically this is a fine album, but I feel that a modern recording from 1997 should have more than 34 minutes of music!!
If Ricky was not allowed to record bluegrass for 12 years and then comes up with an album only 34 minutes long, this does not reflect well on his commitment to the music or to his fans. There are 14 cuts, but the first and the last (5 sec. & 12 sec.)are exclamations! I was looking forward to this album but am quite disappointed.

Ricky Skaggs cut his teeth on Bluegrass. Joining Ralph Stanley's band as a teenager along with Keith Whitley, Ricky progressed to play with the most innovative bluegrass bands of the 1970s - the Country Gentlemen and the landmark edition of J.D. Crowe's New South which included Tony Rice and Jerry Douglas. His collaborations have included Emmylou Harris, James Taylor, Elvis Costello and the Dixie Chicks - essentially every "name" in Bluegrass and Country. Ricky's country recording contract prohibited him from making "Bluegrass" recordings (but didn't keep him from including cuts like "Country Boy" and "Uncle Pen" on his "Country" albums). He was clearly chomping at the bit to record "straight" Bluegrass again, and this album represents MANY bluegrass masters (including guitar gunslinger Bryan Sutton and Fiddle Giant Bobby Hicks) in absolutely TOP form. Bravo. And welcome "back", Rickey.

THIS CD IS A MIXTURE OF TRADITIONAL BLUEGRASS STANDARDS AND SOME NEW ORIGINAL TUNES. THE VOCAL HARMONIES ARE OUTSTANDING AND THE MUSICIANSHIP DOWN RIGHT AWESOME. KENTUCKY THUNDER IS ONE OF THE BEST BLUEGRASS BANDS IN THE WORLD. I WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED THAT RICKY CHOSE NOT TO PLAY GUITAR ON ANY OF THE TRACKS BUT HIS MANDOLIN PICK'N IS EXCELLENT. I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CD TO ANYONE WHO ENJOYS GOOD MUSIC, NOT JUST THE BLUEGRASS FANS.

Thank God when Ricky Skaggs' contractual obligations to the pablum that is now known as "country" music expired, he gleefully went back to his roots.
This is bluegrass music at it's finest, from the soaring "high & lonesome" vocals to the astounding picking/instrumentals, bluegrass just doesn't get any better. Also, it's not just Mr. Skaggs alone, Kentucky Thunder is one of the tightest bluegrass bands I've ever heard, and I've been listening to this stuff for a long time.
God bless ya Ricky, and welcome home!!!
BTW, while you're picking this one up, you might as well grab the rest of his Kentucky Thunder bluegrass CD's. They are all worthwhile.

A recording to consider for both the bluegrass fanatic as well as the uninitiated. Ricky Skaggs deserves credit, along with Alison Krauss, for the relative popularization of this wonderful music - his vocal stylings are a welcome relief to those who equate the "high lonesome" sound to "nasal twang". And this band is sooo very tight and fast and exhilarating. Listen particularly to Bryan Sutton's work on guitar, which is setting the standard for speed and precision. Highly recommended - this is already a bluegrass classic.