Customer Reviews

Classic Railroad Songs, Vol. 1: Steel Rails

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This is the first of a series of CD's released by Rounder, all devoted to train songs. This volume focuses on country music, although the series as a whole covers several musical genres. Some of the songs featured here were recorded in the 1990's while others are from as far back as the 1930's, yet somehow they fit together well.

Roy Acuff starts the wheels rolling with Wabash Cannonball, one of many train songs that he recorded. This is followed by another famous train song, Orange blossom special, inspired by the first streamline train ever to run in Florida. That was in 1938, although the Johnson mountain boys' version featured here was recorded in 1945.

Daddy what's a train?, from 1973, was written at a time when it was feared that trains would disappear from America altogether. Perhaps they will one day, but I doubt it. Elsewhere in the world, especially in Western Europe where the population density is much higher, there will always be trains.

Among the other great songs here, Steel rails (the title track) is sung superbly by Alison Krauss, while another wonderful lady, Kate MacKenzie, closes the set with a fine rendition of Pan American boogie. The original Pan American train ran from Cincinnati to New Orleans.

This is one of my favorite albums. 'Wabash Cannonball' by Roy Acuff is truly a classic in every sense of the word; Alison Krauss does a fine rendition of 'Steel Rails'; and the transition from steam to diesel power is aptly chronicled in 'Texas, 1947'. Rounder has done a truly admirable job with its series on American railroad songs; I also have Volumes 2 and 3. I just noticed they have released a Volume 4 which will be my next purchase along with Train 45.

If you love train songs or know someone who does, this 14-song collection is a great addition. The music here favors country and folk, which is mostly the genre that covers train songs.

All 14 selections are good, but I have three favorites. My all-time favorite train song, "Texas 1947" is on here. The song captures the enthusiasm of a young boy when he first sees a train. I don't think anyone but Guy Clark could do this song and somehow keep the reminiscence strong and sweet. Then there's "Steel Rails" with a very young Alison Krauss singing. "Pan American Boogie" is a great closing song. You're going to want to listen to that selection over and over.

Rebecca Kyle, August 2009

This is in response to "A Music Fan's" question. The wreck of the Old 97 was an actual event. The accident happened on September 27, 1903 in Virginia, and was immortalized by the song to which you refer. So no, you are not imagining it; but it's probably more of a big deal than you thought. A very useful website has many details and even newspaper articles and photographs. (...)

I got turned on to this series of train songs thanks to my 4 year old son who loves trains. Not only are these all (1-3) great compilations, and great songs-they are a slice of Americana. I just love them all. And, to "music lover," the song you were refering to about the engineer passing by his house to check on his baby-it is on "Night Train" the 3rd in the series. And, "the wreck of old 97" is a Johnny Cash classic.

This is not a review but I am desperate and need help. This is driving me crazy...Years ago my Grandmother used to sing many of the old railroad songs. One of my favorites was The Wreck Of The Old 97. She used to sing another one, but I cannot remember many of the words, therfore I cannot find it ANYWHERE! I am getting desperate trying to find it someplace on line. The song/story is about a conductor driving down the railroad tracks, and when he passes by his house, if his baby is sick (or something like that) the light on the track (or house) will be red. If the baby is OK, the light will be green. I know I did not imagine this song, but I just cannot remember the words. Does anyone have a clue?? I sure hope you can help!

Thank You! Please email me at ssandlf@adelphia.net if you can help! I would sure appreciate it!!