Customer Reviews

Columbia Country Classics, Vol. 2: Honky Tonk Heroes

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

 

 

I've had this disc for a few weeks now, and I finally figured out what it sounds like: a jukebox at some idealized 50's honky tonk. Columbia has gone back to the vaults to pull out a wealth of country honky tonk material, *27* tracks, clocking in at an incredible *73+* minutes! The recordings range from the mid 40's through the early 60's. The sound is really quite impressive throughout.

Artists include Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys on a mid-40's blues, Floyd Tillman, "Little" Jimmy Dickens, Lefty Frizell, Marty Robbins, Carl Smith, Johnny Horton (forever wiping out the sound of "North to Alaska" and "The Battle of New Orleans" by ripping it up in an almost rockabilly style on "Honky Tonk Man"), Ray Price (with great versions of "Heartaches by the Numbers", and "Crazy Arms"), and more.

Lots of fiddle and peddle steel round out the package. A great buy.

These artists had all the technology they needed. Just listen to this stuff! Ones who can deliver a honky tonk song like this are not in such desperate need of digital assistance! A good intro to real country songs by real country singers and musicians.

As fine a compilation of serious pre-nashville glitz honky tonk as you'll find. REally a great disc.

Although rough, you can hear the beginnings of today's country stars. If these artists had access to today's electronic technology, Country music would have gotten into the mainstream much sooner.

Be careful if you use the "Buy MP3 Album with one click". There's a 50/50 chance you may wind up with a different cd.

Amazon's linking is not working properly and depending on how you arrived at this page, you may be buying --Country Classics Vol 2-- from "Mbop Direct" instead of the Columbia label release.

All these 4 and 5 star reviews are referring to the Columbia release.



The Mbop release is 21 tracks, various artists. The first two are by Burl Ives.


My 4 stars are for the Columbia release.

Perhaps I should not speak for all,but I know I can speak for me and mine.I just bought 2 of Vol.2 for me and my husband,and for my Parents.When my Hubby of 75 heard each song,he would grin,and sing the next line.You should too!
Shirley Welch

George Morgan is the artist on 'Room Full of Roses" indicated as 'Columbia record artist unknown'

Just FYI.

The first half is weak, but the second half (starting with "Hey Joe") makes up for it. It's a chronological presentation. A good sampler. Every song from then on is FANTASTIC!

I ordered this CD for the Floyd Tillman tracks, which are almost impossible to find elsewhere. The rest of the mix is spotty at best, with some tracks bordering on mere filler.