Customer Reviews

Definitive Ernest Tubb Hits Collection

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I am not sure what the prior reviewers were expecting (or smoking) when they wrote their reviews but this is an excellent effort on the part of Collector's Choice Music. At least 35 of the 40 songs on this CD pre-date the stereo era, but the sound is clear and clean. On the earliest cuts, Tubb's band was less amplified (and smaller) than later versions were to become. The emphasis, after all, was on the lyrics.

One of the problems with today's country radio is that the singers, particularly the male singers,sound mostly alike, so that if I don't know the song, I won't know the identity of the singer, until announced. I never had that problem with Ernest Tubb as the first note always identified the singer. Tubb's distinctive voice had character and integrity. He was completely aware of what he could and could not do with his voice so you will never hear the sort of ear-splitting mistakes made by the likes of Glen Campbell, Martina McBride or Celine Dion.

This CD has all of the big hits, in their original hit versions. For some of the listeners,accustomed to Tubb's later swinging Texas Troubadour bands. the early hits such as "Walking The Floor Over You" and "Try Me One More Time" will sound relatively quiet and spare, other than Tubb's warm friendly voice which always expands to fill the space available. The #1 hits ended after 1950, although Tubb still had a number of top ten hits after that date. Tubb's hits with Red Foley, The Andrews Sisters and the Wilburn Brothers are here, but none of the duets with Loretta Lynn.

This two-disc set opens up with "Walking The Floor Over You" and closes with his last top ten record "Thanks A Lot" and the classic "Waltz Across Texas" , not a big hit at the time but an enduring recording. Sandwiched between are 37 country classics representing a wide array of country's best songsmiths and musicians. Listen and enjoy

If you like original 1940's quality music then this is for you.l Unfortunately the CD sounds like it was recorded in 1946. The selection is great, with Mr. Tubb's distinctive voice in the foreground. Unfortunately the background music is almost not there. The music sounds mono, flat, lifeless. Look for a re-mastered version.

I remember Tubb being as big as Williams, Snow, Frizzell, any of them. I hadn't heard him in years until I renewed my interest in country music and purchased this CD. I flat out don't know why I ever liked him? He has no voice. I mean don't buy this unless you hear something in Tubb's music that I don't perceive.