Customer Reviews

The Drag 'Em Off The Interstate, Sock It To 'Em Hits

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

 

 

One of the greatest, most entertaining artist ever recorded. A must for a lover of good music.

Only place I could find his music. Have followed Dick for many years in the Navy and since his death could not find any of his music even in the state of Maine. I bought one here and received it in about three days. Since then I have ordered 2 more for people that heard for the first time and loved his voice. Thanks for the internet.

If you're looking for the best single disc overview of Dick Curless' career (up until the mid-70s, that is), this is the only one you need to consider. This disc is nearly evenly split between the classic early recordings for Tower Records and the early 70s hits for Capitol Records. No other single disc that I'm aware of is this comprehensive for his career. In fact, this may be the only CD that ever managed to pull together tracks from both of these record labels in one place.

Curless had a deep baritone which, while sounding timeless, was actually quite a rarity among country singers. While he sometimes sounded a bit like Johnny Cash in places (Travelin' Man) and a bit like Jerry Reed in other places (Loser's Cocktail), he ultimately had his own unique style. This is well illustrated in a minor hit buried in this CD called "Bury the Bottle With Me" where his voice colors the weariness of a life that ended with drinking (in song, that is). It's hard to imagine another singer doing justice to this song after hearing Curless do it.

Unfortunately, this CD appears to have gone out of print, so pick up a copy whenever it becomes available. And after digesting this CD, you just might find yourself seriously considering one of those expensive (but extremely comprehensive) Bear Family box sets.