Customer Reviews

Executioner's Last Songs Volumes 2 + 3

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

 

 

The 1st Executioner's Last Songs was a surprise hit, full of a great mix of various "alt-country" styles all dealing with various aspects of criminals being put to death. The kind of album that you don't expect much from, but due to its superior group of songs & songwriters becomes a regular in your CD rotation. But... this particular 2-disc comp does not reach those heights. Maybe it's due to Volume 1 being so spectacular that one assumes these 2 volumes would also deliver the goods... not so. The tunes here are mostly dull, lifeless, and a pale imitation of those brave souls on Volume 1. In fact, THIS set kind of fulfills the meager promise one would associate with a compilation of this nature, and it's hurt all the more by its older & more developed sibling. Kudos for the cause and all, but if it's the music you're after, you can skip these and invest in Volume 1 instead.

Yes, I'll be in direct opposition to the other reviewer. I personally enjoyed this volume better than the first one. Two discs full of great songs - you're sure to find SOMETHING you'll like. It has the best version of "Gallows Pole" I've heard, "Strange Fruit" is an absolute classic, and other highlights for me were "Forever to Burn", "Hangin' Me Tonight", "Horses" - the list goes on. If you liked the first volume, I'd definitely recommend this one!