Customer Reviews

Gene Autry - 20 Greatest Movie Hits

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

 

 

Most of Gene's hit record songs were featured in his movies, but in different versions recorded in the movie studio. These movie versions are on this CD. So, these are NOT the well-known hit record, Conqueror/Okeh/Columbia label, recordings. These are the exact same recordings you'll find on the VHS and DVD issues of the actual movies. Sound quality is variable since these are taken in many cases off movie prints. A very few tracks were taken from original live-to-disc acetates or tapes made in the movie studio and recorded before or during filming. But this CD is very nice to have, with these movie versions in one place. This CD also is one of the last projects Gene himself authorized. So, the sound rating should be three or four stars but for overall concept and historical interest, plus Gene's direct approval, I give it five.

There were many Great "B" Westerns produced from 1935 to 1955. Gene Autry was one of the greatest movie entertainers and singers of all time. The personality that made him such a great star was totally his. As he once said "I only try to be Gene Autry". The songs on this CD are taken from many of his great movies. Some of these songs are short, because sometime he only sang a line or two of a song, but none the less there is a quality about these songs that only Mr. Autry could produce. One of my favorites is the song from "Cowboy And The Indians", "Here Comes Santa Claus", when he was delivering supplies and gifts to the Indian Reservation, because Autry was forever trying to help someone in real life. Gene Autry died on Oct. 3rd 1998 just before this CD was released. It is a fitting tribute to the Life and Legend of America's Favorite Singing Cowboy! The fact that he existed in this world makes the world a better place and the world still needs Hero's like Gene Autry!!! If you are an avid Gene Autry Fan this CD is one that you will treasure!!

I bought this specifically for Sioux City Sue. They evidently shortened it drastically to fit 20 songs on this CD. Bah! I wonder what else is modified to fit. Good, light music; brings back the old yodelling cowboy.

Gene Autry was one of popular cultures's original cross-over artists - his friendly rival's on the B-Western films never came close to his degree of "mainstream" appeal. Gene almost single-handedly invented a new genre of film, the audience wanted a hero they could count on, feel comfortable with and be genuinely honest with everyday life...this was the "Singing Cowboy" who developed and cast the mold for all who followed in his wake...not only could Autry sing, ride a horse (Champion), but reflected an image that was 100 per cent true blue, always honest with himself and his fellow-man...the "Ultimate Good Guy".

Varese Sarabande has given us a glimpse into "20 Greatest Movie Hits" which is just a tip of the iceberg...so sit back and enjoy tunes from highlights of his films - "IN THE JAILHOUSE NOW" featured in "Back In the Saddle" (1941) not surprisingly is this selection from the Jimmie Rodgers Songbook, who was Gene's idol..."BLUEBERRY HILL" from Republic Pictures "The Singing Hill" (1941)..."CARRY ME BACK TO THE LONE PRAIRIE" comes from the pen of Carson Robison and "Ridin' On A Rainbow" (1941)..."TAKE ME BACK TO MY BOOTS AND SADDLE" featured in "Call of the Canyon" (1942)...and one of my all-time favorites "SIOUX CITY SUE" from the same titled film (1946)...but Gene's first million-seller and the first disc to be awarded a gold record was the canon of country standards "THAT SILVER-HAIRED DADDY OF MINE" (1935) which at that time was quite an achievement.

As a youth, enjoyed Gene's films and read all of his "Dell-Western" comic books, feel like this was when America and its citizens pulled together...Varese Sarabande has released a "Memorable Tribute" to a great American and human being...listen and see if you don't agree, this was one of a kind hero - GENE AUTRY!

Total Time: 38:41 on 20 Tracks...Varese Sarabande VSD-5990...(1999)

Some of the songs on this CD are very short. The one song I ordered this CD for Sioux City Sue, was only 55 seconds, along with some other songs.