Customer Reviews

Golden Ring

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
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'Golden Ring' is absolutely the best duet album recorded by the one-time "Mr & Mrs Country" music. Divorced and still stinging, both stars jumped totally into their vocal performances here and neither has ever sounded better. "I've See Better Days" will painfully take the listeners breath away while "Did You Ever" pokes fun at all the faults that no doubt tortured Wynette & Jones in real life. To experience the sound 'that was' George and Tammy, GOLDEN RING is the perfect recording. "Near You" alone makes buying and listening to this CD worth it.

At first glance, it might appear that "Golden Ring" is not the President and First Lady's best compilation. Look further! As on other of their CDs, only 2 tracks made the Billboard charts, but they were big ones: "Golden Ring" and "Near You". Both climbed to #1 in 1976 and represent the First Couple at their very peak. A second glance reveals some interesting selections: "I'll Be There"(an old Ray Price hit), and "If You Don't Somebody Else Will" (a hit for both Price and Jimmy and Johnny). Those go way back to 1954! Gaze again and find "Crying Time", recorded successfully by Ray Charles among others. A final glance reveals a playful "Did You Ever?" and 2 truly Tammy and George songs: "Tattletale Eyes" and "Keep the Change". When the smoke clears away, the listener realizes that they did it again! GR is more than a collection filler, it can stand on its' own capable merits. This reviewer doesn't know much about producers but it's obvious producer Billy Sherrill put some effort behind GR-and it shows. Well done!

What a great duet album. Recently divorced, but still singing together, their voices are a perfect blend. Near You and Golden Ring were the biggest hits, but the rest of the material is nearly as good. Did You Ever is quite a gem. A lot of back and forth, kind of like Jackson by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, but slightly more sophisticated. I listened to Golden Ring about three hundred million and seven hundred fifty seven thousand and nine hundred and ninety three times. It sounded better each time I listened. This song is mentioned in another song, One Bud Wiser, and Gretchen Wilson covered it, and in it she sings, "I dropped a quarter, and played Golden Ring on the jukebox--Thank You!" Golden Ring is every bit deserving of the praise and tributes.

There's a typo on the CD reissue. "Recorded during the throws of their divorce". Though it should say "throes", perhaps after reading George's "I Lived To Tell It All", throwing things might have been a part of it.

Of course, George and Tammy were never able to divorce musically. The subtext of divorce doesn't bleed through into the music, much as we'd expect to hear it. It's good enough music in its own right. In short, 10 songs George and Tammy could have recorded at any time in their history.

The difference on "Golden Ring" is that the two singers were vocally at the top of their game and the songs are superb. As country as the title tune is, "Near You" is a testament to the merits of producer Billy Sherrill's countrypolitan forays.

The only tune touching on D-I-V-O-R-C-E is "I've Seen Better Days", done so well here, that only George and Tammy's pal Johnny Paycheck did it better. They sing it understated; Johnny P. milks its drama for all its worth.

With the exception of Bobby Braddock's "Did You Ever?", every tune on here is worth hearing. "Even The Bad Times Are Good", along with the final four tracks which begin with the fine "Tattletale Eyes" are not only solid, but have the added benefit of not being heard in many years. For me, the first time.

"Golden Ring" is a treasure. 9 out of 10 great songs, no filler, and surprisingly little saccharine. If you wondered why these two are so special, this is a good place to find out.

George and Tammy were known as "Mr. and Mrs. Country Music." Recorded at the time of their divorce, the voices here beg to be united; bittersweet, but ultimately beautiful to experience. This album says in song what it's like to be in love, but not be able to stay married. If you want to hear them at their best, this is the one to buy.
(Though it was the B-side of the single, I about wore a hole through "Tattletale Eyes" on the juke at our local diner. Tammy's voice is incredible on that song.)