Customer Reviews

Into the Twangy First Century & Row Vs Wade

5 star:		(11)
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I bought these albums years ago, and somehow misplaced them; I can't believe that they are finally being reissued. Run C&W were doing bluegrass covers of Motown hits before it occured to anyone else; the difference is in their drive and passion for both types of music. Their music could easily descended into cornball territory if it didn't hit you so hard in the gut when you hear it. Highlights are "My Girl", "Walkin' the Dog", "Stop in the Name of Love", "Papa was a Rolling Stone" and on and on. Forget "Strummin' with the Devil"; these guys are the real Mccoy...

The world's first (and only) rhythm and bluegrass band.

I bought these when they were first released (1993 & 1994). Bought the first one "Into the Twangy-First Century" on a whim - because I recognized Russell Smith on the cover. Smith was/is the songwriter/singer for the Amazing Rhythm Aces, one of my favorite bands of all time.

I bought them and made a conscious decision to keep them in good shape thinking: "no way these oddball recordings would ever be re-issued." Glad I was wrong for you Run C&W newbies . . . welcome to the club! The musicianship is amazing. I mean, listen to this line-up:

VINCE MELMED:SINGER/SONGWRITER who has played with the Eagles, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Buffett, Dan Fogelberg, Bobby Womack, Rosanne Cash, J.D. Souther, Rita Coolidge and Danny O'Keefe.

RUSSELL SMITH: leader of the Amazing Rhythm Aces and writer of the classic song 'Third Rate Romance';

BERNIE LEADON: formerly w/ the Flying Burrito Brothers, the Eagles, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band;

JIM PHOTOGLO: prolific singer/songwriter whose most famous song may be the #1 'Fishin' In the Dark' by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

As Rug Burns would say, "'preciate it."

I was floored when I first heard Run C&W about 5 years ago. This is a group of not-well-known but very well-heard musicians...if you listen to country at all you've heard some of these guys. They call what they have done "playing that sweet soul music the way God intended it to be played... Bluegrass style," and while I have to admit I doubt the creators of this music ever envisioned it played this way, it is extremely musically sound, and surprisingly true to the music. Check out the track listing, but keep in mind that you probably will not be able to predict how these songs are arranged, no matter which side of the Mason-Dixon you come from.

This is one of the most clever and well executed musical concept records I have ever heard. Funny - hysterical actually - and brilliantly performed. All (many) of the most popular Motown-style classics re-imagined as classic bluegrass stories. I can't listen to the originals anymore without thinking they missed something. It's not just that I like banjo or country music, my tastes are much wider than that. After many years in the recording business (no, I don't know anyone associated with the record) I can tell when I hear a first class production. Why this wasn't more popular is a mystery to me. Maybe it was and I just didn't hear about it. I wouldn't be surprised if there's a movie treatment starring "The Burns Brothers" [described on the record as a rare case of un-identical quadruplets], sitting like a buried treasure on some agent's desk in Nashville.

It's rhythm and blues, it's bluegrass, it's the blueprint for fun. Listen to this stuff and then sit back and see how long it takes to get the silly grin off your face.

Outstanding - fun very talented
can't get enough - wish these guys had more music transformed from classic oldies and motown favorites...Many people don't give unusual forms of music a chance but this stuff is off the hook Great fun to listen to wish they had more...

Not the first time I've heard these guys. Have been looking for this for quiet a while. I recommend this CD

I am thrilled this double disc got released. The singing and musicianship on these recordings is phenomenal. The jokes may wear a tad thin but the songs, all R&B standards are done right and are really soulful. It may seem a bit dated to the 90s but if you like soul music and bluegrass GET IT NOW..

This doesn't sound like it would work, but it is really good, and very funny!

I'm sure this album was intended as nothing more than a parody of '60s R&B music, with the humorous verse changes and anecdotes included. What transpired is a delightful version of these old standards done Bluegrass style by a very talented group of musicians. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!