Customer Reviews

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers Band - 17 Greatest Hits

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4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

One of the premier country acts of the 70s and 80s, the Gatlin Brothers produced hit after major hit. With Larry's dynamic leads and the kind of harmonies that only siblings can create, the trio proved both versatile and long-lived.

This collection has all of the early hits and most of the later ones, including the biggest of them all, All the Gold in California. A major bonus is the often overlooked Midnight Choir, a delightfully tongue-in-cheek poke at the missionary work and gospel background that the Gatlin's love.

A truly wonderful collection, highly recommended for any fan of country music or beautiful vocal harmonies.

Success did not come easy to Larry, but things started to happen when Dottie West became impressed by his songwriting and started to record some of his songs, something she continued to do occasionally even after he became successful as a singer. Eventually, Kris Kristofferson managed to persuade his own label, Monument, to give Larry a recording contract.

Although Larry was the lead singer, his brothers always sang harmony so it was no surprise when Larry gave them credit by including them in the title of his act. They never became really big names, but they were successful for a few years in the mid to late seventies and early eighties, the period covered by this compilation, and have continued to record sporadically ever since.

After some minor hits (included here), their big break came via Broken lady, the song chosen to start this compilation. It was a masterpiece, and it was no surprise that Dottie West recorded it with gender-adapted lyrics. Their biggest hit was All the gold in California, which tells you that it all belongs to somebody else now so don't waste time looking for it. It's a very clever song and catchy too - no surprise that it was such a huge success.

Other songs here worthy of mention include I just wish you were someone I love (their first country number one hit), I don't wanna cry, She used to sing on Sunday, Houston, Take me to your loving place and Midnight choir. Actually, every song here is wonderful and there are some others that I would like to have seen included too, but there is one in particular worth mentioning - Bitter they are harder they fall. It was not their biggest hit but several singers have covered it. Dottie West was first (of course) - she actually recorded the song twice, several years apart - but Elvis Presley and Anne Murray are among others who have followed. I am amused to see Larry's version on an Elvis tribute compilation. How can his version be a tribute?

The absence of Bitter they are harder they fall (which can be found on other Gatlin albums as well as Elvis tributes) does not prevent this from being an excellent compilation of music by a distinctive trio of brothers.

I enjoy listening to Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers all the time. The song writing and vocal ability is one of the best. No matter what kind of music you like, you should love this music. I saw the Gatlin Brothers in Branson MO. and it was very much worth the trip.

All the songs on this CD are classic Gatlin Bros. One of my favorites is Track 10, "Almost Called Her Baby By Mistake" because I think all of us, at one time or another, have either felt this way - or said it. It's a song about love on the rebound, and I'm sure we've all been there, done that. If you like the Gatlin's, then this is a must have for your collection (If you don't already have it). Of special note is the drummer in "Denver." I don't know who it is, but man, are they GOOD!!!!

Once again I say..... nothing like the Gatlins music!!!! My favorite?
"The Heart"..... so touching and true. Still waiting for my back-order of this CD...must be very popular.

The music on this particular Gatlin Bros. CD sucked. Maybe it's too old technology wise.

great singer song writer......Larry Gatlin teams up with his brothers for singing and harmonizing beyond believe... a must listen if you like traditional country harmonizing with some smooth upbeat talent!!!

As always received a great product and very quick delivery.
Thank you so much for the ongoing great service.

Elaine

Just an outstanding collection of great country music songs. You can't beat the Gatlin Bros for harmony and content.

I ordered the NEWEST Gatlin CD, titled "Johnny Cash is Dead and his House Burned
Down".
I got an aged CD with no explanation.
I've learned that the one I ordered, that I thought was released in August 2009, was
not yet available.
So -- my money was wasted.