Customer Reviews

Memories of Us / Battle

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Koch Records released this double album CD in 1999. the albums should've been flip-flopped. "The Battle" came along in 1976, after "Memories of Us" in 1975 but on this CD the 1976 album is first. it's an under-rated reissue because i wouldn't have known about it if i hadn't been listening to an all-night AM trucker's show that was spotlighting it. it can't be found at your local record store...at least none around here. "The Battle" contains 7 songs ironically in a positive light, despite his personal relationship with Tammy going sour. only 3 songs, as described by the guy who wrote the liner notes, allow George to explore his personal problems, which were a staple in the Billy Sherrill era: "Wean Me", "I'll Come Back and Love You Again", and "Love Comin' Down". the album cover of the Battle is not your typical one either. but in 1975-1977, George couldn't seem to do anything right in the eyes of the industry and these two solo albums reveal 20 songs that the public has forgotten about since his duet career with Tammy and later, Johnny PayCheck, over-shadowed his solo efforts in the late '70s. what a shame! "I Just Don't Give a Damn", which is track 20, is one of my all-time favorites! some have said that the song is full of self-pity...but i think the song is a study of a man whose own defiance and pride doesn't allow him to give in and mend the relationship with the woman even though he wants to because in the song he sings "if you should ever want to call me, i'll be on my side of town" letting us know that he's willing to compromise but he re-states his stance by concluding "but don't call tonight 'cause i still don't give a damn" ...one of the best songs he's ever done in my opinion. the "Love Comin' Down" song on the other hand, i was introduced to by way of Conway Twitty who recorded it on his 1979 CROSS WINDS album on MCA...i grew up with Conway's version and love it but i also love George's version too! "Bring on the Clowns" is outstanding. "What I Do Best" is a classic to me, with the great lines: "they say that every man has given talent; but if hurtin' is a talent then i know that i've been blessed"; and "i've lost in love but in sadness i've been successful and i guess i finally found What I Do Best". "Baby, There's Nothing Like You", "You Always Look Your Best Here in My Arms", "A Touch of Wilderness", "The Night Time and My Baby", and "A Goodbye Joke" are all great. about the only weak song, if you want to call it that, is "She Once Made a Romeo Cry". George's performance of "I Can't Get Over What Lovin' You Has Done" is surprisingly romantic and gentle, like on "Love Comin' Down". "The Battle", his Top-20 hit from 1976 is of course a brilliant love song using military and war references. "Memories of Us" didn't do as well, peaking at #21 in 1975 {even though a #21 is a great peak position anyhow} but it's still a great song about a relationship gone bad. the album cover of "Memories of Us" was used for the 1994 box set "The Essential George Jones".

George Jones is always "good", often "very good" and sometimes "excellent". Memories Of Us (1975) and The Battle (1976) are both in the last category. George is at his vocal best all the way and the songs are strong. Especially the title tracks + "Love Coming Down" (also recorded by Elvis the same year; George is just as good) and "I Still Sing The Old Songs" (written by David Allen Coe). All of them should have been #1 hits. The albums are wonderfully produced by Billy Sherrill. He was a great producer for George.

This album really tells the true sadness George Jones went thru with his divorce and his drinking he was in a downward spril but I think his belief in himself and his music pulled him through and I'm sure Tammy was always there for him.

This song is one of the catchiest tunes we have heard in years. It would be played more often if a younger singer recorded it but, George proves he's not ready for the rocking chair yet! My wife hums that song all day long. Will buy the CD ASAP.

Anything Jones sings has got to be good. He's the greatest

im not gonna type my heart out telling you about George jones he is a icon and leaving legend in country music he is the best!

George Jones is the FATHER of Country MUSIC. He is the BEST. His music is Wonderful.