More a Legend Than a Band [CD, Import]

Flatlanders | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 7, 1992)
• Original Release Date: 1990
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: CD, Import
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B0000002C1
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,466 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #10 in Music > Indie Music > Folk > Contemporary Folk
  • #77 in Music > Indie Music > Country > General
  • #100 in Music > Indie Music > Country > Alt-Country & Americana

Track Listings

1. Dallas

2. Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown

3. You've Never Seen Me Cry

4. She Had Everything

5. Rose from the Mountain

6. One Day at a Time

7. Jolé Blon

8. Down in My Hometown

9. Bhagavan Decreed

10. The Heart You Left Behind

11. Keeper of the Mountain

12. Stars in My Life

13. One Road More

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

More a legend than a band because, even though the Flatlanders included the likes of Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Joe Ely, and Butch Hancock, their 1972 album wasn't actually released on vinyl until 1980 and on CD until 1990. By then, that trio of singer-songwriters had become solo stars. But this long-lost debut isn't just historically interesting. Gilmore songs here, such as "Dallas" and "Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown," have become folk-country classics, and the old-time arrangements--often featuring little more than guitar, Dobro, and (on a few cuts) musical saw--are quite haunting, as are Gilmore's piercing lead vocals. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Country music for those who hate country music, September 24, 1998

By 

Dave Ihlenfeld ([e-mail]) (Columbia, Missouri) - See all my reviews

This review is from: More a Legend Than a Band (Audio CD)

The Flatlanders may be "more a legend than a band," but this album is a legacy that will always live on. The group uses a wide array of instruments and vocal techniques to create a sound that is both layered and elegently simple. "Dallas" may be one of the best country/folk songs ever recorded. Even if you don't like country music, you owe it to yourself to pick up this album. You will be won over.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Alt-Country Classic, July 15, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: More a Legend Than a Band (Audio CD)

13 soulful twangy perfect gems. Yes, there's a saw being played amongst the other instruments, but it just adds to the feeling of other-worldliness on this legendary recording. I was delighted and moved by this CD; so much so that it is high up on my list of essential recordings, and I listen to A LOT of music. Perhaps not for everyone, but for anyone who likes great songs and great performances, and anyone who wants to be swept away to the lonesome plains of West Texas.

Those who liked it when country went pop need not apply. This is for folks who like *real* country.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sometimes you hear something that makes your mind reel, August 6, 2002

By 

David Hirsh "David Hirsh" (Woodmere, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: More a Legend Than a Band (Audio CD)

I bought this a few years ago based on reading a review. I was not really into country all that much or altcountry. I have since become a fan of alt country. But there are songs on here that make your mind reel. "Dallas" and "I think I'm gonna go downtown" are two really great songs sung in that Jimmie Dale Gilmore seemingly 1920's vocal style. He sounds like the guy that Willie Nelson is trying to grow up to be. It's hard to explain really the effect that Gilmore's voice has. I understand that Gilmore has sung and played with Nelson, but it really should be the other way around. In any case, this is a must own.