Customer Reviews

Let the Rough Side Drag

5 star:		(4)
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Walked into the Record Bar in Johnson City, Tenn. back in '76, and this was on the turntable. It was a jaw dropper then and still is. From the pedal steel guitar on Let the Rough Side Drag(my favorite}to the swish of the skirts on The Brand New Tennessee Walz, Winchester takes his listeners on a musical journey that is unmatched in any genre. I had a chance to see him in concert in 1978 when he was opening for Jimmy Buffett, and they both had the crowd on their feet the entire evening.
For some reason(and not a good one )this album is hard to find on CD. If you can find it, grab it, but be careful because you'll wear it out.

A Montrealer, originally born in the south, was influenced by Rock and Roll, R&B, folk, country, bluegrass and soul which makes for an amazing amalgamation of the aforementioned that can be heard through his melodious yet simple masterpieces. Jesse has never failed to please my ears, and this album was not an exception. He must be heard to be believed. His songs have been done by Emmylou Harris, Wynona Judd, The Everly Brothers, The Mavericks and many many more; a true testament to the beauty of his songs and to his skill.

This is my favorite album by Jesse Winchester. As mentioned in another review, you've got a mix here of country, folk, gospel, bluegrass, rock, and singer-songwriter sincerity. I agree that "Let The Rough Side Drag" and "Brand New Tennessee Waltz" are great tracks, to which I'd add "Lay Down Your Burden," a tender lullaby for his daughter. It moved me when I was a teenager in the mid-70s, and even moreso now that I have my own daughter. Winchester has many good albums and great songs ("Mississippi You're On My Mind" is arguably his very best song from the Learn to Love It album), but this is one of those albums that seems to have its own life, where the artist's emotion, spirit, and craft all came together in one inspired album. Highly recommended--but get as many of his early albums as you can, now that they've been reissued!

The CD was in absolutely perfect condtion, and it arrived much earlier than expected. Would not hesitate to buy from this supplier again. Thanks so much!