The Singing Brakeman [Box set, Import]

Jimmie Rodgers | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 28, 1999)
• Original Release Date: 2002
• Number of Discs: 6
• Format: Box set, Import
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Bear Family
• ASIN: B00000ASU6
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #248,064 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

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Editorial Reviews

The Singing Brakeman is a six-disc set that compiles every song that Jimmie Rodgers ever recorded. It covers the same ground as Rounder's eight-disc set, but Bear Family's set condenses the material into six CDs and adds a large booklet that features a thorough discography and biography. Although it essentially has the same material, adding a few alternate takes that weren't on the Rounder series, The Singing Brakeman has a more scholarly approach -- the discs are designed not as a casual listening experience, but intense, concentrated listening. In the end, however, it's neither superior or inferior to Rounder's series. No matter how they are presented, Rodgers' recordings constitute essential listening. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pricey, but worth it!, March 13, 2001

By 

Hankman (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Singing Brakeman (Audio CD)

..., this set is certainly amazing & worth every bit of it.

These are the complete known recordings of Jimmie Rodgers & Bear Family should be applauded.

I know many are thinking what big difference is there between this set and the 8 CD's out by Rounder? Dependent upon your perspective, it could be a little or a lot. Now, this set is not for everybody-the casual fan should probably stick with a single disc compilation and then spring for a couple of the Rounder issues to see if they like more, but for those serious about their Rodgers, this set is indispenable.

First of all, you get several alternate takes not presented on the Rounder releases. There is an outtake of "T.B. Blues" that, while similar to the "official" release, differs greatly in some respects. Rodgers varies it melodically and changes the wording a slight bit. There are the additional alternate takes of "Travelin' Blues" and "Let Me Be Your Side Track" that didn't find their way onto the Rounder set.

Of fascination, though, is the inclusion of the soundtrack to the movie short Jimmie Rodgers made. Sound quality is not good on the two cuts, but they are still revelatory nonetheless.

Also not on the Rounder set are the posthumous overdbuds done by the Rainbow Ranch Boys (actually Chet Atkins and a group of session musicians) in 1955. For those with memories of the horrible overdubs done by MGM on Hank Williams, you have a pleasant surprise here. These are actually quite tastefully done. Possibly the best cut is "Muleskinner Blues". I've always felt that there should've been additional instrumentation when Rodgers took an instrumental, but here the problem is solved. Rodgers goes solo with full band backup. His sound was updated with these handful of cuts without losing their original flavor.

I will voice again the complaint made by the former reviewer-the box is way too big-LP size and very annoying. But, that's the Bear Family way of doing things and that's a minor thing at best.

In short, if you like Rodgers more than just casually, this is the set for you. In the long run, you're better off buying this because the Rounder sets leave you longing for more!

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Country Listening, February 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Singing Brakeman (Audio CD)

Anyone who thinks they know country music should listen to these recordings-the entire known complete output of Jimmie Rodgers. These works, along with the entire output of Hank Williams, Sr., define what true country music is! You get to hear the style that influenced so many such as Hank & Merle Haggard, Lefty Frizzell, etc. Think Garth Brooks and all of his little radio sound alike country wanna-be's are true country? Take a listen to this one time and you'll know what true country music really is. These are the roots Mr. Brooks only wished he had! You'll find no pop and rock influences here (well, maybe some older pop). No, you'll find the man who is well named "The Father of Country Music" and nothing else. You'll find no overly slick production; just raw, country music at it's best!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pricey, but all 111 songs plus overdubs and alternates, March 31, 2004

By 

Gerald L. Russell (Knoxville, TN USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Singing Brakeman (Audio CD)

I believe the previous reviewer, who gave this set a one-star rating, must have been listening to the last c.d. in this set. In 1955, at Hank Snow's behest, and as a result of MGM's overdubbing of Hank Williams' demos, RCA overdubbed eight of Rodgers' tunes with a country band. Actually, they're good, and I wish several dozen had been overdubbed. Otherwise, all of Rodgers' historical recordings have been faithfully preserved.

This is a great set, but, unless you're a Jimmie Rodgers fanatic (as I am am with Hank Williams), you probably will not need all of the alternate takes that have been included here. Rodgers recorded 111 original songs during his career, but, with the alternate takes and the eight overdubs, Bear has stretched the number to about 150.

The blue yodels are dated and grate on your nerves after awhile, but there's plenty more great stuff to listen to: "Gamblin' Polka Dot Blues," "My Blue-Eyed Jane," "In the Hills of Tennessee," "Roll Along, Kentucky Moon," etc.

Unfortunately for Bear Records, the 5-c.d. set, "Jimmie Rodgers 1927-1933," is now available for about $25 and has all but one of Rodgers' original songs (they apparently forgot "My Time Ain't Long"). If you could get a used Bear set for $69-79 (dream on!), jump at it. Otherwise, go for the $25 set. But do something, for you need Rodgers in your collection. This guy had the impact on country music that Frank Sinatra had on popular music. Both were giants!