Timeless: Hank Williams Tribute

Various Artists (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 25, 2001)
• Original Release Date: 2001
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Lost Highway
• ASIN: B00005O6NY
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (53 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,096 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #58 in Music > Blues > Acoustic Blues
  • #67 in Music > Pop > Tributes
  • #68 in Music > Indie Music > Country > Alt-Country & Americana

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Like 1999's tribute to Gram Parsons, Return of the Grievous Angel, this successful collection revives the tired "tribute" concept and applies it in homage to a key figure in country music. Interpreting songs from across Hank Williams's short and troubled career, a range of high-profile artists use different approaches with equally gratifying results. Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, and Hank Williams III play familiar songs with traditional arrangements (Ms. Crow's yodel is an eye opener); Beck, Mark Knopfler, and Keb' Mo' stay closer to their own idioms. Keith Richards's reedy vocal makes "You Win Again" all his own, and Bob Dylan, who has only rarely lent his services to these sorts of projects, leads his touring band through a blues shuffle on "I Can't Get You Off of My Mind." The estimable Lost Highway label has assembled an illustrious cast to sing the praises of the artist who inspired its name, and in doing so it has created a far better testament to its musical mindset than can ever be captured in the term Americana. --Rob Stewart

Product Description

Excellent collection of unique versions of HANK SONGS by Dylan, Beck, Keith Richards, Ryan Adams, Lucinda Williams etc. Rich looking digipac has a little rubbing on the back.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Really a four star album... October 8, 2001

By David C. Mason

Format:Audio CD

...but I'm trying to make up for the guy who only gave it two. This album is way better than two stars. Yes, you SHOULD go buy some '"real" Hank Williams if you haven't already. "40 Greatest Hits" is a great starter album if it's still in print.

Only three kinds of people generally buy tribute albums: someone who is a huge fan of the artist who is being paid tribute, or someone who really likes one or more of the artists on the album, or the person who falls into both categories. So chances are you probably already are familiar with Hank and don't need preaching from the likes of me and the guy who gave the album two stars.

Now, lets get down to the nitty gritty. Most of the songs on this album are fine renditions of Hank Williams work. Some that stick out:

Dylan. Yeah, he's blown out his voice. Get over it. He never had one anyway. Just marvel at the turns of phrase, intonations, and humor he can inject into the song with what he's got. A vocal master, even if he never could "sing". And that band is smokin'.

Sheryl Crow. She should sing more country. Wow.

Keb' Mo'. The drums on this track really detract from the softness of the rest of the song. I just don't get it. Big mistake. Could have been great.

Hank III. Straight up but fine interpretation.

Keith Richards. Knocked my socks off by starting off in a quirky kind of country style and transcending into Memphis style soul. Amazing. Best track on the album.

All the other tracks on the album are fine. However, I find that Emmylou and Lucinda Williams are both a little overwrought and depressing for my tastes. Yes, Hank could tear your heart out when he sang, but these girls are wearing it on their sleeve, and Hank never did that. Also, Ryan Adams...I can't make up my mind if he is just bored or if he is fantastic. Guess I need to listen a few more times. A fine album, in all.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Classic September 25, 2001

By Sargenttpepper

Format:Audio CD

Hank Williams is undoubtedly one of the most talented singers and songwriters of our time. And while this album does not contain any of his own musicianship, it does exhibit performances of his songs that he would surely be proud of if he were alive today. Every artist on this tribute does a fabulous job of intertwining the classic sound of hank williams with their own contemporary edge. Only Hank Williams could bring artists like Beck, Keb 'Mo, and Johnny Cash together on the same album. This album comes highly recommended for anyone who has heard the name Hank Williams. The simple fact that you are reading this makes you a prime candidate to buy this album! I promise you will not be disappointed.

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Hank in the 21st Century December 7, 2001

By Lee Armstrong HALL OF FAMETOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Audio CD

Hank Williams' music is still thriving here in the new century. Some great artists have gotten together for this loving tribute to his music. Bob Dylan's expressive snarl rocks happily on "I Can't Get You Off of My Mind." Sheryl Crow's take on "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" is remarkable for how well she does country! Heck, we might have to stick her up there with Patty Loveless & Trish Yearwood! Blues master Keb' Mo's voice caresses the melody with a beautiful fiddle and transforms the classic "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" with a reading more wistful than sad. Beck's voice is fragile with a music box arrangement of "Your Cheatin' Heart." Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame does a churchlike take on "Lost on the River" with Emmylou on background vocals. One of my favorites is Tom Petty's country rocking on "You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)." The beauty of the melody really comes out even if the lyric seems somewhat dated in retrospect where you "ball her out at night." Keith Richard's ragged voice is like Stones-go-country on the slow "You Win Again." Emmylou Harris takes lead on the sad lament "Alone & Forsaken." Another favorite of mine is Hank III's uptempo vocal on "I'm A Long Gone Daddy." The great fiddle work is classic and singing must be in his genes! Ryan Adam's "Lovesick Blues" works less well for me. The spare arrangement is fine, but the squeeky voice doesn't carry the melody. Lucinda Williams milks the sad, slow "Cold Cold Heart"; and David Mansfield's gorgeous violin is worth the price of admission. The song-talk style never worked well with me, and although I love Johnny Cash's voice, I'd have preferred a stronger close than this talked "I Dreamed of Mama Last Night." However, the strong points from Dylan, Crow, Petty, & Mo' more than adequately show how important Hank Williams' music continues to be in the 21st century! Don't miss it!