Customer Reviews

Train 45: Railroad Songs Of The Early 1900s

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This collection of train songs has been collected from the archives. There are no re-recordings here, so you are unlikely to recognise many of the artists listed here unless you are an expert in early American folk music.

You are unlikely to have much more success in recognising song titles, as even a lot of these are obscure - but you should at least recognise Wreck of the old 97, Orange blossom special and Rock Island line. Even these classics are presented here in the way they were written. If you are used to hearing rousing versions of Orange blossom special played at breakneck speed, the mid-tempo Jerry and Sky version will show you what it was intended to sound like.

Wabash Cannonball has not been included, but three songs based on it have been - they are Poor little Liza poor girl, Train whistle nightmare and Pine Knot Cannoball. The very detailed liner notes explain that Poor little Liza poor girl qualifies because of the manner in which the unfortunate Liza died.

Because the recordings were all made in an age when trains were important, they are more authentic than modern covers. To enjoy this, it helps if (like me) you enjoy early American folk music as well as trains.

This album collects almost an hour of original recordings of songs which remind us of the hard and dangerous life of the railroaders, with a sprinkling of humorous songs to keep it from becoming truly morbid. As you listen to this you really begin to catch the feelings of the railroad era. The enclosed flyer includes information about each song.

I just borrowed this from a local library. It's an awesome cd. Reminds me in part of Woody Guthrie, Cisco Houston, etc. and also the type of sound atmospheres that certain train-loving jazz artists were trying to get to (Duke Ellington, etc.); you definately feel as if you are moving when listening to some of the tunes.

Any fan of early, authentic American folk music will be very pleasantly surprised at this gem.

This is the best collection of old railroad songs from the last century.
Anyone interested in Railroad history or Folk (reality) songs of early US historical events would find this an indispensable addition to their library.