633. Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room

Buenas Noches from a Lonely Room
Dwight Yoakam
1988

Tracks
1. I Got You
2. One More Name
3. What I Don't Know
4. Home Of The Blues
5. Buenas Noches From A Lonely Room (She Wore Red Dresses)
6. I Hear You Knocking
7. I Sang Dixie
8. Streets Of Bakersfield
9. Floyd County
10. Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On
11. Hold Onto God

I have been able to find redeeming qualities in recent country albums on the List, mostly because they are heavily diluted with some other influence, like jazz or blues. Well, this is what I picture when I think of "pure country." It's honky tonk music but in 1988, this is a genre that is well past its prime. 

Actually, this is a decent album, just not my cup of tea. The vocals are great, and the songs aren't any worse than your standard country fare. It feels fairly out of place for the time, but maybe in 1988 that isn't the worst thing.

So if you are a country fan, you will probably love this. If you're not, it's still tolerable.

RATING: 2/5

628. Shadowland

Shadowland
k.d. lang
1988

Tracks
1. Western Stars
2. Lock Stock And Teardrops
3. Sugar Moon
4. I Wish I Didn't Love You So
5. Once Again Around The Dance Floor
6. Black Coffee
7. Shadowland
8. Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes
9. Tears Don't Care Who Cry Them
10. I'm Down To My Last Cigarette
11. Busy Being Blue
12. In The Evening (When The Sun Goes Down)/You Nearly Lose Your Mind/Blues Stay Away From Me

I don't share the hatred of country music that men in the dating pool seem to pride themselves on. But it certainly isn't my favorite genre, so I wasn't really looking forward to this album. 

Thankfully, this was country music with a twist. There is a strong dose of jazz in here as well. k.d. lang has an excellent voice, which is showcased particularly well in "Once Again Around The Dance Floor." It's a testament to how much I respect her that I honored her capitalization wishes, as horrible as they are.

So maybe not an album I'll be returning to again and again, but an overall enjoyable entry on the List.

RATING: 3/5

588. Trio

Trio
Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, and Linda Ronstadt
1987

Tracks
1. Pain Of Loving You
2. Making Plans
3. To Know Him Is To Love Him
4. Hobo's Meditation
5. Wildflowers
6. Telling Me Lies
7. My Dear Companion
8. Those Memories Of You
9. I've Had Enough
10. Rose Wood Casket
11. Farther Along

I usually don't like pure country, and prefer when it's diluted by some other genre, and I am not picky about which. But it doesn't get more country than Dolly Parton.

Parton is a very talented songwriter, but she can only claim credit for writing/cowriting two songs on this album. Of course, they are the best ones, with "Wildflowers" being my favorite song on the album.  We see so many talented bands write their own songs, I find it rather boring to listen to album of ole country covers, even with vocalists as talented as these three.

Most of these songs are about men doing you wrong. I am not exactly a stranger to the topic but I wish female country musicians could work with another thesis. Of course, there are exceptions, with "Hobo's Meditation" being one of them. But I found that song rather cringey anyway.

So a pretty dull album, but there is certainly a lot of talent behind this album. Just not my cup of tea.

RATING: 3/5

570. Last of the True Believers

Last of the True Believers
Nanci Griffith
1986

Tracks
1. Last of the True Believers
2. Love at the Five and Dime
3. St. Olav's Gate
4. More Than a Whisper
5. Banks of the Pontchartrain
6. Looking for the Time (Workin' Girl)
7. Goin' Gone
8. One of These Days
9. Love's Found a Shoulder
10. Fly by Night
11. Wing and the Wheel


I have a journal that offers a writing prompt for every day of the year. Yesterday's entry started with the quote "writing about music is like dancing about architecture." I wholeheartedly agree. Now back to my interpretative dance.

I think country is the most reviled music genre, based on my own data, which is pooled from men's online dating profiles. But I like country when it is heavily mixed with folk, which is exactly what this album is. Nanci Griffith has a very strong Suzanne Vega vibe, and I was digging it.

She has.a very soothing voice. Since "soothing" isn't the adjective I would use to describe most entries on this List, I plan on rewarding her handsomely.

RATING: 4/5

422. Stardust

Stardust
Willie Nelson
1978

Tracks
1. Stardust
2. Georgia On My Mind
3. Blue Skies
4. All Of Me
5. Unchained Melody
6. September Song
7. On The Sunny Side Of The Street
8. Moonlight In Vermont
9. Don't Get Around Much Anymore
10. Someone To Watch Over Me

I am so used to listening to punk albums that this came across as cutesy.   I suppose Nelson isn't too bad as far as country music singers go but I was still waiting for this to be over, especially when "Unchained Melody" came on.  According to Wikipedia, this song has been covered hundreds of times.  Can we all let it die?  There is a pun in there with "Ghost" somewhere.

So yes, this was a rather typical country album, with plenty of reminiscing; hell, there is even a song dedicated to a southern state.  Most of these songs seem to be covers though but I am not that impressed with his vocals to call this a home run anyway.

Still, not a bad way to pass the time.  At least the lyrics weren't horribly offensive, which is a positive that we must celebrate on this blog.

RATING: 3/5

403. Honky Tonk Masquerade

Honky Tonk Masquerade
Joe Ely
1978

Tracks
1. Cornbread Moon
2. Because of the Wind
3. Boxcars
4. Jericho (Your Walls Must Come Tumbling Down)
5. Tonight I Think I'm Gonna Go Downtown
6. Honky Tonk Masquerade
7. I'll Be Your Fool
8. Fingernails
9. West Texas Waltz
10. Honky Tonkin'

I don't think we have had an American album for awhile, but we return now to the United States and to a rather frightening genre from albums past: country music.  I know a lot of people absolutely hate country music.  When I have been on dates (I swear it does happen!) and casting around for conversations subjects, the question "what kind of music do you like?" always comes up.  I swear, every guy I have asked this question to has responded "anything but country."  Every.  Time.  When did people get so boring? 

Anyway, I think country music can be quite beautiful but it can also be the worst thing you've ever heard (after all these years, I haven't forgotten Louvin brothers).  Thankfully, this was somewhere in between.  Yes, there were a few things that made me cringe, like the beginning of the song "I'll Be Your Fool."  Overall, however, this album was a pleasant surprise, with smart lyrics and catchy melodies.  My favorite song was "Jericho" but this album doesn't actually have that many lows.

America didn't embarrass me that much with this album.  But we still have disco for that I suppose.

RATING: 3/5

346. Red Headed Stranger

Red Headed Stranger
Willie Nelson
1975

Tracks
1. Time of the Preacher
2. I Couldn't Believe It Was True 
3. Time of the Preacher (Theme) 
4. Medley: Blue Rock Montana/Red Headed Stranger 
5. Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain 
6. Red Headed Stranger 
7. Time of the Preacher (Theme) 
8. Just as I Am 
9. Denver 
10. O'er the Waves 
11. Down Yonder 
12. Can I Sleep in Your Arms? 
13. Remember Me (When the Candlelights Are Gleaming) 
14. Hands on the Wheel 
15. Bandera

The idea of having to listen to more honky tonk music after suffering through the Louvin Brothers was almost too much to bare.  However, after listening to this album, even I had to admit that there was something special about this one and maybe even about the whole genre (although I suppose this is more outlaw country than *shiver* honky tonk).

This is a concept album that tells the story of a fugitive on the run after killing his wife, her lover, and some random woman who steals his horse.  The story was actually so popular that a movie, starring Nelson, was made.  Is it possible that the movie didn't completely suck?  I don't know and I don't intend to find out.

I wasn't too crazy about the concept since it sounded like Nelson wanted us to feel sorry for this man, who obviously was a raging monster.  However, I actually liked each song individually.  For instance, the song "I Couldn't Believe It Was True" was poetic and sweet (although that sweetness was slightly negated since he ended up killing his wife but still claimed he wanted her to be happy).

So when I looked at the songs without thinking of the concept I actually liked quite a few of them.  However, when "Down Yonder" started playing, which was a purely instrumental (i.e. banjo) song, I was ready to turn it off.

RATING: 3/5

320. The Grand Tour

The Grand Tour
George Jones
1974

Tracks
1. Grand Tour
2. Darlin'
3. Pass Me By (If You're Only Passing Through)
4. She'll Love the One She's With
5. Once You've Had the Best
6. Weatherman
7. Borrowed Angel
8. She Told Me So
9. Mary Don't Go 'Round
10. Who Will I Be Loving Now
11. Our Private Life

This album should be titled "Every Country Music Album Ever".  Not the most creative title, I will admit, but it is an accurate one.  Jones sounds almost exactly like Conway Twitty (in fact, Twitty did several covers of Jones' songs).

This album is full of rather depressing ballads which talk about his failed marriage.  In fact, the only slightly cheery song is about how tabloids ruin stars' lives.  I suppose this could be a satisfying album if you were going through a painful divorce.  Still, honky tonk takes its toll; I had to stop and take breaks throughout the album.

Not my cup of tea.  Supposed to be filled with great songs about heartbreak but no particular lyric stuck with me.

RATING: 1/5

291. Honky Tonk Heroes

Honky Tonk Heroes
Waylon Jennings
1973

Tracks
1. Honky Tonk Heroes 
2. Old Five And Dimers (Like Me) 
3. Willy The Wandering Gypsy And Me 
4. Low Down Freedom 
5. Omaha 
6. You Ask Me To 
7. Ride Me Down Easy 
8. Ain't No God In Mexico 
9. Black Rose 
10. We Had It All

Oh dear.  What a scary title.  This title kept me from listening to albums for a week.  I can handle a little bit of country but once people start using the "h word" I run screaming.

Was this album as bad as I thought it was going to be? Yes.  You can probably just look at the title tracks and realize why I would hate it.  If you can't figure it out, there is no reasoning with you.  Click here for a helpful link!

RATING: 1/5

255. Will The Circle Be Unbroken

Will The Circle Be Unbroken
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
1972

Tracks
1. Grand Ole Opry Song 
2. Keep On The Sunny Side 
3. Nashville Blues 
4. You Are My Flower 
5. Precious Jewel 
6. Dark As A Dungeon 
7. Tennessee Stud 
8. Black Mountain Rag 
9. Wreck On The Highway
10. End Of The World
11. I Saw The Light 
12. Sunny Side Of The Mountain 
13. Nine Pound Hammer 
14. Losin' You (Might Be The Best Thing Yet) 
15. Honky Tonkin'
16. You Don't Know My Mind 
17. My Walkin' Shoes 
18. Lonesome Fiddle Blues 
19. Cannonball Rag
20. Avalanche 
21. Flint Hill Special 
22. Togary Mountain 
23. Earl's Breakdown 
24. Orange Blossom Special 
25. Wabash Cannonball 
26. Lost Highway 
27. First Meetin' - Watson, Doc & Merle
28. Way Downtown 
29. Down Yonder 
30. Pins And Needles (In My Heart)
31. Honky Tonk Blues 
32. Sailin' On To Hawaii 
33. I'm Thinking Of My Blue Eyes
34. I Am A Pilgrim 
35. Wildwood Flower 
36. Soldier's Joy 
37. Will The Circle Be Unbroken
38. Both Sides Now


Oh dear god, the HORROR!!!!!  A pure bluegrass album complete with the twang, banjos, and songs about stupid subjects.  And it is extremely long.

Man, I haven't been this frightened since we listened to the Louvin Brothers.  This is probably of the most grating albums on the list.  I know I am not a hundred percent objective here, considering this is my least favorite genre.  I guess the best I can do is recommend listening to it if you want to track early bluegrass groups.

RATING: 1/5

237. John Prine

John Prine
John Prine
1971

Tracks
1. Illegal Smile
2. Spanish Pipedream 
3. Hello in There 
4. Sam Stone 
5. Paradise 
6. Pretty Good 
7. Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore 
8. Far from Me 
9. Angel from Montgomery 
10. Quiet Man 
11. Donald and Lydia 
12. Six O'Clock News 
13. Flashback Blues


I inwardly groaned when I read that this guy was supposedly the next Bob Dylan.  Even if I liked Dylan, I think this comparison is pretty unfair to both of them.  Not only are those huge shoes to fill but their styles are relatively different.


This is a surprising album.  Prine sings songs with a kind of country simplicity so you think the songs are going to be on normal, innocent country topics like killing women and bedbugs (I have encountered multiple songs on those topics on this journey).  However, he is actually sending deep, political messages.  By now I am getting a little sing of anti war songs but with a southern twist, it actually sounded original.


Better than I expected and some of the songs are genuinely funny.  Check it out.


RATING: 4/5

222. Coat of Many Colors

Coat of Many Colors
Dolly Parton
1971

Tracks
1. Coat of Many Colors 
2. Traveling Man 
3. My Blue Tears 
4. If I Lose My Mind 
5. Mystery of the Mystery 
6. She Never Met a Man (She Didn't Like)
7. Early Morning Breeze 
8. Way I See You
9. Here I Am 
10. Better Place to Live


Before this album, my experience with Dolly Parton was limited to:

This, naturally, was pretty frightening.  I also knew that she was the writer of the song "I Will Always Love You" which is commonly credited to Whitney Houston.

Okay, this is the first country album we have had in awhile, which is not unexpected since we are in the era of rock.  Naturally, it is a bit hokey.  The song "Better Place to Live" talks about loving every one and the song "Coat of Many Colors" is about how being poor was something that brought the family together.  Still, you can't deny she has a fantastic, unique voice.

There is something distinctly likable about this album even though I am not a country fan.  Still, not essential listening.

RATING: 3/5

151. Dusty in Memphis

Dusty in Memphis
Dusty Springfield
1969

Tracks
1. Just A Little Lovin'
2. So Much Love
3. Son Of A Preacher Man
4. I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore
5. Don't Forget About Me
6. Breakfast In Bed
7. Just One Smile
8. The Windmills Of Your Mind
9. In The Land Of Make Believe
10. No Easy Way Down
11. I Can't Make It Alone


Amanda: So apparently many a hissy fit was thrown during the making of the album.  For this reason I didn't think I would like it because if there were that many disagreements between Dusty and the studios, there were probably major issues.  I really enjoyed it though.  I forget how unique and comforting Dusty's voice was.  "Son of A Preacher Man" was actually featured in a great movie, Pulp Fiction.


I am having a long and frustrating day but this was certainly a bright spot.

RATING: 5/5

142. At San Quentin

At San Quentin
Johnny Cash
1969

Tracks
1. Big River
2. I Still Miss Someone
3. Wreck Of The Ol' 97
4. I Walk The Line
5. Darlin' Companion
6. I Don't Know Where I'm Bound
7. Starkville City Jail
8. San Quentin 1
9. San Quentin 2
10. Wanted Man
11. Boy Named Sue
12. There'll Be Peace In The Valley
13. Folsom Prison Blues
14. Ring Of Fire
15. He Turned The Water Into Wine
16. Daddy Sang Bass
17. Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
18. Closing Medley


Amanda: Johnny Cash has got to be one of the most likable guys that ever lived.  I don't know what it is about him.  He is not particularly funny or well-spoken or even that talented.  All his songs are very similar and not very innovative.  This album is another recording of him performing in a prison.  He can interact with a crowd like no other.  It was particularly entertaining when he told the story about getting arrested for picking flowers.  I certainly would not be able to make that many prisoners laugh and cheer.  Really interesting but I can't see listening to the songs without the audience's reaction.

RATING: 3/5

141. Gilded Palace of Sin

Gilded Palace of Sin

The Flying Burrito Brothers

1969

Tracks

1. Christine's Tune
2. Sin City
3. Do Right Woman Do Right Man
4. Dark End Of The Street
5. My Uncle
6. Wheels
7. Juanita
8. Hot Burrito No 1
9. Hot Burrito No 2
10. Do You Know How It Feels
11. Hippie Boy

Amanda: I just finished making my New Years resolutions for 2012.  One of my goals is to reach 506 in albums.  I really want to have my 506th be on next New Year's Eve.  This means that I really have to stick to my one a day rule.  Wish me luck!

So in the midst of the decline of psychedelia comes this country album.  It, of course, bombed when it was released because no one wanted to hear country.  I still don't want to hear country.  I simply don't enjoy these kinds of albums but it is a pretty decent country album.  The instruments in this album were really odd; I felt like they were mixing Pink Floyd and The Louvin Brothers.

RATING: 2/5 (if you are a country fan it is a solid 4/5)

133. Sweetheart of the Rodeo

Sweetheart of the Rodeo
The Byrds
1968

Tracks
1. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
2. I Am A Pilgrim
3. Christian Life
4. You Don't Miss Your Water
5. You're Still On My Mind
6. Pretty Boy Floyd
7. Hickory Wind
8. One Hundred Years From Now
9. Blue Canadian Rockies
10. Life In Prison
11. Nothing Was Delivered


Amanda: The last Byrds album.  I will miss these guys.  But why are they always trying to reinvent themselves?  They are really all over the place.  I liked them the way there were in their first album.  Now they have moved on to country rock.  Blech.  This album was really honky tonky which, in my opinion, is revolting.  I had horrific Louvin Brothers flashbacks.   Overall, it was the worst album that they made and I am sorry to see them go out like this.  Oh well, let's remember the good times.

RATING: 2/5

115. Live at Folsom Prison

Live at Folsom Prison
Johnny Cash
1968

Tracks
1. Folsom Prison Blues
2. Dark As The Dungeon
3. I Still Miss Someone
4. Cocaine Blues
5. 25 Minutes To Go
6. Orange Blossom Special
7. The Long Black Veil
8. Send A Picture Of Mother
9. The Wall
10. Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog
11. Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart
12. Jackson
13. Give My Love To Rose
14. I Got Stripes
15. Green, Green Grass Of Home
16. Greystone Chapel


Amanda: First of all, the track list above is from the original 1968 release.  There was a re- release in 1999 but we have to stay authentic here.


This is a recording of a concert Cash gave at a prison.  This means you get to hear the crowd's reactions to certain songs and lyrics which is truly special.  I say that because Cash is not afraid to insult law enforcement or preach crime in this album, so the audience really loves him.  I think Cash had the same problem that Sinatra had during his albums.  He had a wonderful voice, but a very monotonous one, so it got boring towards the end.  Still, if you take breaks it is quite enjoyable, even if you are not a big country fan.


RATING: 3/5

102. Don't Come Home a Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)

Don't Come Home a Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)
Loretta Lynn
1967

Tracks
1 Don't Come Home a Drinkin' (With Lovin' on Your Mind)
2 I Really Don't Want to Know
3 Tommorow Never Comes
4 There Goes My Everything
5 The Shoe Goes on the Other Foot Tonight
6 Saint to Sinner
7 The Devil Gets His Dues
8 I Can't Keep Away from You
9 I'm Living in Two Worlds
10 Get What 'Cha Got and Go
11 Making Plans
12 I Got Caught


Amanda: I just flew in from Chicago and boy are my arms tired!  But seriously folks...


As you may or may not have figured out, I am a bit discombobulated after my voyages.  I really didn't feel like doing this, but I already skipped two days so I decided to go for it.  Aren't you glad I decided to write this fantastic review?


Another country album which should please no one.  Lynn's voice got on my nerves and the music was mediocre.


RATING: 2/5

99. I'm a Lonesome Fugitive

I'm a Lonesome Fugitive
Merle Haggard
1967

Tracks
1. I'm A Lonesome Fugitive
2. All Of Me Belongs To You
3. House Of Memories
4. Life In A Prison
5. Whatever Happened To Me
6. Drink Up And Be Somebody
7. Someone Told My Story
8. If You Want To Be My Woman
9. Mary's Mine
10. Skid Row
11. My Rough And Rowdy Ways
12. Mixed Up Mess Of A Heart


Amanda: This album is really just a throwback to the Louvin Brothers!  I hate the Louvin Brothers.


So what's with all the country albums being about gruesome murders?  Murders without motive to boot.  Why would anyone want to date these men when they are singing about killing girls they love? Merle Haggard already had a record; if I was a police officer, I would consider this a confession.


Ordinary country music with ordinary lyrics.  In other words, upsetting and obnoxious.


RATING: 2/5

56. Bert Jansch

Bert Jansch
Bert Jansch
1965

Tracks
1. Strolling Down The Highway
2. Smokey River
3. Oh How Your Love Is Strong
4. I Have No Time
5. Finches
6. Veronica
7. Needle Of Death
8. Do You Hear Me Now
9. Rambling's Gonna Be The Death Of Me
10. Alice's Wonderland
11. Running From Home
12. Courting Blues
13. Casbah
14. Dreams Of Love
15. Angie

Amanda: Could it be?  A country-esque album that I like?  Damn, are the planets aligning again?

I have been a little bit stressed today and Jansch's voice is very calming and peaceful.  He sounds like a major drifter which I always like in men.  The songs are mostly about constantly moving from place to place.  I pictured him strumming his guitar and camping, looking at the stars which was a very peaceful image for me.  So maybe it is just what I needed today but I loved it.

RATING:

Brie: Well, it is no surprise that I love folk music. This was such a pleasant album to listen to. Bert Jansch's Scotish accent comes through at times, which makes him all the more charming. Also, his accent reminds me of one of my favorite musicians of all time, Alexi Murdoch, who is also Scottish and plays a similar style of guitar centered folk. Many songs sound very Nick Drake-ish. I can also find the similarity between Drake and Jansch that they both write music that is very melancholy, but in the sweetest possible way. One thing that is so impressive about this album is that it is recorded with just one guitar being played. I don't find Jansch as eloquent or extraordinary as other songwriters I have heard, but his songs are beautiful in spite of that. I mean, come on the guy has a some big names to live up to. One of the reasons that this album was so influential is that the guitar playing was so inventive that it inspired such iconic musicians as Marianne Faithfull and Niel Young.

RATING: