AC Reviews

[geraldine]

Jerry- This may be hard to believe but true. I was at a store yesterday and there were some marked down cds. I found on oldie of Barry Manilow's and when I got home and opened it, there was no cd in it.  What to do now. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!

[ACcountryFan]

Where in the world did you buy this CD!? I never buy anything from a discount bin or a mark down shelf until i inspect it first

If a CD or a DVD doesn't contain a factory sealed wrapper on it i open it up and look at it and see if it's in good shape if i wanted it that bad. If i ever had that happen to me i'd just throw the empty case away and never buy anything from a mark down bin again.

The quote below is from Billboard magazine. FAN FAIR, called the CMT Music Festival for the last several years, had an up-swing in attendance this year:

As previously reported, the festival, held June 5-8 in Nashville, notched record numbers with an average daily attendance of about 52,000 -- up 9% over last year. A total of 180 acts performed more than 34 hours of concerts at a wide range of venues, including LP Field and RiverFront Park.

[ACcountryFan]

Title: George Jones: The Hits...Then 'Til Now
Artist: George Jones
Label: Time Life
Year of Release: 2008

This box set contains 3 CD's chock full of George Jones classics and his latter day recordings which are sure to become "classics" as the years go by. The box set comes with a lovely booklet...filled with pictures and biographical data and it's a color booklet, not black and white. There are quite a few pictures i had not seen before and some i've seen once and hadn't seen again until i browsed through the booklet. The songs are listed in the back of the book with chart data and record label/catalog number information perhaps only interesting to historians. This box set is also affordable compared to some that may be available.

Almost 15 years have passed since THE ESSENTIAL GEORGE JONES box set was released and so this one contains a third CD and includes, of course, a lot more material than the 1994 box set. This one doesn't go in chronological order...which may irritate some who would prefer box set collections go in yearly order from song to song. For example, "She Thinks I Still Care" kicks off CD #2. That single was a #1 from 1962...but CD #1 closes with his 1970 hit "A Good Year For the Roses". This collection contains his original take on "Tall, Tall Trees" which often goes un-noticed on retrospective collections. "What Am I Worth", "Seasons of My Heart", and "The Last Town I Painted" are also welcome additions seldom omitted from other collections.

The second CD features a few more hits from the mid to late 1960's and then ventures into the early Epic recordings during the 1970's and selects the biggest hit songs of that period instead of the more obscure hit songs. The last song on CD #2 is a rarity, a gospel song called "I Can't Find It Here" from his 1974 IN A GOSPEL WAY album. The third CD contains 1980's and 1990's material picked at random, pretty much, plus one song from 2001. There are 20 songs on each CD...all original recordings...i couldn't detect any re-recordings.

One of the interesting if not strange oddities about this collection was no inclusion of his 1999 hit "Choices". Instead, an album track from the 1999 COLD HARD TRUTH album is featured, "When The Last Curtain Falls". The last song on CD #3 is "Tramp On Your Street", from his THE ROCK album from 2001. For those curious, the actual hit songs from THE ROCK were "The Man He Was", "50,000 Names", and "Beer Run", the latter a duet with Garth Brooks. However, given this is a box set showcasing the music of George Jones, it's a perfect way to close out a collection with a song dedicated to Hank Williams, one of George's biggest influences...and "Tramp On Your Street" is a good choice to close out the collection.

[ACcountryFan]

LeAnn Rimes: The Last 12 Years; 1996-2008

1. 1996: Blue #10-country; #26-pop; #1-Canada; #10-Australia; #23-United Kingdom

2. 1996: Hurt Me #43-country

3. 1996: One Way Ticket #1-country

4. 1997: Put a Little Holiday In Your Heart  #51-country

5. 1997: Unchained Melody  #3-country

6. 1997: The Light in Your Eyes #5-country

7. 1997: How Do I Live #42-country; #2-pop; #7-United Kingdom; #1- Adult Contemporary*

8. 1997: You Light Up My Life #48-country; #34-pop

9. 1998: On The Side of Angels #4-country

10. 1998: Looking Through Your Eyes  #18-pop; #4- Adult Contemporary

11. 1998: Commitment  #4-country

12. 1998: Nothin' New Under the Moon  #10-country; #7-Canada

13. 1998: Feels Like Home  #17- Adult Contemporary

14. 1999: These Arms of Mine  #41-country

15. 1999: Crazy  #36-United Kingdom

16. 1999: Cattle Call-duet with Eddy Arnold  #18-Country Single Sales***

17. 1999: Big Deal  #6-country; #29-pop; #3-Canada; #10-United Kingdom

18. 1999: Written in the Stars-duet with Elton John  #1- Adult Contemporary; #23-pop

19. 2000: I Need You  #2-country; #8- Adult Contemporary; #11-pop; #13-United Kingdom

20. 2000: Can't Fight the Moonlight  #15- Adult Contemporary; #61-pop; #71-country**

21. 2001: God Bless America #51-country

22. 2001: Can't Fight the Moonlight  #17-Dance club chart**

23. 2001: But I Do Love You  #18-country

24. 2002: Soon  #14- Adult Contemporary

25. 2002: Life Goes On  #60-country; #9- Adult Contemporary; #11-United Kingdom

26. 2002: Can't Fight the Moonlight  #11-pop; #1-United Kingdom; #1-Ireland; #1-Australia**

27. 2003: We Can  #16- Adult Contemporary; #19-Dance club chart; #27-United Kingdom

28. 2003: Tic Toc  #10-Dance club chart

29. 2003: Suddenly  #43-country

30. 2004: This Love  #37-country; #26-Ireland

31. 2004: The Last Thing on My Mind-duet with Ronan Keating  #16- Adult Contemporary; #5-United Kingdom; #10-Ireland

32. 2004: O Holy Night  #14- Adult Contemporary

33. 2004: Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree  #3- Adult Contemporary; #48-country

34. 2005: Nothin' 'Bout Love Makes Sense  #5-country; #52-pop; #1-Canada

35. 2005: Probably Wouldn't Be This Way  #3-country; #54-pop; #19-Canada

36. 2005: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas  #60-country

37. 2005: A Different Kind of Christmas  #50-country

38. 2006: Something's Gotta Give  #2-country; #51-pop

39. 2006: Some People  #34-country

40. 2006: Probably Wouldn't Be This Way  #8- Adult Contemporary

41. 2006: And It Feels Like  #22-United Kingdom; #24-Ireland

42. 2007: Everybody's Someone-duet with Brian McFadden  #48-United Kingdom; #27-Ireland

43. 2007: Nothin' Better To Do  #14-country; #73-pop; #16- Adult Contemporary; #8-Dance club chart

44. 2007: Til We Ain't Strangers Anymore-duet with Jon Bon Jovi  #47-country

45. 2008: Good Friend and a Glass of Wine  #35-country

*- The single "How Do I Live" from 1997 remained on the Hot 100 pop chart a total of 69 weeks and was a million seller and was #1 on the Country Singles Sales chart throughout the remainder of 1997 and into 1998.

**- "Can't Fight the Moonlight" had an interesting chart run. It initially was a hit based on it's inclusion on a movie soundtrack, COYOTE UGLY. Then it continued to come back to life as Curb released the single a couple times at various radio formats. It's last release to radio came in 2002 where it reached it's highest peak, #11 pop, and it became an international hit song reaching #1 in three different countries: Ireland, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The 2001 incarnation of the song was a dance club re-mix.

***- "Cattle Call" was a duet with Eddy Arnold that was recorded in 1996 and it on the BLUE album. It was issued as a limited edition commercial single in 1999 and as a result hit the Singles Sales chart and peaked at #18. It didn't chart on the airplay lists.

[lolita]

 

AC, I never thought LeAnn had that many albums, I know she started very young but dang, those are a lot of albums, I only had one. She sure accomplishes so much in such a young age. Thanks for the info; I will look for her albums when I come back from my trip.

[ACcountryFan]

  Oh, those aren't "albums". Those are the singles that she and Curb released to radio down through the last 12 years. In this era of country music, artists issue more singles off of their albums. This is why LeAnn can have so many singles in such a short period of time. Artists who are around for 20 or 25 years typically have 40 or more hit songs...but in 12 years she'd had 45 hit singles.

[ACcountryFan]

  Stevens, Nichols delight crowd

By Elizabeth Summers

The Reporter    

July 1, 2008

Boaz is known as the home of good shopping and bargains. Saturday night it became home to comedy with a concert featuring Ray Stevens and comedian Mike Nichols. The pair hammed it up before an estimated 30,000 fans late into the night. Rounding out the evening was a fireworks show.

On a stage simply set with a small band, two backup singers and a piano, Stevens sang his best-known hits, including “Ahab the Arab,” “Everything is Beautiful” and “The Streak.” A large projection screen hung from stage right, providing the spectators in the back of the crowd a better view than in the past.

Warming up the crowd were performances from The Whole Backstage and three Boaz Middle School students who won first place in the statewide National History Day competition. The trio recently returned from national competition, but did not place.

Prior to the show, Stevens prepared for the concert in his large, black tour bus. He has only recently returned to performing on the road, after taking a two- to three-year break.

“This is only my third show on the road since being back on the road,” Stevens said.

“Like all things in life, everything has its pluses and minuses. I like playing before crowds live, like this show, but there is also something to be said for doing theater shows.”

Stevens said he was unsure how many more concerts he would play this year, as he has recently signed with the William Morris Agency and “will leave all planning up to them.”

Both Stevens’ and Nichols’ backgrounds include performing in their own theaters.

Nichols’ theater, the Ozark Mountain Hoedown, in Arkansas, was the springboard for his two best-known characters, “Posture Pedic” and “Tater Patches.”

Both characters discuss some off-the-beaten-path subjects, including how to identify bear droppings to his “do-nay-shun” box.

Nichols’ background also includes acting as a comedian for popular country and honky-tonk singer Moe Bandy.

“I love (performing). I think it is awesome here in Boaz. One of the police officers took me on a tour. It is a neat little town. He talked to me about the industries and businesses around. It is a great little town.

“We appreciate the mayor for bringing me and Ray (Stevens) to town. He has been nothing but good to us since we arrived.”

Neither man can label the show with a specific style, other than to say it will be funny and family-friendly.

RAY STEVENS

There was no review posted on-line anywhere about Ray's concert in late June in Thackerville at a casino out there. His third concert will be on August 8th. It's a mini-tour...with concerts here and there.

[lolita]

On a stage simply set with a small band, two backup singers and a piano, Stevens sang his best-known hits, including “Ahab the Arab,” “Everything is Beautiful” and “The Streak.” A large projection screen hung from stage right, providing the spectators in the back of the crowd a better view than in the past.

AC, the passage above reminds me of Clay's concert thanks for posting the article, well you be attending any of Ray's concert? I don't know who Mike Nichols is?

Thanks for the explanation on LeAnn's singles.

[ACcountryFan]

On a stage simply set with a small band, two backup singers and a piano, Stevens sang his best-known hits, including “Ahab the Arab,” “Everything is Beautiful” and “The Streak.” A large projection screen hung from stage right, providing the spectators in the back of the crowd a better view than in the past.

AC, the passage above reminds me of Clay's concert thanks for posting the article, well you be attending any of Ray's concerts? I don't know who Mike Nichols is?

  Yes! I'll be attending Ray's concert in Kentucky in a couple of weeks! It's sneaking up on me...i hadn't had time to think about it much because i bought the tickets so far in advance. The concert is August 9th at 7pm and my sister and I will have to be out on the road for awhile making the trek...but this concert was the only closest one to me as far as geographics are concerned...it wasn't until a few weeks after i bought the tickets that it was announced he would be in Indiana on August 10th! If i had known, i would've bought tickets for that show instead of the Kentucky show because the drive is incredibly longer to the Kentucky show in comparison to the Indiana concert the following night. So, yes, i'll be attending the August 9th concert...it will be my first and perhaps only Ray Stevens concert...given that he doesn't tour often and when he does, it usually isn't near Ohio.

Mike Nichols is a supporting player...he isn't a nationally known celebrity...

[lolita]

Congrats on your Ray Stevens’ concert AC, and since this is your first concert, I can’t wait to read your recap. I’m sorry the Indiana concert was announced late.

[ACcountryFan]

Congrats on your Ray Stevens’ concert AC, and since this is your first concert, I can’t wait to read your recap. I’m sorry the Indiana concert was announced late.

Thanks for the commentary! Yes, i was a bit upset when i learned Ray would be in Indiana the following night but i'm still looking forward to the Kentucky show. I wouldn't be able to make two concerts back to back anyway. I'll be worn out and ready for bed when i return from Ray's concert which will be at some point well after midnight when you factor in travel from the place. 

[ACcountryFan]

The link below is about the death of Estelle Getty, one of the cast-members of THE GOLDEN GIRLS. In case the story gets removed, i've pasted it below the link.

YAHOO NEWS

Joal Ryan Tue Jul 22, 10:45 AM ET

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Estelle Getty was a very good mother.

The actress, whose knack for being cast as a maternal unit paid off handsomely when she was cast as Beatrice Arthur's no-holds-barred mother on the long-running TV hit The Golden Girls, died early today at her Los Angeles home, her son Carl Gettleman said.

Getty, who was three days shy of her 85th birthday, succumbed to Lewy Body Dementia, a disease with symptoms that mimic Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

A perennial award nominee for The Golden Girls, which ran for seven seasons, from 1985 to 1992, Getty won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her work as Sophia Petrillo, the shuffling octogenarian with the muted self-censor button who was never without her handbag—or a wisecrack.

Arthur said today she will miss her former costar.

"Our mother-daughter relationship was one of the greatest comic duos ever," Arthur said in a statement.

The onscreen relationship worked so well, in fact, that the casual viewer never suspected the offscreen truth that was masked by Getty's granny wig and glasses: The TV daughter was older than the TV mother. (Arthur was born, depending on the source, in either May 1923 or May 1922.)

Cast as the most senior of the show's Miami women of a certain age, Getty wasn't even the second oldest cheesecake-eating Golden Girl. Betty White, who played naive Rose, also was older than Getty.

Age 62 at the time of the show's premiere, Getty was the least-well-known member of the gang of four, which was rounded out by Rue McClanahan as the hot 'n' steamy Blanche. While her costars had all been prime-time fixtures on The Mary Tyler Moore Show (White) and Maude (Arthur and McClanahan), Getty had been but a bit player whose screen career had begun seven years prior.

Theater audiences, at least, were familiar with her work. In 1982, Getty earned a Drama Desk nomination for Torch Song Trilogy, the groundbreaking Harvey Fierstein play that put the middle-aged Getty on the road to "overnight" success.

In Torch Song, Getty played Fierstein's in-denial mother. Getty, by her own account, played the mother to "everyone but Attila the Hun," including Cher (Mask) and Sylvester Stallone (Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot).

More than anything, Getty played Sophia.

NBC deployed her and her character seemingly whenever one of its shows needed a little Golden Girls ratings magic. In all, Getty showed up in Sophia guise on Blossom, Empty Nest and Nurses.

In the fall of 1992, months after The Golden Girls finally expired, Getty, White and McClanahan reteamed for the spinoff, The Golden Palace, which moved the franchise from NBC to CBS and their characters from Blanche's home to a hotel. It lasted only one season.

Getty continued to work until 2000, when her dementia became more pronounced. Her illness forced her to miss more than one reunion with her signature costars, including the 2003 TV special, The Golden Girls: Their Greatest Moments.

Born Estelle Scher on July 25, 1923, Getty set aside early acting ambitions to become a "housewife in Bayshore, Queens," as the New York Times put it in a 1982 article.

Getty, then 58, told the newspaper she thought she was too old for Broadway. But given a chance meeting with Fierstein at a party in the 1970s, the novice turned positively Sophia-esque .

"I said to him, 'If you're such a hotshot playwright, why don't you write a play with a mother in it—so I can play it,'" Getty said. "A year later he sent me this play to read. He had never seen my work, but decided I could do it."

And she could.

[ACcountryFan]

Title: Superman Three
Year of Release: 1983
Principal Stars: Christopher Reeve, Richard Pryor, Robert Vaughn, Annette O'Toole

Clickable images:



In this version of Superman we are treated to humorous plots and comic book style action that were missing from Superman and Superman Two. The third film is unfairly criticized for the very things that make the film a stand-out. The main villain of the film is Ross Webster, a businessman bent on controlling a coffee crop in South America but Colombia won't give in to his demands. He learns that one of his employee's, Gus Gorman, played by Richard Pryor, is embezzling money from the company. Gorman's character is described as frequently unemployed and once hired on at Webster's company he complains of his salary...causing him to tap into the computers and steal large sums of money from Webster. In an ironic twist, Webster doesn't fire Gorman...instead, Webster uses Gorman's computer expertise to create destruction all over the world. Assisting Webster is his sister, Vera, and his lover/secretary who isn't as dumb as she lets on.

Clark Kent, meanwhile, wants to return to Smallville and gets permission to go...there he and Lana Lang reunite. Lana was to Clark Kent in Smallville what Lois is to Superman in Metropolis if that made any sense? Lana's country girl character was always written to be more interested in "Clark Kent" while city girl reporter Lois Lane was always written to dismiss Clark but have desires for "Superman". Annette O'Toole portrays Lana Lang in the film and Margot Kidder has a few scenes as Lois Lane. The scene where the two women meet is a clash in character studies.

Amidst Webster, Vera, and Gus's manipulations of computers, Superman arrives to right their wrongs but in doing so triggers a plot devised by Webster to seek revenge on Superman. Webster recalls reading that Kryptonite is one of Superman's weaknesses. Webster then demands Gus find a way to manufacture Kryptonite. While on the computer, Gus has found a basic formula/recipe to manufacture Kryptonite but one ingredient is missing. He looks at his cigarette pack and types in the word "tar" as a missing ingredient. Later, Clark is asked by Lana to see if he could talk or ask Superman to appear at a small gathering for the community of Smallville. Superman makes his appearance...and the small gathering is in reality a town wide festival honoring Superman's arrival in Smallville. Gus, Vera, and company interrupt the festivities dressed in military disguise...driving into the throng of people in an army truck. Gus makes his way to the stage...then a mini-stand-up routine takes place as Gus exaggerates the vocalization of military leaders. Once he is through, he gives Superman a token of the military's appreciation...this token is the man-made Kryptonite. Gus walks off the stage and the festivities conclude...Superman appears to have not been affected by the Kryptonite.

Later, the effects of this man-made Kryptonite take shape...clouding Superman's judgment and causing him to become sinister. In an awkward scene, Superman attempts to have his way with Lana Lang in spite of her warning him about a potential disaster...he would have succeeded in seducing Lana had he not snapped out, for just a split second, of the Kryptonite mind control and off he flew to see if he could be of any help...learning that he arrived just seconds too late to save the fallen vehicle. Afterward the man-made Kryptonite takes full effect. In one famous or infamous scene, Superman punctures an oil rig letting thousand upon thousand of gallons of oil flood the ocean. Also, in one of the most recognized scenes from the movie, Superman is at a bar drunk and flinging peanuts at the beer and wine bottles. Another comical scene involves Superman straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa and yawning at an Olympic event, accidentally blowing out the torch the runner was carrying. Superman even has a one night stand with Webster's secretary. In hindsight, this man-made Kryptonite which was green in color had the effects of Red Kryptonite in that it didn't pose any lethal effects on Superman directly...it more or less caused/created unpredictable effects on him, which is in step with the character's depiction in comic books and cartoons.

The effects of the red Kryptonite wear off in the city's junkyard. There, Superman splits in half. The evil Superman and the good Clark Kent. The two engage in a battle...i can't call it a bloody battle because either of them aren't human to begin with. Superman appears to have the most strength but Clark continues to take everything he can...when it appears the battle is over with and Clark's seen his end in a car crushing machine, evil Superman destroys Clark's glasses...then, Clark frees himself and defeats evil Superman by strangling him. Once the evil Superman vanishes from sight as Clark continues to strangle him, it signals to the viewers that the effects of the red Kryptonite have worn off and that Clark Kent has regained control over Superman and that Superman is good again, not evil.

Webster, in the meantime, built a mega computer for Gus based on designs that Gus created himself...this is what Gus wanted in exchange for creating man-made Kryptonite. Webster, Vera, and his assistant start playing with the computer...Gus arrives to see everyone having their kicks and not long afterward Superman makes his appearance. The secretary confronts Superman and asks "do you remember me?" and Superman, being on the side of justice again, relates to her "i've not seen you before, Miss..." and she says "but the other night" and Superman asserts "that was not me". A battle at the computer soon ensues with the computer having a mind of it's own. The computer fires out a ray of green kryptonite energy at Superman, weakening him. Gus destroys the ray beam device and Superman flies off...returning with acid. The computer doesn't recognize it as harmful but it ultimately spells the end of the computer...it's chemicals interact with the computer and a massive melt down occurs. Vera is turned into a cyborg...and ultimately dies while Webster and his secretary receive their just rewards.

Later, Gus is depicted as an antihero. A bad guy with a heart of gold and Superman flies him to a work site, a coal mine. The employer offers Gus a job and after Superman leaves, Gus refuses...preferring to "walk home" in spite of how long a walk it'll be. As Clark Kent, Superman gives Lana a diamond ring to replace the one she no longer had saying it's from Superman. The diamond coming from the coal mine...Superman crushing the coal into the form of a diamond. He excuses himself and repairs the oil tanker he destroyed and straightens the Tower of Pisa to where it's leaning again. These acts help restore his reputation and Superman is seen as a good guy in the eyes of the world again after lots of destruction he caused mid-way through the movie.

All in all, the movie was entertaining and enthralling and it showcased the effects of red Kryptonite on Superman, even though in the film it was called "synthetic kryptonite" and carried a green color. The effects of it were in step with red Kryptonite. Richard Pryor, for all the complaints he's gotten and the producers/writers of the movie and all the complaints they've gotten, I couldn't find anything in the movie that lived up to all of the negative comments. Pryor at his core is a comedian...I wouldn't expect anything serious and heavy hitting from him on film and so I wasn't disappointed. It's a fun movie all-around.

[Prissy]

AC,

I am here to read about your Ray Stevens Concert, but maybe that is in the OCD?  Anyway, I enjoyed seeing the list of songs by Leann Rimes.

"How do I Live Without You" was quite a favorite of our two granddaughters.  When I would play the CD with that song in the car, they would argue about who was going to sing along with Leann!! 

I also really like  "I Want to be a ________ Cowboy.  I want to learn to rope and ride... "  I cannot remember the word before Cowboy!! .


Skip and I still enjoy watching a GOLDEN GIRLS episode when it is repeated late at night.  Estelle Getty(Sophia) always had the best and funniest lines.


I thought I had seen all the SUPERMAN movies, but the one you summarize is only vaguely familiar.  I do remember Richard Pryor being in one of the movies.

[Prissy]

AC,

I think your Ray Stevens concert review may have disappeared with all the posts that were lost after Aug. 6/7!!

[ACcountryFan]

Prissy...you are right about the concert post! I re-posted it on the OCD yesterday and so I think you saw it? If you hadn't seen it, it oughta be there on one of the last pages. If you can't find it right away you can go to my on-line profile by clicking my screen name and go down and click "show posts of this member" and then a page opens up with a lot of my posts on display...and it'll be easier to find it.

  SUPERMAN THREE was a money maker in 1983 but it wasn't a critical success because of Pryor's involvement. He received second billing after Christopher Reeve but Pryor had most of the key scenes. The story had to do with Clark Kent going back to his home town of Smallville and reuniting with Lana Lang, the woman he was attracted to before moving off to Metropolis and becoming attracted to Lois Lane at the Daily Planet. Superman was also exposed to man-made kryptonite which took on the personality of red kryptonite and caused Superman's personality to turn evil. So, there were plenty of things out of left field brought into the movie and as most people know, when you "tamper" with a superhero or alter the story in even the slightest way, the hardcore fans are going to come out of the woodwork crying foul play. So, the movie was not as bad as critics and hardcore Superman fans would have you believing BUT they are a very loud fan base when it comes to this movie and most of the complaints are about Richard Pryor and the writers wanting to turn the movie franchise into a comedy and not stick with it being a superhero fantasy/adventure.

[ACcountryFan]

Title: Burn Your Playhouse Down-The Unreleased Duets
Primary Artist: George Jones
Year of Release 2008
Label: Bandit

This duets CD from George Jones is essential hearing in my opinion. I gave the CD five stars because each and every duet is great. The duets range from 1977, 1988, 1994, and more recently 2006. The most recent recording, "You and Me and Time", is the kick off track. It is a duet with Georgette, his daughter with Tammy. Georgette in places sounds like Tammy. This isn't the first time the two have recorded together, though. If you've been a fan for decades like i have you'll all remember George and Georgette's song "Daddy Come Home" on the 1981 SAME OLE ME album. However, that recording took place when Georgette was 11 i think? This 12 song duet fest runs the gamut of emotions and besides the duet with his daughter another highlight is the 1977 duet with Tammy herself, "Lovin' You, Lovin' Me". It's a sing-a-long song in the tradition of "We Loved It Away". The fold-out cover features a picture of George and Tammy from 1977 and a picture of George and Georgette from 2006. Sonny Throckmorton is the credited songwriter of "Lovin' You, Lovin' Me". Georgette is listed as a co-writer of the song she sang with George.

Keith Richards appears singing with George on the title track, "Burn Your Playhouse Down". The duet was recorded in 1994 and left off THE BRADLEY BARN SESSIONS. In fact, as i mentioned earlier, all of these duets with the exception of "You and Me and Time" were all recorded 14 years ago or more. The pace is slowed down on "When The Grass Grows Over Me" from the 1968 original. George and Mark Chesnutt trade lines on that recording. One of the other highlights among the many is the duet "Rockin Years" with Dolly Parton. This recording took place in 1988 and it's interesting that three years later the song would be a hit for Dolly and Ricky Van Shelton. Dolly's recording sounds similar to the way she sang it with Ricky in 1991...in fact, i wouldn't be surprised if Ricky didn't over-dub his voice in place of George's to create his and Dolly's recording. George sings the song very differently than Dolly and so you can hear George singing the song in a different melody while Dolly is singing in the style of which people will be more accustomed to.

Another song from the 1988 era is "Tavern Choir" with songwriter Jim Lauderdale that has a good hand clapping feel to it. Having THE BRADLEY BARN SESSIONS as I do it's fun to hear the songs that were recorded for that project that didn't make the final cut. Marty Stuart appears on "You're Still On My Mind" with George but the cut that made the 1994 project was "I'm A One Woman Man". Marty and George really get into the lyrics of "You're Still On My Mind" with George doing even more vocal bending on this particular performance than any other on this CD. Guitarist Mark Knopfler appears on this CD on the track "I Always Get Lucky With You". The recording features George singing the first verse and chorus and Mark singing the close.

Oh...another highlight is "I Always Get It Right With You", a duet from 1988 with Shelby Lynne. The two of them recorded a minor hit in 1988 called "If I Could Bottle This Up" and "I Always Get It Right With You" came from that session. It might be just my ears but parts of that song sound similar in melody to Steve Wariner's hit "What I Didn't Do", which George himself recorded on his album THE ROCK in 2001. The picture of George on the front of the CD i believe is a 1978 picture? I've seen it before...it's in the box set THE ESSENTIAL GEORGE JONES...but i forget if it's a 1977 or 1978 picture. I hope this becomes a good seller for George...it has all the ingredients...and there's nothing like hearing unreleased material from vintage George Jones...and i know we're talking about mostly 1988 and 1994 recordings but vintage is certainly the way i describe these duets.

This CD of unreleased duets stands as a reminder of just how many duets George Jones has recorded in his career and it also stands as a look-back on the recordings that never made it onto the duet projects of FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES and BRADLEY BARN SESSIONS respectively. The opening number with daughter Georgette and closing number with his late ex-wife and duet partner Tammy Wynette, capture the essence of George Jones in a personal way.

Here is a break-down of the songs on this CD and the year in which they were recorded:

1. You and Me and Time-with Georgette; 2006

2. The Window Up Above-with Leon Russell; 1994

3. She Once Lived Here-with Ricky Skaggs; 1994

4. Rockin' Years-with Dolly Parton; 1988

5. Burn Your Playhouse Down-with Keith Richards; 1994

6. Selfishness In Man-with Vince Gill; 1994

7. Tavern Choir-with Jim Lauderdale; 1988

8. I Always Get It Right With You-with Shelby Lynne; 1988

9. When The Grass Grows Over Me-with Mark Chesnutt; 1994

10. I Always Get Lucky With You-with Mark Knopfler; 1994

11. You're Still On My Mind-with Marty Stuart; 1994

12. Lovin' You, Lovin' Me-with Tammy Wynette; 1977

For those who do not know, THE BRADLEY BARN SESSIONS was a duet project from 1994 where George went in and re-recorded a lot of his classic hits but recorded them as duets. This is why the 1994 duets are previous hit songs for George. The 1994 project was recorded at Bradley's Barn in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Owen Bradley, the legendary producer at MCA, had converted a barn into a recording studio in the mid 1960's. The original barn burned to the ground, though, in 1980 or 1981, and then an up-dated barn was built and made into a recording studio as well. Owen passed away a few years back.

FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES on the other hand was a duet project released in 1991 and that project featured 10 duet recordings. One of the recordings was from 1984 and another from 1990 while the rest of the songs were recorded in 1988 and 1991. Three duet recordings from 1988 that never made it onto FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES were added to this new BURN YOUR PLAYHOUSE DOWN project.

BURN YOUR PLAYHOUSE DOWN should be a good seller as i mentioned...but only time will tell. I hope it wins a Grammy if nominated.

[ACcountryFan]

 

Album titles: Ray Stevens Greatest Hits
Artist: Ray Stevens
Years of Release: 1971, 1975
Label: Barnaby Records

I thought it would be interesting to spotlight two compilation albums from Ray Stevens during the 1970's. The album covers feature the same picture only the later release has a brighter hint whereas the first album isn't enhanced. They are both the same album...but a slightly different design on the album cover.

Track list:
Everything Is Beautiful; 1970
Gitarzan; 1969
Ahab the Arab; 1969 re-recording
Mr. Businessman; 1968
Along Came Jones; 1969
Bridget the Midget; 1970
Unwind; 1968
America, Communicate With Me; 1970
Harry the Hairy Ape; 1969 re-recording
Have A Little Talk With Myself; 1969
Isn't It Lonely Together; 1968
 


In 1975 there was a retrospective released called THE VERY BEST OF RAY STEVENS...I assume because Barnaby had re-issued the 1971 album in 1975 and because it didn't contain any recent hit singles i'm thinking that is why this collection emerged in 1975...



Title: The Very Best of Ray Stevens
Artist: Ray Stevens
Year of Release: 1975
Label: Barnaby Records

Track list
Misty; 1975
Unwind; 1968
Turn Your Radio On; 1971
Everything Is Beautiful; 1970
Mr Businessman; 1968
Indian Love Call; 1975
The Streak; 1974
Jeremiah Peabody's Green & Purple Pills; 1961
Nashville; 1973
Moonlight Special; 1974
Gitarzan; 1969
Ahab The Arab; 1969 re-recording

[ACcountryFan]

This particular Ray Stevens album contains 10 of early Ray madness and love songs. The album cover depicts the standard performing style of "teen idol" pop singers of that era...crooning to the audience...leaning in toward the microphone...hovering over a stage. Ray was never classified as a "teen idol" even though his love songs rate among the best of the time period. His knack for comedy songs...considered novelty songs or "zany songs" in some circles at the time...prevented a lot of legitimacy to be heaped upon him when it came to being looked at as a "teen idol" in the style of Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, or Bobby Darrin just to name three. One listen to this album, specifically the teen ballads, and one could possibly walk away with the belief that Ray had what it took to compete with any of them but his commercial success with comedy recordings got in the way.

The love ballads on this particular album are:

1. Funny Man
2. Loved and Lost
3. Little Stone Statue
4. It's Been So Long
5. Just One Of Life's Little Tragedies

Sprinkled throughout are five comedy songs:

1. Ahab the Arab
2. Jeremiah Peabody's Green and Purple Pills
3. Saturday Night at the Movies
4. Harry the Hairy Ape
5. Speed Ball

Five of the ten songs on this collection made appearances on the music charts:

1. Jeremiah Peabody's Green and Purple Pills; 1961 #35-Hot 100
2. Ahab the Arab; 1962 #5-Hot 100  #9-R&B
3. Funny Man; 1963  #81-Hot 100
4. Harry the Hairy Ape; 1963  #17-Hot 100  #14-R&B
5. Speed Ball; 1964  #59-Hot 100  #29-R&B

The other five songs were B-sides:

1. It's Been So Long was the b-side of Ahab the Arab

2. Little Stone Statue was the b-side of Harry the Hairy Ape

3. Just One Of Life's Little Tragedies was the b-side of Funny Man

4. Loved and Lost was the b-side of his Christmas song "Santa Claus Is Watching You", which was not included on this album

5. Saturday Night at the Movies was the b-side of "Furthermore", which was not included on this album.

[ACcountryFan]

Challenge of the Superfriends was a cartoon show that aired for a single season, 1978-1979. This version of the series aired in second half hour of an hour-long program. The first half hour featured adventures of Batman and Robin, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, and the Wonder Twins and their pet, Gleek. The second half hour featured the first five superhero's I mentioned plus six more: Samauri, Green Lantern, Hawkman, Flash, Black Vulcan, and Apache Chief. The second half hour also featured 13 super-villains that up until that point in time had not appeared on any previous Superfriends incarnation. The villains made up the group known as The Legion of Doom. The Superfriends were also referred to as The Justice League. The headquarters of the Superfriends was the Hall of Justice. The villains hid out in a swamp inside a flying fortress known as the Hall of Doom.

The Legion of Doom:

1. Lex Luthor
2. Brainiac
3. Bizarro
4. Sinestro
5. Black Manta
6. Solomon Grundy
7. Scarecrow
8. Riddler
9. Toyman
10. Cheetah
11. Grodd
12. Captain Cold
13. Giganta

Each of those villains were typically written in stories opposite their adversaries, usually. Also, because there was such a large cast a lot of the villains and hero's went their separate ways and as a result sub-plots were created where usually 6 or 7 from each side had the bulk of a story one episode and it alternated each episode. The one constant was Lex Luthor's plots to destroy the Superfriends and control the galaxy...or the universe...depending on his ambition in that episode.

In one of the episodes Lex takes a backseat to Toyman and the Riddler as well as Brainiac, who has invented a device in which when operated circles the Earth in energy waves and then the Earth vanishes from the solar system...or as it was intended, it "appears" that the Earth has vanished. The reason? Black Vulcan, Wonder Woman, and Hawkman are in outer space helping NASA. Brainiac's device makes the Earth appear to vanish...causing the three Superfriends to search for it. Toyman gets into the act by imitating Superman's voice...in a distress message that "Earth...in sector 21...need help...". Soon, the three Superfriends are on a mission to search for the Earth. The clues lead them to a black hole where all three are pulled through and land on Toyman's artificial planet of toy traps. Meanwhile, on Earth, Batman ponders the long over-due Superfriends from space and the Riddler then gets into the act...sending the remaining Superfriends on a wild goose chase all over the galaxy with riddles and clues. Superman and the rest eventually find the black hole...he and Green Lantern fly into it and find Hawkman, Wonder Woman, and Black Vulcan. Superman and Green Lantern fuse into one person, combining their powers, in an effort to help the other three escape the black hole, which was minutes away from closing up...potentially trapping the three "in a black oblivion forever" as Toyman gleefully informed them.

That was just ONE of the episodes...there were 16 in all...lots of interwoven action and sub-plots adding to the adventure.
=========================================

Further information about Bizarro...



These are clickable images...



The character in the comic books of that time period didn't wear the backward S on his suit, which is now a traditional symbol for Bizarro, since in a lot of ways he's the backward version of Superman. The suit he wore at the time was just like Superman's. On the cartoons, Bizarro's "S" is backwards.

Bizarro and the rest of the inhabitants of Bizarro World had their own comic book simply called TALES OF THE BIZARRO WORLD. Bizarro originally was played as a comical, mis-guided imperfect duplicate of Superman with an entire planet, square in shape, populated by citizens who looked like Superman and Lois Lane. During this point in time, the main Bizarro character wore a gold medal on his chest proclaiming him to be the #1 Bizarro out of the hundreds on the planet. The character was transformed from being a comical reverse of Superman into a major villain for the SUPERFRIENDS cartoon series. On the cartoon series, Bizarro speaks in broken English just as his dialogue was written in the comic books but his dialogue wasn't intended to be taken backwards in the cartoons speaking rather direct and to the point. In the comic books if Bizarro were to say "Me Bizarro going to hit you!" then Bizarro would end up hugging or kissing someone...making it comical since he had said the opposite of what his intent was. In the cartoons, Bizarro saying "Bizarro going to destroy Superfriends, ha ha ha ha!" meant he was going to really try and destroy them. It was a slight tweak in the character's personality where he didn't speak the opposite of what his intent would be. To some comic book purists, tweaking Bizarro's personality is not acceptable.

Bizarro appeared on a good majority of CHALLENGE OF THE SUPERFRIENDS...he was always seen in the group shots but only a few episodes dealt with Bizarro as the lead villain of the episode. "Giants of Doom" is the episode of the series in which Bizarro invents a growth ray that turns himself, Sinestro, Toyman, and Captain Cold into giants. In the episode "Wanted: The Superfriends", Luthor invents a device that transforms all of Earth's population into Bizarro and Cheetah faced villains. Bizarro, amidst a fury of robbers robbing the city blind, takes notice of the surroundings and says to the camera: "What we have here? Looks like Bizarro have new friends...soon Earth be like Bizarro World" meaning all that was needed was to make the Earth square in shape like Bizarro World.

The character appeared on a few of the syndicated short episodes of the early 1980's specifically "Revenge of Bizarro" and "Bizarro World". Later, during the 1985 version of the series, Bizarro makes a return visit teaming up with Mr Mxyzptlk in the episode "The Bizarro Super Powers Team", the character voiced by Danny Dark...the long-time voice of Superman.