The Statler Brothers - 30th Anniversary Celebration
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Free Music Notes for 30th Anniversary Celebration
Free Music Review: Brilliant collection of a unique quartet
Hit: 5 Stars
The line-up of the Statler brothers was Harold Reid, Lew DeWitt, Phil Balsley and Don Reid (Harold's brother) when they cut their first record, and the only line-up change since then was when Lew had to withdraw in 1982 because of vocal problems. Jimmy Fortune replaced him. Very few groups in any genre of popular music remain as stable over such a period of time, although there have been others - the Four Tops stayed together for over 40 years.This collection is presented in chronological order, with my favorite Statler songs tending to be those from the first CD, although there are many excellent songs throughout the collection.
The Statlers sang about a variety of things, but nostalgia was one of their trademarks. Normally, when singers want to go back in time, they record covers of songs from the era they want to remember. The Statlers adopted a different approach - they wrote new songs about the old days - and about old movies. Good examples include The class of '57 (about the people they went to school with, and what happened to them), Silver medals and sweet memories (about a war widow), Whatever happened to Randolph Scott? (a song which prompted the actor to meet the Statlers), Carry me back and Do you remember these?
The Statlers also liked a good joke - several of their songs are very amusing. Among these are Small, small world (about two men who's girlfriends are very similar), How to be a country star (about the major country stars of 1979 - this may seem a bit dated now), You can't have your Kate and Edith too and Ruthless (about a man being rejected by Ruth).
The Statlers recorded other types of song too, including love songs and gospel songs - but whatever they chose to sing, their quartet harmony singing remains one of the most recognisable sounds in country music history, so even their cover versions sound distinctive - listen to their versions of Hello Mary Lou and Amazing Grace.
This box contains 62 songs and an interesting booklet, which includes track listings of all their original albums, many of which are now out of print. Because of that, this is the only way you can currently buy many of these songs, and it's much better value than their greatest hits collections.
Free Music Review: All the best of the Statler Brothers...Well, Almost
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a fantastic compilation of all their hits, with one exception. With all the great songs in this set, I can't understand why they left out "Don't Forget Yourself". (From the "10th Anniversary Album").Not withstanding that exception, the 3 CD set is enjoyable beyond words!
It's hard to believe that it's already been 20 years since Jimmy Fortune stepped in for Lew DeWitt...I'm feeling VERY old!
Free Music Review: The Best of the Statler Brothers
Hit: 5 Stars
Any Statler Brothers fan will love this box set. From "Flowers on the Wall" to "Elizabeth", this box set takes you back in time when the Statler Brothers generated a string of hits after their stint with Johnny Cash. Their harmonies, musicianship, and their uncanny ability to write and perform songs that are truly American are captured in this box set. This set also includes many pictures and notes of the group including the departure (sadly) of Lew Dewitt and the discovery of Jimmy Fortune (whom I also enjoy). You cannot go wrong with purchasing this set.Free Music Review: With just 1 error of note, exceptional!
Hit: 5 Stars
Truly a masterpiece, and a must for any Statler's fan. There is one error I must point out, on disc 4, the version of How Great Thou Art is actually the earlier version featuring the late Lew DeWitt, and not the Jimmy Fortune version as listed in the liner notes. I agree with one reviewer regarding Mr. Autry, that great tribute to cowboy star Gene Autry featured on the 1979 album The Originals, however to be fair, Mr. Autry was never released as a single. A song that was released on a single and is not included in this set is Whatever, a cute and peppy song with a great play on words, the type that the Statlers do so well. This song was on The Legend Goes On album, released in 1982, and is , I believe, the last album with Lew DeWitt as a member of the group. Regardless, the box set is a keeper! I challenge anyone over the age of 40 to listen to That Summer on Disc 1, a bittersweet narrative by Harold, without choking up! I originally purchased the cassette tape version, and as a cross country truck driver I wore out 2 copies before buying a CD player( on Amazon.com, of course!) for my truck, and the CD version of this set. I reccomend it to everyone!Free Music Review: The Statler Brothers in Wisconsin Dells
Hit: 5 Stars
The Statler brothers are truly the best singer/performers ever. They don't only sing great but they're funny. The two qualities combined make them my favorite country and gospel band. I took my mom to see The Statler Brothers for her birthday in Stevens Point Wisconsin. I think I probably enjoyed their show as much if not more than she did! Since then I've been to see them three other times and would love to see them in concert again. Harold is truly my favorite to be honest, but they're all great!