Country Style U.S.A. Season 3 (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)From 1957 to 1961 a black-and-white country music program was produced by the U. S. Army and aired in syndication on TV stations around the country. These shows featured major country stars (and plenty of minor ones and unknowns) and were much like the half hour country shows that are better remembered today only these ran just fifteen minutes with an Army enlistment spot and short plugs for recruitment. The Germany-based "classic popular music" record company Bear Family Records has now released four "season" sets from this ultra-rare program that come in an attractive cardboard case resembling a leather wallet and with a 28-page booklet on the singers on the program (the text is in English and the DVD is a Multi-region disc.)
This DVD is for "Season Three". The booklet is well written by country historian Colin Elscott but has a major mistake in somehow overlooking June Carter with their info on the Carter Family. Curiously, while able to track down data on all but one of the half dozen hitless obscure singers here Elscott seems oblivious as to who this season's host Private Jody McCrea is as there's not only nothing on him but his name is mispelled McCrae (McCrea, as many film buffs would know, is the son of movie stars Joel McCrea and Frances Dee and a fairly well-known actor in his own right in B movies of the 1960's). There's also no date information about just when these episodes aired or were filmed but I am guessing 1959 by the fact that none of the hits sung are later than 1958. Nor is it clear if these 13 episodes are the full "season three" that aired that year or if they were more episodes (though 13 seems credible if this was a weekly program with each episode airing twice.)
The print quality of these shows varies, "very good" is about as good as it gets, none are terrible but many are scratchy or grainy. Still, this set is surely a treasure for country music buffs of the period with great performances by such superstars as Eddy Arnold, Marty Robbins, Ray Price, Faron Young, Skeeter Davis, Hank Snow, Carl Smith, Chet Atkins, and The Wilburn Brothers as well as such durable enterainers as George Morgan, The Carter Sisters, Benny Martin, Mac Wiseman, Del Wood, and Ferlin Husky. There are also about five acts that I've never heard of who apparently did not have any charting records, one suspects this is part because as a program produced by the Army the artists likely were all performing as a courtesy and without payment. Each episode opens with a line or two of the country staple "Stay A Night, Stay A Little Longer" and closes with a bit of it usually sung by the episode's cast (these bits curiously get their own chapter links but I have not included them as in my song credit as it is repetitive.)
There is a lot of great classic country music here, my favorites being The Carters, The Wilburns, The Browns, Chet, Skeeter, Ray, Faron, and Marty. It's also fun to see a very young Roger Miller, years before his own stardom singing harmony with Ray Price on one number.
Season three starts with "Show 27" and ends with "Show 39".
27. Eddy Arnold - Anytime
Eddy Arnolds - Till You Come Back Again
Chet Atkins - Black Mountain Rag
Eddy Arnold - I'll Hold You In My Heart
Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer
28. Ferlin Husky - Yes I Will
Ferlin Husky - All Of The Time
The Wilburn Brothers - Till I'm The Only One
The Wilburn Brothers - Cry Baby Cry
Ferlin Husky - Gone
29. Ray Price - Please Don't Leave Me
Ray Price - City Lights
Skeeter Davis - I Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know
Ray Price & Roger Miller - Invitation To The Blues
30. Mac Wiseman - Goin' Like Wildfire
Mac Wiseman - 'Tis Sweet To Be Remembered
Joyce Moore - I'll Never Let You Go
Mac Wiseman - Love Letters In The Sand
Mac Wiseman - Keep On The Sunny Side
31. George Morgan - M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I
George Morgan - Candy Kisses
Mimi Roman - Mama Says
George Morgan - Have Thine Own Way, Lord
32. Don Gibson - Blue Blue Day
Don Gibson (& Hank Garland) - Give Myself A Party
The Jordanaires - In That Great Judgement Morning
Don Gibson -Look Who's Blue
Don Gibson (& Hank Garland)- Oh Lonesome Me
33. Carl Smith - You Are The One
Carl Smith - Mr. Lost
Carl Butler - When The Blues Come Around
Carl Smith - The Nail-Scarred Hand
34. Marty Robbins - Nothing But Sweet Lies
Marty Robbins - Most Of The Time
The Anita Kerr Singers - Somebody Stole My Gal
Marty Robbins - Singing The Blues
35. Faron Young - Alone With You
Faron Young - Every Time I'm Kissing You
Dolores Dinning - Lonesome Road
Faron Young - That's The Way I Feel
36. The Browns - Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer
The Browns - Would You Care
Floyd Tillman - Slipping Around
The Browns - I Heard The Bluebirds Sing
37. The Carter Family (Maybelle, June, Helen, Anita) - It's My Lazy Day
Anita Carter - Blue Doll
Sammy Salvo - I Can't Help It
The Carter Sisters & Mother Maybelle - Foggy Mountain Top
38. Benny Martin - On The Banks Of The River Rio Grande
Benny Martin - My Fortune
Tony Goodman - T. For Texas
Benny Martin - I Heard My Mother Call My Name In Prayer (& his Sister Jo Ann)
39. Hank Snow - Big Wheel
Hank Snow - Among My Souvenirs
Del Wood - Echo Waltz
Hank Snow - Just A Faded Petal From A Beautiful Bouquet
This single DVD has over 3 hours of vintage country music performances you are not likely to see anywhere else. This one is definately a must for classic country fans.


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Around 1956-'57, the United States Armed Services filmed a series of recruitment videos with the top country stars of the day. Unseen for decades, these films capture the all-time greatest Nashville stars of the day singing many of their greatest hits. These are classic 'live' performances that represent the only chance that most of us will ever have of seeing these giants of country music at the very top of their game. Ferlin Husky: Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer, Yes I Will & All Of The Time. Don Gibson: Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer, Blue Blue Day (& Hank Garland) & Give Myself A Party. The Carter Sisters & Mother Maybelle: Foggy Mountain Top & Stay All Night, Stay A Little Longer and many more.

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Glen Campbell - In Concert (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)This DVD is FANTASTIC!... This is a must-have for any true Glen Campbell fan and even if you weren't a big fan before viewing this....you'll love it!...Glen's performance is TERRIFIC!... ALL of his great hits are on here and Glen is in great form not to mention his amazing guitar playing skills. During one song, "The William Tell Overture", he actually plays the guitar on his head. From the moment I put this DVD into my player, I have been unable to stop playing it. The song selections are wonderful and Glen gives an enthusiastic performance on every song which he sings with such heartfelt emotion. The resolution is exceptional along with the 5.1 dolby digital surround sound. He is backed by the brilliantly wonderful South Dakota Orchestra and this is such a pleasure to listen to. Glen Campbell is like vintage wine.....he just gets better with age. An added bonus track is "Mac Arthur Park". I don't think I have ever heard this song sung more beautifully. Get this DVD.....you won't be disappointed :) It leaves you wanting more from this GREAT entertainer.

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Like a smooth vintage wine, Glen Campbell just gets better with age. In this live concert with the symphony orchestra of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Campbell showcases his timeless talent by performing many of his 27 top ten hits. The legendary session picker and chart-topping cross-over sensation is joined by his vocalist daughter for this homespun show first broadcast on PBS. Songs: Wichita Lineman, Gentle on My Mind, Dreams of the Everyday Housewife, (The) Highway Man, By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Classical Gas, It's Only Make Believe, Little Green Apples, Southern Nights, Rhinestone Cowboy, Galveston, Since I Fell for You, The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress, The William Tell Overture, True Grit, Still Within the Sound of My Voice, Amazing Grace. Five bonus tracks: Don't Pull Your Love/Then You Can Tell Me Goodbye, MacArthur Park, Let It Be Me, Time in a Bottle, and Try a Little Tenderness.

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Waylon Jennings: Nashville Rebel (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)First off, I'd like to begin by clearing up a couple misconceptions:
1) this is NOT the 1966 film of the same name;
2) there is NOT a 100-page booklet included.
Both these points have erroneously appeared on a number of online-retailer websites.
This IS a companion piece to the acclaimed 4-CD box set of the same title.The DVD menu opens with the flipping thru of a Waylon scrapbook...flipping a bit too fast to really study the pix but that's OK as most are included in the lavish 144 page book that comes with this DVD's big brother box set of the same title, also in stores now.
Here's what you'll see:
1. Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line
- from the Johnny Cash Show, 1970. Waylon had just won a Grammy for MacArthur Park and JRC congratulates him on that significant accomplishment. Waylon throws in that even JR ain't done that yet. Before launching into 'ONLY DADDY' they exchange the now-familiar comments about the time they shared a room at the Fontaine Bleu apartments in Madison -- where JR points out that during that era he felt that 'Waylon wouldn't ever amount to nuthin...'. He was sure wrong about that!! ;-)
2. Honky Tonk Heroes
3. Louisiana Woman
4. This Time
5. Slow Rollin Low
- trax 2-5 are from "Don Kirshner's Rock Concert", 1974. Sounds a helluvalot like the September recordings in Texas that same year. As opposed to the August 1978 'Lost Outlaw Performance' -which was attended exclusively by a very boring bunch of industry executives- these songs were recorded before a typical 70's crowd!!! :-)
6. Lonesome, Onry & Mean
7. Ramblin Man
8. It's Not Supposed To Be That Way
9. Amanda
10. Waymore's Blues
- now, for the real treat....when he was producing Waylon's 'DREAMING MY DREAMS' album, brother-in-law/outlaw Cowboy Jack Clement was also doing a bit of taping. We've previously seen only but a clip of 'LONESOME, ON'RY & MEAN' in Waylon's official vid-ography -- but now, we get the song in its entirety as well as the 4 others listed above. For those fascinated with Waylon's formidable geetar-pickin, you'll find the extended version of 'RAMBLIN' MAN' to be well worth the price of admission. I especially enjoyed 'WAYMORE'S BLUES' which has Waylon sitting on a park bench, playing his acoustic, alongside Lil Miss Jessi. There's some great banter between the two --- as well as a real good hint that there's more to come!!!
11. Luckenbach, TX
12. Mammas, Don't Let Your....
13. Good Hearted Woman
14. Are You Ready...
15. Are You Sure Hank....
- trax 11-15 are from the aforementioned 'Lost Outlaw Performance' taped at Opryland, 1978.08.12
16. The Conversation (w/ Hank Jr)
17. Never Could Toe The Mark
18. America
- while many have seen these music vids before, they are great examples of the post-crazy-year portion of this fabulous sampling of the 14 year period in Waylon's career covered by this disc.
19. Commercial for Waylon's Greatest Hits
20. Commercial for Outlaws album
- while not in chrono-order [?] the inclusion of these rare TV spots is a great way to finish off the collection...especially with so many of Waylon's die-harder fans not having even been born when they originally aired.
I'm still hoping that RCA/Legacy will release a deluxe version of the NASHVILLE REBEL music and vid set -- as they did with Cash's THE LEGEND. Considerably more expensive, the deluxe version of that title includes a 12x16 hard-cover coffee table book, additional music and vids as well as s limited edition litho and some other goodies.
Hummm, and wouldn't it be great if it all were packaged in a real, hand-tooled leather coat!!
Be sure and get this DVD as soon as you're able. I believe the retail is 12.99 and can be had for as little as 9.99 -- so be sure to shop around to find the best buy.


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Take Me Home (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)While it interesting to have some decent actors associated with this film, it is also very disheartening for any of Johns fans to see so many inaccuracies in this production. The songs are mostly all out of chronological order, and Chad Lowe trying to mime to Johns voice while "playing" unconvincing guitar, does not work. Kristen Davis does a nice job of portraying "Annie", but the film fails to capture the quality of John's music, or his deep commitment to the causes, that drove so much of his work. There is no attempt to analyse why his life became such a struggle for a man at the top of the world. If Hal Thau was indeed involved so deeply with this project, its a crying shame that so many of the production details were poorly researched. John was a highly intelligent and passionate man who spoke in Congress, and lobbyed politicians to help with his environment projects, but in this film he comes across as whinny and insipid - two things he was definately not.
The man deserved a better biopic of his fascinaing life than this tardy effort.

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Dolly Parton & Friends (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Back in 1976, Dolly Parton had her own syndicated variety show. It ran only for the 1976/77 season. The show is your typical 70's era variety show with popular music guest stars of day, although the budget for Dolly's show wasn't on par with say Sonny & Cher or Donny & Marie, as such the show does have a cheaper look to it. Every show started off the same, Dolly decends from the ceiling on a swing to her song "Love Is Like A Butterfly" she then goes into her opening song, which was usually a pop hit of the day. The guests come out and it's pretty much non-stop singing for the next half hour. Some of the concpets for the show are little odd, Dolly singing to a basset hound by the water, Kenny Rogers being locked in a crate on stage, or Billy Davis & Marilyn McCoo dancing with life preservers while singing "Proud Mary" with Dolly.
The show is vintage Dolly though, she's got the big hair, the big ear rings, the bell bottoms and lot's of polyester and rhinestones. Her later series from 1987 was slightly better, but this is Dolly at a time in her career when she was just starting to become a household name. The songs are great and the jokes are corny. Dolly fans will undoubtedly love this, fans of 1970's music will most likely enjoy this as well.

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Glen Campbell: Good Times Again (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a fabulous hour well spent enjoying some terrific songs and performances and Glen (in current day interviews) intros many of the songs.
The other reviewer moaned about what ISN'T on this DVD....but frankly..for $15 I feel I got a LOT more than my monies worth and I will watch this over and over....goodness. Glen could sure play guitar and his guests? The Ricky Nelson clip alone is wonderful...and that leaves Ray Charles, Willie Nelson , Roger Miller, Ann Murray, Cher, Linda Ronstadt, The Smothers Brothers, BJ Thomas, Johnny Cash and lets not forget the late great writer of "Gentle On My Mind" John Hartford....doesn't sound like much to complain about...and I'm not....this is wonderful.

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Item Name: Good Times Again; Studio:Time Life Records

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Ray Stevens - Comedy Video Classics (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)first off, Ray is a great singer and he's a wonderful pianist of all types of music. this home video of music videos is hilarious and properly closes with the serious "Everything Is Beautiful". three of the eight music videos were made prior to 1991/1992: "Sittin' Up With the Dead" and "Help Me Make It Through The Night" were released in 1990 and "Santa Claus is Watching You" goes back to 1987, the song was included on his 1985 album 'I HAVE RETURNED'. the other five music videos are first runs: "The Streak", "Everything Is Beautiful", "It's Me Again, Margaret", "Surfin' USSR", and "Mississippi Squirrel Revival". the novelty of selling music videos on home video made experts laugh and downplay Ray's ideas but as usual he proved the skeptics wrong by selling 2,000,000 copies of the project on his own label, CLYDE Records, over TV. an additional million was sold when it hit the stores in 1993. this home video single handedly revived the home video market for a time during the mid to late '90s. planning ahead, Ray almost abandoned audio for video when sales were so high. his next three home video releases (1993, 1995, and 2000) have all repeated the multi- platinum path the first one set. Ray's niche is novelty songs. novelty means unusual or strange. i'm sick and tired of reading people say that Ray isn't funny or he's too cornball with his humor. Ray is roped in with the country comedians because that's the only market. his songs are NOVELTY and all they have to be is zany and off the wall to please his fans. we don't always have to be pounded over the head with meaningful comedy with hidden messages...that's the job of brilliant satirists like Stan Freberg, Garrison Keillor, or Mark Russell...not NOVELTY artists like Ray Stevens and Spike Jones. there are different forms of comedy styles: satire, topical, parody, novelty, and country comedy...and Ray Stevens has touched them all at one point or another but novelty is his most recorded style. the most elaborate video is "Surfin' USSR". Ray adds on the opening sequence, which isn't part of the 1988 recording, involving a meeting between Reagan and Gorbechev, both voiced by Ray. in the background the two wives get in a fistfight as Reagan points out Gorbechev's red birth mark on his forehead...it's in the form of a country, prompting Gorbechev to exclaim: "ooh, a coincidence only...my mother must have been frightened by a map...". Ray's long-time songwriting partner, Buddy Kalb, appears as the cigar smoking woman from Moscow U. this home video was #1 for nearly a year and Billboard named it 'VIDEO OF THE YEAR' for 1993. get it if you can.

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Studio: Wea-des Moines VideoRelease Date: 10/30/2001Rating: Nr

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Martina McBride - Martina (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)AUDIO QUALITY
I had waited a long time for the video to the song, "Where Would You Be" to come out on DVD. I was naturally excited to find this DVD for $4.99 at Target. I came home and played the video of Martina performing 'Where Would You Be' live at the CMT (Country Music Television) awards show. Upon my first time of watching and listening to the video, I was really disappointed of the audio quality. At the beginning of the 'Where Would You Be' video an announcer-at the CMT awards show-says, "Ladies and Gentlemen, nominated for three CMT flameworthy awards tonight ... Martina McBride." The announcers voice was loud and clear, and once Martina started singing the volume dropped dramatically-it was like going from a normal speaking voice to a whisper. I even watched the equalizer on my sound system and only once or twice during the duration of the song, did Martina's voice reach the output as the announcer did. This is really sad especially considering that there are very high notes in the song!
The poor audio quality can be simply stated by saying that this DVD is not recorded in a Dolby Digital format like her 'Greatest Hits' DVD is. I even went back and forth playing the 'Independence Day' video from both the Greatest Hits DVD and this DVD to make sure. There is a huge sound difference between the two!
With that said, I don't think most people will catch the lack of digital sound quality. Instead they will compensate by turning up the volume a lot more than usual. As usual Martina's passionate voice, great songs, and charisma will make up for the fallacies of various video producers/managers that STILL haven't managed to put out a DVD that delivers 100%.
GREAT VIDEOS:
Here is a short summary for those that are new to Martina McBride...
1) THIS ONES FOR THE GIRLS ----- This song is a musical slumber party for the girls from '1 to 99' years old. It celebrates the joy of being a girl, and tells girls everywhere "You are beautiful the way you are".
2) CONCRETE ANGEL---- This is a sad, song, that reminds me of John Michael Montgomery's song, "The Little Girl". Both songs deal with young children that are physically abused. Sadly, in this video, the child dies from the abuse. And in the end, the friend she made prior to her death was actually an angel that takes her to heaven... where she is finally loved. It's a tear jerker! [A plug at the end of the video reads: "If you need help or suspect abuse call the National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD. www.childhelpusa.org."]
3) WHERE WOULD YOU BE --- This song is by far one of the most compelling country music songs about a relationship on the rocks. The lyrics are written from the heart, and Martina delivers the power and emotion in this song. As stated earlier, this video is of her live performance at the CMT awards show, and not an actual 'video' per se.
4) BLESSED --- If you love life, love your children, are more happy that you have a happy family rather than a Mercedes Benz then this is the song for you. It is about appreciating the simple things in life that cost nothing.
5) WHEN GOD FEARING WOMEN GET THE BLUES --- This is probably one of my least favorite videos. It is on her greatest hits DVD as well.
6) INDEPENDENCE DAY --- There was a lot of controversy about this song when it was released. The low down: a battered wife finally decides to end her abuse by setting fire to their home-presumably with the abuser still in it. Hence, the reference to 'Independence Day' refers to the freedom the abuse she put up with, which, coincidentally also happens on the 4th of July.
All in all the DVD, is still worth the five dollars. However, if you don't have Martina's Greatest Hits DVD, and are willing to pay a little more for it, I would strongly suggest getting that DVD instead.

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Released to coincide with her studio album of the same title, this six-song compilation of material from Martina McBride amply demonstrates her prowess in the country-rock genre. Songs include "Concrete Angel," "Blessed," "Independence Day," "This One's For The Girls," and more.

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A Song's Best Friend - John Denver Remembered (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Of all the bio's or rememberance documentaries done on an artist, I have to say this was the best of all that I've seen! It was very insightful covering what inspired John to write certain songs, what was happening in his life during the times he was writing them, and gave a well rounded perspective of his life and career taken from his own narratives as well as those who knew him personally or worked with him through the years. A definite "Must have" for any John Denver fan!!!

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Item Name: A Song's Best Friend - John Denver Remembered; Studio:RCA

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Faith Hill - When the Lights Go Down (2003) Review

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(More customer reviews)This dvd is chopped up by interrupting several of the performances. This behind the scenes footage is ok between songs, but literally intrudes into some of the songs. Would have
been much better if the performances were uninterrupted, and you could access directly to the start of each song. The behind
the scenes stuff is ok the first time you watch, but after that you are still forced to watch it. Someone made a big mistake with this idea. If they wanted to include the behind the scenes stuff, it should have been added at the end as "bonus footage".
However, when you get Faith Hill singing, it is great.

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Dolly Parton - Live and Well (2004) Review

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(More customer reviews)1. Orange Blossom Special AND Train, Train
2. The Grass Is Blue
3. Mountain Angel
4. Shine
5. Littel Sparrow
6. Rocky Top
7. My Tennessee Mountain Home
8. Coat Of Many Colors
9. Smokey Mountain Memories
10. AppleJack
11. Marry Me
12. Halos And Horns
13. I'm Gone
14. Dagger Through My Heart
15. If
16. After The Gold Rush
17. 9 To 5
18. Jolene
19. A Cappella Medley: Islands In The Stream/Here You Come Again/Why'd You Come In Here Looking Like That/Two Doors Down
20. We Irish
21. Stairway To Heaven
22. I Will Always Love You

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No Description AvailableNo Track Information AvailableMedia Type: DVDArtist: PARTON,DOLLYTitle: LIVE & WELLStreet Release Date: 09/14/2004

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Willie Nelson and Friends - Live & Kickin' (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a strange bird of a DVD. For one thing, it contrasts the problems with watered-down, blown-up, and talent-lacking country music industry of today, with the rich talents of yesterday's country music scene, as well as the wealth of talent in other genres of new and current music. And for another thing, it's very entertaining to see Wyclef Jean freestyle rapping in front of a room full of mortified country fans.

It starts off well enough, with Willie performing an adequate rendition of one of his standards. And one would think a duet with Shania Twain doing "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" would be at least passable. But instead, Shania comes off sounding more like Celine Dion. Willie was completely unable to keep up, due to this very strange, overdone, and bland style of singing. Contrast that to Norah Jones who can sing with Willie incredibly beautifully and works with his style like a musical instrument in of itself. And she isn't even a country singer!

I would also like to know exactly how many Kenny Chesney fans will buy this DVD. The guy looks like a gay porn star. He actually makes me appreciate the originality of Garth Brooks. Sorry Garth, that was a bit cruel. In school one day, a couple of students said they liked country. Our teacher immediately asked "Willie Nelson?" They said "No, he's too old. We like Kenny Chesney!"

Notwithstanding, there are some great songs. When Ray Charles sang "A Song for You," I was crying right along with Willie. The Ray Price songs are fantastic and show Willie still has it after all these years. Paul Simon sings "Homeward Bound" in near perfect duet with Willie, not to mention a great guitar solo via Trigger. And although I may think Toby Keith has about as much charisma as Larry the Cable Guy, "I'll Never Smoke Weed With Willie Again," is thoroughly decent. But an up-beat country song in "Beer for My Horses" about terrorism is downright nauseating and horrifying. We certainly aren't all back at the saloon yet and probably never will be.
As far as the bonus tracks go, one can and cannot see why certain songs were cut. Willie's original opener of Whisky River was somewhat anemic. Kris Kristofferson can be an acquired taste. Sheryl Crow borderlines the same problem Shania has, but her song is pretty good. What was mindboggling was why they cut the other Norah Jones song which was just as outstanding as the one they kept in the show.

Now, finally the greatest specticle of them all. Leon Russell singing "Jumpin' Jack Flash." All the audience and Willie are very confused and don't know what to do. Even Leon seems a little surprised at what's coming out of him. And the biggest shock of all, the song is incredible. It burns the house down. But everybody stands around very uncomfortably. This alone, is worth the price of the DVD. I never thought I would hear a version of the song that would rival the Stones and then see everyone looking at their watches.

The same can be said of the Steven Tyler number. I wasn't even going to watch it, but I had to, just out of morbid curiosity. Going against all logic, reason, even physics, Steven makes a great country singer. He sounds very similar to Janis Joplin. It pains me to think of the missed opportunity of hearing him sing "Me and Bobby McGee" with Kristofferson. All I know now is that if Steven Tyler released a country album, I would certainly buy it and three copies for my friends.

So, all things considered this is a rather fascinating show. Sure, most country fans will give this one listen, complain about the chances it took, praise Twain and Keith, and forget it. But if you look and listen deeper you'll hear a completely original, strange, and satisfying showcase of talent doing what they do best, and sometimes trying something completely new and different.

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Item Name: Willie Nelson and Friends - Live & Kickin'; Studio:Lost Highway

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Line Dance 101: A Quick Start Guide to Line Dancing (Shawn Trautman's Learn to Dance Series) (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)Shawn Trautman is the best dance instructor yet! A great teacher in addition to dancer. I've tried several dance instruction VHS and DVD's (9 in all from Christy Lane, Diane Horner, Teresa Mason, Wiley Hicks, and Cal Pozo), but I didn't stick with them, because they would move so fast that you'd get lost. I would get tired of starting them over and over just trying to pick up the steps. But Shawn makes it so simple to learn, keeping it at a slower pace for the beginner. He also throws in some variations for more challenge. They're so good, I have added 4 of his DVD's to my collection. But his aren't collecting dust like the others.

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Line Dance 101 is the absolute starting point for anyonewanting to get into Line Dancing. Line Dance 101 is truly a must-see forbeginners and is the first of six excellent Line Dance DVD's in ShawnTrautmans Dance Collection. In this DVD, Shawn quickly and easily takes youthrough several different dances, step-by-step in an order that makessense, and at a pace set for everyone. This DVD is very effective withclear, understandable, and completely attainable instruction. Following theinstruction is easy too, as the instructor teaches to the side and thenwith his back to you so you can follow EXACTLY what's being done in thesame direction and at the same time. Line Dance 101 is also great for allages!Never danced before? No problem! This DVD was designed to get folksdancing, looking good and confident in less than 90 minutes. Filmed in HDand complemented by multiple camera angles and Picture-In-Picturetechnology, this DVD is perfect for bringing the Line Dance class to yourliving room. The lessons are broken into clear, logical pieces thatintroduce more than 30 steps in 5 carefully chosen dances specific forlearning and practicing. In just minutes you'll learn the ElectricSlide, the Cotton Eyed Joe, Slappin' Leather,Ole', and Swing Time. Plus, as a Special Bonus,both Monterey Turns and the 8-count Applejacks illusion are taught. Ifyou're ready to learn and have fun, Shawn Trautmans Dance Collection is theway to go. Order Line Dance 101 today, and be ready to dance by theweekend!

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Bon Jovi - Lost Highway: The Concert (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)...Crank Up the Volume. No longer living on his hair, Bon Jovi delivers a great live concert of the entire Lost Highway CD, along with three other encore songs from the past.
The 5.1 sound and the video transfer are excellent. The band is tight and Richie Sambora jams. I like the DVD version of Strangers Anymore better than the CD.
NOTE: The Wal-Mart DVD has an A&E Bon Jovi Biography 45 minutes +/-, not available elsewhere.
The DVD is highly recommended and deserves multiple viewings.
Enjoy, j.


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This rare and exclusive performance brings the critically acclaimed and #1 album LOST HIGHWAY to life. Track by track and in sequence; BON JOVI recount the tale that is the LOST HIGHWAY. Performed on a stage constructed especially for this unique and historic night; LOST HIGHWAY: THE CONCERT comes complete with band interviews, backstage footage, and chart-topping tracks; It s My Life, Wanted Dead Or Alive, and Who Says You Can t Go Home. FEATURING LIVE PERFORMANCES OF: Lost Highway, Summertime, (You Want To) Make A Memory, Whole Lot Of Leavin , We Got It Going On, Any Other Day, Seat Next To You, Everybody s Broken, Till We Ain t Strangers Anymore, The Last Night, One Step Closer, I Love This Town, It s My Life, Wanted Dead Or Alive, Who Says You Can t Go HomeDVD Features: Exclusive backstage band interviews; Set design concept renderings; Shot in Hi-def and mixed in 5.1 Surround Sound

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Opry Video Classics (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)This 8-DVD box set, compiled by Time-Life Books and the folks at the Grand Ole Opry, collects 120 video performances by many of the greatest country musicians of the 1950s, '60s and '70s. Each disc includes fifteen live performances (and no lip-syncing, as far as I can tell...) along with bonus features such as interviews with various Opry veterans. The material is drawn from old Opry TV broadcasts and other venues such as "The Bobby Lord Show" and other, long-forgotten shows that were the country equivalents of "Soul Train" and "American Bandstand." The video quality is very good and the sound quality is excellent -- it's a chance to see stars such as Bill Anderson, Patsy Cline, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Webb Pierce, Ray Price, Porter Wagoner, Tammy Wynette and many, many others playing at the peak of their powers. In many cases they were also at the start of their careers, and just starting to learn the ropes. The set also includes a surprisingly strong representation of lesser-known artists, folks like Bill Phillips, Jeannie Seely, Jeannie Pruett and others, great singers who were hitmakers many years ago, but are remembered only by a few fans today. This is a marvelous collection that truly honors the history of country music (and of the Nashville music business) without cutting corners or playing it safe. The discs also are offered individually, organized by themes that are actually quite useful. Some of the most rewarding volumes are the "Pioneers" set, "Queens Of Country" and the "Duets" disc, which features many gems, among them a bluesy performance from Patsy Cline, who sang with other artists live, but never actually recorded any duets on record.
If you want a fun, high-class collection that shows many of the biggest stars in Nashville playing real, honest country music, this collection is a true gift. Highly recommended! (DJ Joe Sixpack / Slipcue music reviews)

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Opry Video Classics features the biggest names in country musicfrom the 50s, 60s and 70s, performing their biggest hits LIVE.It s the most comprehensive collection of live Grand Ole Opryperformances ever assembled on DVD, from Ernest Tubb toDolly Parton, Johnny Cash to Loretta Lynn, George Jones toTammy Wynette, Hank Snow to Patsy Cline and many more.Time Life and the Grand Ole Opry are proud to partner on this 8-DVDbox set. We re unlocking a treasure-trove of classic country musicfor the first time with the amazing release of these vintage concerts,filmed live on-stage at the mother church of country music, theRyman Auditorium. Just like a front row seat, this ultimate concertwill surely be a country music fan s dream come

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Shania Twain - Up (Live in Chicago) (2003) Review

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Shania Twain is a hit machine and all of her best showed up in Chicago. I really enjoy this DVD when I get home from work. Shania has a very high energy show, a rockin' band and great chemistry with her fans. I love her new songs like "She's Not Just a Pretty Face" and "I'm Gonna Getcha Good", but her old songs are performed with equal zest! Definitely a must have for the fan!

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UP! LIVE IN CHICAGO - DVD Movie

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Legendary Performances (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Tammy Wynette: Legendary Performances
Distributed by Sony BMG
Release Date: August 19, 2008
Selection No.: 826663-10979
Suggested List Price: $14.98
Performances
1. Don't Come Home A' Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind) The Stonemans (1967)
2. Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad The Bill Anderson Show (1967)
3. I Don't Wanna Play House The Bill Anderson Show (1967)
4. D-I-V-O-R-C-E CMA Awards (1968)
5. Stand By Your Man The Wilburn Brothers Show (1969)
6. Reach Out Your Hand CMA Awards (1972)
7. We Loved It Away (duet with George Jones) Pop! Goes The Country (1974)
8. Woman To Woman Pop! Goes The Country (1974)
9. 'Til I Can Make It On My Own Johnny Cash and Friends (1976)
10. Golden Ring (duet with George Jones) Country Music Hit Parade (1977)
11. You And Me Country Music Hit Parade (1977)
12. Near You (duet with George Jones) Country Music Hit Parade (1977)
13. Cowboys Don't Shoot Straight (Like They Used To) Country Comes Home (1981)
14. He Was There (When I Needed You) NBC Tammy Wynette Special (1982)
15. We're Gonna Hold On (duet with George Jones) NBC Tammy Wynette Special (1982)
Extras
Tammy Wynette's Hall of Fame Induction
Vintage Interviews with Tammy Wynette
Huell Howser Exclusive: Wynette/Richey Wedding Footage
This looks like the set list, this should be ab fab, cannot wait to see these performances from Tammy.

DVD review: Tammy Wynette, 'Legendary Performances'
Mick LaSalle
Sunday, July 27, 2008
I had no intention of watching this entire DVD. I popped it into the machine only because I realized that I'd never actually seen Tammy Wynette in performance, only heard her. Well, she was brilliant. She arrived as an artist fully formed, in her early 20s, having already endured poverty, child labor, a marriage (with kids) and a divorce. The DVD, which consists of television performances over the course of 14 years, begins with Wynette singing on Southern TV stations, and there's no mistaking that hers was an authentic voice of rural poverty. She was, from the beginning, a brilliant singing actress. She had great intelligence and a quiet but unmistakable toughness. And her voice was amazing. In her earliest performances, she keeps sending the sound mix into distortion because her voice is overpowering the equipment. Even as her wigs got bigger and the music took on a schmaltzy quality, she was amazingly consistent in her focus and emotional honesty. It's funny how artists can get written off in convenient shorthand. For those not fans of country music, Wynette is merely the voice of "Stand By Your Man" (albeit a great song), but she was much more - a poet of marital misery, who co-wrote some of her best-known songs. When Wynette sang it, she meant it. The special features are modest but helpful: snippets from 1980s interviews, footage from her 1978 wedding and scenes of her induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, months after her premature death in 1998 at age 55.
TAMMY WYNETTE: LEGENDARY PERFORMANCES
1967-81
NOT RATED
SONY BMG
$14.98
This article appeared on page N - 27 of the San Francisco Chronicle


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Tammy Wynette reigned supreme on the country charts, scoring 20 #1 hits on her way to becoming the First Lady Of Country Music. With rarely-seen versions of "Stand By Your Man," "Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad," and "D-I-V-O-R-C-E," plus two unreleased interviews, wedding footage, and more, this DVD traces the rise of one of country music's finest performers. Song Listing: Don't Come Home A-Drinkin' (With Lovin' On Your Mind) Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad I Don't Wanna Play House D-I-V-O-R-C-E Stand By Your Man Reach Out Your Hand We're Gonna Hold On (with George Jones) We Loved It Away (with George Jones) Woman To Woman 'Til I Can Make It On My Own Golden Ring (with George Jones) You And Me Near You (with George Jones) Cowboys Don't Shoot Straight (Like They Used To) He Was There (When I Needed You) EXTRAS Two mid-'80s interviews Country Music Hall of Fame induction Footage from her wedding with George Richey

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