"The Essential Johnny
Horton 1956-1960"
For those only familiar with Johnny
Horton's big hits and historical sagas, this two-disc collection
presents a more complete picture of the artist. Disc 1 focuses
largely on Horton's urgent rockabilly sides, falling somewhere
between Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash with a tiny hint of Hank
tossed in. Since he costarred on the Louisiana Hayride with Presley
in the mid-1950s, it's not surprising that Horton's earliest
Columbia recordings found him as sort of the label's answer to
the Sun sound, especially with Grady Martin's snarling guitar
licks. This set adds four cuts from a rare airplay-only LP before
moving on to the saga songs for which Johnny Horton will always
be beloved. --Marc Greilsamer |
Customer review from Amazon
Reviewer: A music fan from Silver Spring,
MD USA
For those country music fans who are only familiar with JohnnyHorton's
historical saga songs, this two CD compilation truly demonstrates
that he was an original and diverse artist. Horton really shines
on the "honky tonk" tunes: "Honky Tonk Man"
(most recently covered by Dwight Yoakam), "I'm a One Woman
Man" (most recently covered by George Jones), "Goodbye
Lonesome (Hello, Baby Doll)," "Honky Tonk Hardwood
Floor," "Cherokee Boogie" (most recently covered
by BR5-49 and Marty Brown), and "The Golden Rocket"
(nice version that would please Hank Snow). Some interesting
tunes worth checking out: "Hot in the Sugarcane Field,"
"Lost Highway" (good version of Hank Williams, Sr.
classic), "Evil Hearted Me," and "I'll Do It Every
Time" (almost Everly Brothers in feel). There is some filler
on these CDs, but it's mostly listenable and enjoyable in its
own way. There are two notable omissions on this compilation
that would render his "Greatest Hits" package unnecessary
for purchase (unless your really want some of the historical
saga songs)--"Whispering Pines" and "All for the
Love of a Girl." These are two of the best ballads (and
songs!) that Horton ever recorded. Why are they missing here?
Otherwise, this is a terrific collection. |
|
|
...