Billboard #1's: Classic Country

Comment: There are three simple factors that make "Billboard #1's: Classic Country" a superior choice when compared to other similar compilations. First of all, the 30 songs included were all bona fide hits in their day, an interesting mix of instantly recognizable standards (like Loretta Lynn's "Coal Miner's Daughter" and Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line") and half-forgotten gems that are ripe for rediscovery and renewed appreciation (like The Browns' "Three Bells" and Jim Reeves' "Four Walls"). Sure, one could quibble about why certain songs were included while another favorite by the same singer was left out, but overall the selections chosen comprise a wonderful overview of popular country music from the mid 1950's through the late 1980's.

Secondly, the songs included are the original hits performed by the original artists, as opposed to re-recordings of those hits by their original artists. The difference is more important than you might at first believe. Several other compilations include Ray Price's "For The Good Times" ... but it's a newer version in which the older Price doesn't display the same magnificent vocal range. Here you get the powerful 1970 original which was recorded when Mr. Price's voice was in peak condition. Ditto Lynn Anderson's "Rose Garden", Roger Miller's "King of the Road", and several other songs.

Finally, each and every song on this collection has been painstakingly remastered and sounds crystal clear, as if it was recorded recently. That's high praise indeed considering that a few of these tracks date back more than half a century! But in fact, even some of the more recent songs sound better than they did on their original CD releases, when the technology used to transfer analog recordings to digital format was less advanced.

So there you have them, the three reasons you should seriously consider choosing this 2 disc set if you're in the market for a compilation of country classics ... Selection, Authenticity, and Quality. Enjoy!

Comment: This was purchased as a Christmas gift. The person I gave it to is really enjoying the music.

Comment: I enjoyed this CD. It helps balance my collection of new country with the classics. Didn't find a song I didn't enjoy.

Comment: Since i am a classic country and classic rock fan i thought this cd was very good. also Amazon delivered it very quick though i was on free shipping thanks Amazon.

Comment: EXCELLENT 2 disk set!!! It's one of the best compilations of Classic Country #1 hits, in my opinion. I bought it as gifts for 5 other people and they also thought it was fantastic. I highly recommend this set.