On The Floor Of Heaven - Deluxe Edition

I discovered this group thanks to a segment on NPR's Fresh Air. First, let me say that I'm not a huge country fan, but I do appreciate the classics like George Jones, and Hank Sr. I am also a fan of more recent 'alt-country' artists like Neko Case and Rank and File (from the 80's). I had never heard of the Blue Shadows until I heard the Fresh Air piece but now that I have downloaded and listen to the entire album "On the Floor of Heaven" I am very happy with my decision to buy this. The songs are well written, are true to the genre, feature excellent playing (especially if you're a fan of the 12 string electric guitar), and the harmonies are outstanding.

If you like the music of the Byrds, Rockpile, or classic country crooners, you'll enjoy this collection.

I've known about these guys for over ten years (I live in Canada). Such honest, tuneful, heartfelt music. It's sad these boys didn't last but, a short life was inevitable as they burned so bright.

This is why recorded music is so important; it means we get to enjoy an artist's work when they are out of sync with the fashion of their time. With the re-release of this record a whole new generation will hear what some crazy Canucks (and an even crazier Yankee) were up to in some obscure time and place. (1992 Bullfrog Studios, Kitsilano B.C.)

Thanks to Bumstead, Amazon, NPR, No Depression and every other music fan that kept the embers burning for this fine recording.

P.S. Here's an excerpt from Adrian Mack's review in the Tyee entitled: The Best Record Ever Made In Vancouver?

What they heard was lovingly dubbed "Hank goes to the Cavern Club" by the honeymooning partners. It'd be hard to top such a pithy description. Check out "Coming On...Read more

I've been lucky to have owned this cd since the mid 90's. A music journalist from Canada who was attending the South by Southwest Music Conference gave it to me as a gift. Wonderful harmonies recall a time, maybe the 50's or the 60's but with a crisp modern feel. For the last 15 years I've pulled this cd out many many times and it inspires me to pull out my guitar as well and play along with the music (no way I can compete with the thrilling vocals). When I saw they'd finally released this cd in the U.S. with a bonus disc I immediately ordered two copies and ran down to the local store to buy one while I waited for the other two. The album sounds as good as ever and the bonus disc is a welcome discovery. Not every song on the bonus disc is up to the standard of the original album but I have found all of them to be quite enjoyable and I highly recommend "Hell Stays Open All Night Long" and "A Paper N a Promise." The Blue Shadows put out a second cd which I hope might also be released...Read more