Essential Marty Robbins 1951-1982 CD

Essential Marty Robbins 1951-1982 album for sale A concise and well-selected overview, Marty Robbins's ALL-TIME GREATEST HITS packs 20 songs by this eclectic singer onto one disc. Though categorized as a country artist, Robbins defied pigeonholing with his forays into styles as diverse as gospel, mariachi music, and sentimental ballads, yet he always managed to infuse each song with his own distinctive style. Robbins is probably best known for Western-themed story-songs, which usually involve romance, gunfights, and dusty Southwestern settings. The two prime examples, the nearly epic tale recounted in "El Paso" and the lugubrious "Streets of Laredo," lead off this collection, though the surging, minor-key "Big Iron" ranks alongside the two better-known tunes. Robbins's straightforward singing style bears the stamp of pop crooners more than the twang of Nashville. In fact, Robbins recalls the smooth vocalizing of early Sun Studios artists (particularly Roy Orbison and Charlie Rich) on "Maria (If I Could)" and "Devil Woman." If Robbins throws out a few curveballs, such as the fuzzed-out guitar solo on the otherwise honky-tonk-flavored "Don't Worry" or the light, folk feel of "Ribbon of Darkness," it is all to his credit. This generous compilation is a perfect place to sample Robbins's genre-melding talents. 2 LPs on 1 CD and cassette.

Essential Marty Robbins 1951-1982 CD music Considering the excellence of this album, it's surprising that Robbins didn't record more gospel music. It's downright shocking, however, that save for "The Great Speckled Bird" on Singin' the Hits, none of these tracks have ever appeared on a Robbins compilation. Even the incredibly varied Essential Marty Robbins: 1951-1982 ignores it completely, but oh well -- that makes it worthy of reissue, and there's nothing wrong with that. This isn't classic stuff, but it's punchy and tender in all the right places, highlighted by a vivacious take on "When the Roll Is Called up Yonder," a somber, beautiful "Almost Persuaded," and the delicate closer, "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." Robbins sings passionately throughout, and the background singers, who have ruined many a '60s country record, actually enhance this one, giving the songs a churchy feel. Its budget price makes it a nice addition to any library. ~ Jim Smith Editor: Sally Hinkle. Illustrator: Bill Imhoff. Personnel: Marty Robbins (vocals). Liner Note Author: Marizona Robbins.