The Ultimate Collection (CD) by Merle Haggard
Key item features
Includes liner notes by Rich Kienzle.
Digitally remastered by Elliot Federman (SAJE Sound, New York, New York).
It's hard to fault a single disc set that features 20 gems from one of country music's all-time greats. Despite some omissions, ULTIMATE COLLECTION has a comprehensive range. Arranged chronologically, the track list kicks off with the Hag's mid-'60s work with his band The Strangers, featuring the jewels-in-the-country-crown songs "The Fugitive," "Mama Tried," and the tongue-in-cheek "Okie From Muskogee" (all of which were, incidentally, Number One country hits).
While Merle Haggard's lean voice, tasteful arrangements and roots-conscious "Bakersfield sound" (which he helped define) are everywhere in evidence, it's his songwriting that most impresses. Populated with hardscrabble characters and driven by moods that are by turns witty, anguished, speculative and deeply personal, Haggard's best material plays like a bible of late- 20th century country music. More Number One country hits such as "It's Been a Great Afternoon" and "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink," reaffirm his greatness. The inclusion of duets with George Jones on "Yesterday's Wine," and Willie Nelson on Townes Van Zant's "Pancho and Lefty," (yet again both Number One country hits), and live versions of "Rainbow Stew" and "Sing Me Back Home," put this collection over the top.
Specs
- PerformerMerle Haggard
- Music genreCountry, Traditional Country
- Music release typeCompilation
- Media formatCD
- Number of tracks20
- Record labelHip-O
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Product details
Includes liner notes by Rich Kienzle.
Digitally remastered by Elliot Federman (SAJE Sound, New York, New York).
It's hard to fault a single disc set that features 20 gems from one of country music's all-time greats. Despite some omissions, ULTIMATE COLLECTION has a comprehensive range. Arranged chronologically, the track list kicks off with the Hag's mid-'60s work with his band The Strangers, featuring the jewels-in-the-country-crown songs "The Fugitive," "Mama Tried," and the tongue-in-cheek "Okie From Muskogee" (all of which were, incidentally, Number One country hits).
While Merle Haggard's lean voice, tasteful arrangements and roots-conscious "Bakersfield sound" (which he helped define) are everywhere in evidence, it's his songwriting that most impresses. Populated with hardscrabble characters and driven by moods that are by turns witty, anguished, speculative and deeply personal, Haggard's best material plays like a bible of late- 20th century country music. More Number One country hits such as "It's Been a Great Afternoon" and "I Think I'll Just Stay Here and Drink," reaffirm his greatness. The inclusion of duets with George Jones on "Yesterday's Wine," and Willie Nelson on Townes Van Zant's "Pancho and Lefty," (yet again both Number One country hits), and live versions of "Rainbow Stew" and "Sing Me Back Home," put this collection over the top.
