Post by gregg on Aug 25, 2009 19:23:28 GMT -5
Here are my thoughts on the new CD.
Most popular recording artists love the excitement generated by a live performance. Since the 1950’s, many artists have tried to capture that excitement either on film or on tape and then release it as proof of their master showmanship. Singers like Sam Cooke ( Sam Cooke Live At The Harlem Square Club, 1963), Neil Diamond (Hot August Night), and Elvis Presley (As Recorded at Madison Square Garden) have released legendary live recordings that have gone on to become essential listening and or classics.
In 1977, Billy Crash Craddock released a live album entitled “Live !” that climbed to # 11 on the country charts. It is an electrifying example of what a master showman Crash is. He truly is “Mr. Country Rock.” Then, in 1985 Crash released his second live album. Luckily, unlike the first album, this one is available through this web site. However, like the first, this one is essential listening. Both of these capture the magic that is Crash Craddock in concert.
That brings us to the latest release by Billy Crash Craddock. It is his third live album / CD, and it’s simply entitled “Live ~n~ Kickin’” and was recorded this past summer in Nashville, Indiana. It is 60 + minutes of country-rockin’ , gosebump causin’, smile-bringin’ music. It is spectacular from start to finish. Here are my thoughts on the music you’ll find on the CD.
WHY YOU BEEN GONE SO LONG
This one comes from the pen of Whispering Bill Anderson. As an opening song, it’s clear that Crash is behind the wheel and we’re gonna have a good time. This up tempo opener will have you singing along before the song is over. GREAT OPENING NUMBER !!!
RUBY BABY
Before you can get the opening song out of your head, Crash steps on the gas. This time he’s off and running with his # 1 song from 1974. I swear he’s singing this one better than ever. AMAZING !!!
EASY AS PIE
This one will simply blow your socks off. It was a # 2 smash for Crash back in 1975, and it sounds absolutely breathtaking on this live CD. There is but one word that sums this one up: PERFECT !!!
KNOCK THREE TIMES
After some seriously funny kidding around with the band, Crash takes us all for a ride in his magical time machine. This time we stop in the year 1971, and we get to enjoy this # 3 hit all over again. I think this one could be a hit all over. A MUST HEAR !!!
I JUST HAD YOU ON MY MIND
I remember being blown away by this one the night of the show. I was afraid that it wouldn’t sound as good on the live CD, and I was right. It doesn’t sound as good - it sounds better. I put the entire CD on my Ipod so I could really listen to it, and I swear this one gave me goosebumps. It is FLAWLESS !!!
IT AIN’T GONNA RAIN NO MORE
Crash sings a few lines of this this cute campfire song that he tells us that he sings to his grandkids. Lucky little buggers ! :-) CUTE !!!!
KAW-LIJIA / JAMBALAYA
These two Hank Williams, Sr. tunes show that whether Crash is brining out the country-rock or doing a hardcore country song, nobody does it better. His vocals are as clear and strong as ever. ENJOYABLE !!!
LOVE ME
This was a # 9 song in 1973 for the late Marty Robbins, but you’d never know it after listening to Crash, Ken, and Dale do it. Most of Crash’s long time fans will be glad to finally get this one on CD. I know I was. MARTY WHO ?
I NEVER GO AROUND MIRRORS
This was one of the last charting records for Lefty Frizzell, and reached # 24 in 1974. I’ve never heard the original, but was familiar with the remake by the late Keith Whitley. His version was very enjoyable, but Crash makes this one believable. When Crash sings from the heart, there’s no beating him. KILLER STUFF !!!
ALL YOU EVER DO IS BRING ME DOWN
In concert, this Tex-Mex song that was originally done by the Mavericks gives Crash and the band a chance to have some fun. Turn this one up and enjoy. AAARRRRRRRRRRREBA !!!
BITTER THEY ARE (HARDER THEY FALL)
This is a great song from the talented singer/songwriter Larry Gatlin. I first heard this one years ago on Elvis Presley’s last studio album, and as such it has always been a favorite of mine. When I heard Crash sing this one four years ago, I was mesmerized by his vocals. Now, I finally have it on CD. This one alone is worth the price of the CD. Thank you Crash. A MASTERPIECE !!!
DO YOU BELIEVE ME NOW
I recently read where Tim McGraw was asked to sing a song in tribute to the late Vern Gosdin who took this song to # 4. Tim politely turned down the offer saying that once Vern sang a song, there wasn’t a soul alive that could touch it. I dare say Tim needs to hear Crash do this one. GREAT REQUEST, NELL !!!!
LOVE ME
I won’t spoil the hilarious goings-on that precedes this song, but I can guarantee it will make you laugh. As far as the song, it was made famous by “another guy.” This one is BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL !!!
RUB IT IN
This one was one of Crash’s three # 1’s. It was and is still a classic. PURE FUN !!!
AN AMERICAN TRILOGY
Once again, Crash, Dale, and Ken create magic together. I dare you to close your eyes, visualize the flag waving, and try not to get emotional. A MASTERPIECE.
Final Thoughts...
As I said earlier, I was there the night this one was recorded. It was a magical night that this CD will forever serve as a reminder that there is only one Crash Craddock. You didn‘t have to be there to enjoy this CD, but one listen and I bet you‘ll wish you were. An absolute gift from Crash. **** ++++
Most popular recording artists love the excitement generated by a live performance. Since the 1950’s, many artists have tried to capture that excitement either on film or on tape and then release it as proof of their master showmanship. Singers like Sam Cooke ( Sam Cooke Live At The Harlem Square Club, 1963), Neil Diamond (Hot August Night), and Elvis Presley (As Recorded at Madison Square Garden) have released legendary live recordings that have gone on to become essential listening and or classics.
In 1977, Billy Crash Craddock released a live album entitled “Live !” that climbed to # 11 on the country charts. It is an electrifying example of what a master showman Crash is. He truly is “Mr. Country Rock.” Then, in 1985 Crash released his second live album. Luckily, unlike the first album, this one is available through this web site. However, like the first, this one is essential listening. Both of these capture the magic that is Crash Craddock in concert.
That brings us to the latest release by Billy Crash Craddock. It is his third live album / CD, and it’s simply entitled “Live ~n~ Kickin’” and was recorded this past summer in Nashville, Indiana. It is 60 + minutes of country-rockin’ , gosebump causin’, smile-bringin’ music. It is spectacular from start to finish. Here are my thoughts on the music you’ll find on the CD.
WHY YOU BEEN GONE SO LONG
This one comes from the pen of Whispering Bill Anderson. As an opening song, it’s clear that Crash is behind the wheel and we’re gonna have a good time. This up tempo opener will have you singing along before the song is over. GREAT OPENING NUMBER !!!
RUBY BABY
Before you can get the opening song out of your head, Crash steps on the gas. This time he’s off and running with his # 1 song from 1974. I swear he’s singing this one better than ever. AMAZING !!!
EASY AS PIE
This one will simply blow your socks off. It was a # 2 smash for Crash back in 1975, and it sounds absolutely breathtaking on this live CD. There is but one word that sums this one up: PERFECT !!!
KNOCK THREE TIMES
After some seriously funny kidding around with the band, Crash takes us all for a ride in his magical time machine. This time we stop in the year 1971, and we get to enjoy this # 3 hit all over again. I think this one could be a hit all over. A MUST HEAR !!!
I JUST HAD YOU ON MY MIND
I remember being blown away by this one the night of the show. I was afraid that it wouldn’t sound as good on the live CD, and I was right. It doesn’t sound as good - it sounds better. I put the entire CD on my Ipod so I could really listen to it, and I swear this one gave me goosebumps. It is FLAWLESS !!!
IT AIN’T GONNA RAIN NO MORE
Crash sings a few lines of this this cute campfire song that he tells us that he sings to his grandkids. Lucky little buggers ! :-) CUTE !!!!
KAW-LIJIA / JAMBALAYA
These two Hank Williams, Sr. tunes show that whether Crash is brining out the country-rock or doing a hardcore country song, nobody does it better. His vocals are as clear and strong as ever. ENJOYABLE !!!
LOVE ME
This was a # 9 song in 1973 for the late Marty Robbins, but you’d never know it after listening to Crash, Ken, and Dale do it. Most of Crash’s long time fans will be glad to finally get this one on CD. I know I was. MARTY WHO ?
I NEVER GO AROUND MIRRORS
This was one of the last charting records for Lefty Frizzell, and reached # 24 in 1974. I’ve never heard the original, but was familiar with the remake by the late Keith Whitley. His version was very enjoyable, but Crash makes this one believable. When Crash sings from the heart, there’s no beating him. KILLER STUFF !!!
ALL YOU EVER DO IS BRING ME DOWN
In concert, this Tex-Mex song that was originally done by the Mavericks gives Crash and the band a chance to have some fun. Turn this one up and enjoy. AAARRRRRRRRRRREBA !!!
BITTER THEY ARE (HARDER THEY FALL)
This is a great song from the talented singer/songwriter Larry Gatlin. I first heard this one years ago on Elvis Presley’s last studio album, and as such it has always been a favorite of mine. When I heard Crash sing this one four years ago, I was mesmerized by his vocals. Now, I finally have it on CD. This one alone is worth the price of the CD. Thank you Crash. A MASTERPIECE !!!
DO YOU BELIEVE ME NOW
I recently read where Tim McGraw was asked to sing a song in tribute to the late Vern Gosdin who took this song to # 4. Tim politely turned down the offer saying that once Vern sang a song, there wasn’t a soul alive that could touch it. I dare say Tim needs to hear Crash do this one. GREAT REQUEST, NELL !!!!
LOVE ME
I won’t spoil the hilarious goings-on that precedes this song, but I can guarantee it will make you laugh. As far as the song, it was made famous by “another guy.” This one is BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL !!!
RUB IT IN
This one was one of Crash’s three # 1’s. It was and is still a classic. PURE FUN !!!
AN AMERICAN TRILOGY
Once again, Crash, Dale, and Ken create magic together. I dare you to close your eyes, visualize the flag waving, and try not to get emotional. A MASTERPIECE.
Final Thoughts...
As I said earlier, I was there the night this one was recorded. It was a magical night that this CD will forever serve as a reminder that there is only one Crash Craddock. You didn‘t have to be there to enjoy this CD, but one listen and I bet you‘ll wish you were. An absolute gift from Crash. **** ++++
