Sometimes a greatest hits compilation is so perfect a representation of an artist's work--think of MGM's iconic THE VERY BEST OF HANK WILLIAMS or Columbia's near-perfect SIMON AND GARFUNKEL'S GREATEST HITS-that a straight CD reissue of the original vinyl compilation is the only logical course. The10-track, 28-minute AMERICAN ORIGINALS gathers the very best of Lefty Frizzell's late '50s/early '60s work for Columbia Records.
AMERICAN ORIGINALS features such pure country classics as "Saginaw, Michigan" and the oddly bouncy "She's Gone Gone Gone" alongside beautiful weepers like "Always Late with Your Kisses," "Mom and Dad's Waltz," and Frizzell's sympathetic reading of the traditional murder ballad "The Long Black Veil." Given its narrow focus, this disc may not be the best starting place for the Frizzell novice. But it's a fine overview of one of the singer's most fruitful eras. It should be noted that the CD contains electronically reprocessed stereo versions of songs originally recorded in mono.
| 01. Saginaw, Michigan | |||
| 02. Mom and Dad's Waltz | |||
| 03. Long Black Veil | |||
| 04. A Little Unfair | |||
| 05. Don't Stay Away (Till Love Grows Cold) | |||
| 06. She's Gone, Gone, Gone | |||
| 07. Always Late (With Your Kisses) | |||
| 08. Look What Thoughts Will Do | |||
| 09. I Want to Be with You Always | |||
| 10. Forever (And Always) |
