Every week on McLean's Country, Desi Fisher keeps
us ahead of the pack with his reviews of the latest country music releases.
We've asked him to go that one step further and select for your consideration,
his top 10 country albums of all time!! Not easy. But fair play, he has
come up with some belters.
Original
Soundtrack
White Mansions
A&M Records, 1978
Paul Kennerly's masterpiece of the American Civil War, featuring Waylon
Jennings, Jessi Colter, et al. The vinyl version has a superb book included.
John
Prine
John Prine Atlantic Records, 1971
How could one so young write lyrics so meaningful? Kristofferson stated
on the liner notes, "we were hearing something ...unlike anything
I'd heard before".
Kris
Kristofferson
A Moment Of Forever
Justice Records, 1995
So many thought that his great songwriting had dried up. This is a superb
album produced by Don Was. "The Promise" is probably KK at his
songwriting best.
Various
Tulare Dust
Hightone, 1994
A tribute to Merle Haggard in which each singer makes the song their
own. Highlights include "Big City" (Iris Dement) and "Irma
Jackson" (Barrence Whitfield).
Tom
Russell
The Man From God Knows Where
Hightone, 2000
Great concept album weaved around Irish / Norwegian emigration to the
USA, featuring Iris Dement & Dolores Keane among others.
Waylon
Jennings
The Ramblin' Man
RCA, 1974
Waylon Jennings at his best. From country rock to ballads, this album
has them all. Also features a superlative rendition of "Amanda".
Mickey
Newbury
Frisco Mabel Joy
Elektra, 1971
In my opinion the greatest country album ever made! Mickey's use of the
rain/thunder effects, his soaring voice and his songwriting make this
a masterpiece.
Neil
Young
Old Ways
Geffen records, 1983
Young has a great country voice and in the company of Waylon, Willie
and top Nashville session men made a great album with an ace cover of
"The Wayward Wind".
George
Jones & Merle Haggard
A Taste Of Yesterday's Wine
Epic, 1982
When two country superstars get together this is the sort of album they
should produce. Wonderful story songs, heartbreak songs and fun songs
too.
Jimmy
Buffett
You Had To Be There
MCA Records, 1978
I am a parrothead (my secret's out!!). One of my great regrets is not
seeing JB in concert, but this makes up for it. Superb songwriter with
a great sense of humour.
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