A fabulous look at a new wave of music
that hit the American scene at the end of the 60s – sophisticated songs with a deep sense of narrative
that went way beyond the usual – first sprung by the world of country music, but with an influence
that went on to touch all other styles too! This set goes right to the core – and brings together cuts from the hippest songwriters of the period, delivered in versions
that may well be the best to ever make it on records – including a few tunes
that will really come as a surprise if you think you know the artists from their hits! As you'd guess from the title, the world here is very similar to
that in "Ode To Billie Joe" – a world
that's also given great illumination by the detailed notes within. Titles include "Endless Miles Of Highway" by Jerry Reed, "If Only She Had Stayed" by Chris Gantry, "July 12, 1939" by Charlie Rich, "What Am I Doing In LA" by Nat Stuckey, "The House Song" by Lee Hazlewood, "Mr Jackson's Got Nothing To Do" by John Hartford, "Widow Wimberley" by Tony Joe White, "Mr Walker It's All Over" by Billie Jo Spears, "Drivin Nails In The Walls" by Waylon Jennings, "Four Shades Of Love" by Henson Cargill, "The Back Side Of Dallas" by Jeanne C Riley, "Way Before The Time Of Towns" by Hoyt Axton, "Down From Dover" by Dolly Parton, "Fabulous Body & Smile" by Sir Robert Charles Griggs, and "
Why Can't I Come Home" by Ed Bruce.