Your Opinion: The New Waylon Jennings Tribute Album
I’ll level with you folks. I do not like tribute albums. At all. Any of them. Period. No matter who the albums are in tribute to, or who is doing the tributing.
I’m not going to give some long-winded intellectual treatise about why, I will fully admit it simply comes down to taste. They are just not my speed. Chide me all you want, I probably deserve it. I do see they can be good ways to keep the legacy of one artist alive while trying to build legacies for others, and there must be a demand for them, because you see them all over the place. But for me, there’s one version of any given song that is my favorite, and I stick with it. I also appreciate the cohesive theme of original albums, which gets completely lost in tributes and compilations.
So when The Music Inside: A Collaboration to Waylon Jennings Vol. 1 (Volume 2 & 3 due out in June and October respectively) hit shelves, it got a big ol’ “Meh” from me. I’ve listened to it, and it’s not that the songs are bad. I don’t even have a problem finding the name “Trace Adkins” on the back cover. Despite his stupid songs, he’s got a set of pipes, and if he wants to tribute the flying W, more power. It’s just I’ve heard all this stuff before. Don’t need to again.
My favorite track was Shooter’s “Belle of the Ball,” probably because this is a little more obscure Waylon song that memory couldn’t ruin for me, and because Shooter really seemed to make it his own, while many of the other tracks just feel like worn out renditions. Alabama’s “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” is so horrifically similar to the original, why bother? Except they did change, “We made the change” from “We need to change”. By swapping two words, the delved into revisionist history, gave a huge pass to the current mainstream country climate, and somehow gave themselves credit for something they had no part of, or maybe even helped exacerbate.
What it did warm me to hear was that Waylon’s widow Jessi Colter, and son Shooter, who really took the point to make this happen, were reluctant themselves at the beginning, and even have a general distaste for Waylon covers in general. From The Tennessean:
If she’s (Jessi Colter) in a place where someone is making music and recognizes her, a Jennings song will soon ensue, and for Colter it will invariably be a dull replication that jostles a still-sharp memory. “I deal with it every day, and I sometimes stand braced and other times just relax and let it go over my head,” she says. “Frankly, sometimes it hurts my heart to hear someone do his songs.” All of which is part of why Colter was reluctant to green-light a series of three Waylon Jennings tribute albums…
If Colter was reluctant to participate in such a project, Shooter Jennings was downright apprehensive. There have been other tribute albums since Waylon’s 2002 death, and his son saw little reason to add to the pile. “I was leery of it, and even more guarded than my mom was. I’ve seen people with pure intentions and unrealistic goals, and I’ve seen people with agendas. And I’ve seen a Nashville system that will happily milk the ‘outlaw’ image of Waylon and other people, just so they can sell garbage.”
Shooter seems to have a different version of what happened to country music than Alabama:
The revolution happened then, but then it was overthrown. He wanted people to stand alone as artists, but it’s worse now than when he fought it. Now, people want so bad to fit into the system that they’ll do anything to make it.
Hearing the reluctance the representatives of the Waylon estate had before approving the project makes me feel like it was made with good intentions, even though it is being distributed by Big Machine Records; the “machine” behind Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts.
If you like Waylon, you should definitely give it a good chance, and not let my admittedly jaded perspective on tributes get in your way. But I’d be interested to hear what YOU think about tribute albums in general, and specifically The Music Inside Vol. 1???
Burch
February 18, 2011 @ 4:31 pm
My opinion is much the same as yours. I don’t like tribute albums, to the point that if someone gave me this for free, the odds are over 90% that I would never open, much less listen to it.
Now I’m gonna go grab a beer and wait for the “Shooter the Antichrist” comments.
Ian
February 18, 2011 @ 4:32 pm
To be honest Alabama’s version haunts me. And the guitars in “Good Hearted Woman” are too much for me. Randy Houser’s “I’m a Ramblin’ Man” sounds like open mic night at a coffee shop to me. I must agree, Shooter’s “Belle of the Ball” is the standout for me.
The Triggerman
February 18, 2011 @ 5:32 pm
Haunts you? I’ve heard that word be used positively and negatively.
Ian
February 19, 2011 @ 8:16 am
In this case it is negative…
Deb Cheplic
February 18, 2011 @ 4:39 pm
Bought the first two that came out … listened once and tossed them on the shelf. No need to listen to this one – have enough dust collectors on my shelves …
Just bought a “new” used 2005 Envoy with a Bose 6 disc stereo system in it … first thing I did was sit at the Mac and put some of my favorite Waylon tunes on disc, cranked the bass on the stereo and kicked up the volume. Drove down the road with the Dobes thinking life doesn’t get much better than this … and promptly washed all thoughts of past, present, and future Waylon “tribute” albums out of my mind. He WAS the real deal .. and if you want to show a tribute to him, put his WEBSITE back up .. not the “revamped” one that’s only purpose is to sell these Tribute albums .. but the REAL website, with his bio, discography, photos, videos … show the Man the respect he so totally deserves! It’s like they just washed him away, and I truly hate it …
The Triggerman
February 18, 2011 @ 5:48 pm
Deb,
Shooter talks specifically about the previous tributes in the article I linked to above, and has about the same opinion you do of them. Apparently they were one of the reasons he was reluctant to sign off on this new one initially. This is a completely different outfit putting these volumes out, so I would say it is not fair to judge this one on the strength or weakness of previous ones.
As for the website, I am all about more information than less. I think all these legends should have an extensive website with any and all information you would ever want to find about them in one place, along with music and merch, but its amazing how little if ever you see that. Usually its Wikipedia and a bunch of poorly constructed homespun tribute sites.
Maybe this is just a temporary thing for this release I don’t know, but I know a lot of times the dream website for legends is impossible because of legal issues. Multiple labels own multiple rights to this and that, and the estates are made of multiple entities that all have to sign off on this and that. That has what has dogged the Hank Williams estate: Jett’s and Jr’s spats over the years.
Anyway I’m not sure what to tell you there. Maybe Shooter if he reads this will give us some insight.
Deb Cheplic
February 18, 2011 @ 6:13 pm
Thanks … there used to be a really good Waylon website … waylon.com … after it was down for a while and I groused about it on Facebook, several people told me Jessi was revamping it and it would be back up again, but that she’s a busy person and it might take some time … His entire discography was listed there, along with his biography and a lot of good photos. I guess I just don’t get all the legal stuff … sigh …
The Triggerman
February 18, 2011 @ 6:16 pm
I’m not saying it’s legal stuff, just that it might be, I really have no idea. But sometimes to promote a big release, they will do a “site takeover” as it’s called in the business, meaning make a website one big advertisement for a short period. Not saying that is what is happening here, just saying it might be.
If Jessi is the one calling the shots, I have pretty good faith it will get where it needs to be eventually.
Denise
February 18, 2011 @ 4:52 pm
I don’t have anything against tribute albums per se; I think it’s a great way to showcase the original artist and put new spins and twists on it. It’s a way to celebrate the person who brought so much to many people. I suppose it’s all how it’s marketed and mastered. If it’s a Waylon Jennings Tribute Album done solely to bring in revenue then I would be more than relunctant to buy it. If it’s a gem of a tribute to someone who is revered in so many eyes, then I guess you have to listen and form your own opinion.
Great blog Triggerman and though I’m not a huge Alabama fan, I do like their rendition; it has a nice feel to it. I don’t think that any good song from an artist gone on done in tribute is a bad thing. It can definitely be a bad thing if done poorly, but I’m gathering this one had all the bells and whistles and financial backing so it can’t be too awful. I’m glad to hear that Jessi Colter and Shooter approve of it. No one can take away from the fact that listening to Waylon’s songs done by a vast array of other artists would impact them in a huge way.
I have to say Triggerman, you might be a little hard on the whole concept since you are not a fan of tributes. You stayed fairly objective though! 🙂
wayne
February 18, 2011 @ 4:53 pm
sunny sweeny’s the best thing that happened on that one…
The Triggerman
February 18, 2011 @ 5:17 pm
Yeah, with Jessi, that was not a bad track. Again, I can see Jessi taking a little more ownership in the process than maybe some of the other artists. James Otto didn’t do bad with “Outlaw Bit” either.
rcp138
February 18, 2011 @ 4:58 pm
I’ve seen Jessi a handful of times out here in AZ. One thing I couldn’t do is cover Waylon in front of her. She heard it at it’s best. And I surely wouldn’t wanna upset her…
Muller
February 18, 2011 @ 5:15 pm
Did you not like the Hiram and Huddie album either? Personally I thought that that was a tremendous double album and I am eagerly awaiting the next one they do!
The Triggerman
February 18, 2011 @ 5:31 pm
That one has some really good songs on it. That’s kind of a unique tribute because it was sort of an underground release by underground artists, so they had a lot of freedom. There was no need to keep a familiarity with the original song, like I think most tribute albums try to do, and I think there was a lot of hunger in those artists to really make the songs their own. That’s probably one example of a tribute I can get behind. You’d never see a tribute of that caliber get a major label release like this though, that is part of the problem.
But having said that, even though I LOVE Scott Biram, and LOVE “Lost Highway,” do I really need a recording of it? It’s cool if I saw him do it live, but to me, Hank’s version will never be topped.
William Elliot Whitmore doing “Mother Is Gone” blows my mind every time, but I think that’s probably because my brain is not as familiar with that song as it is some of Hank’s others.
Muller
February 18, 2011 @ 5:58 pm
Okay was just curious how you felt about that one. I agree a major label would never do anything like that record. I’m just thankful there is someone out there who will!
HB HQ
February 18, 2011 @ 5:46 pm
good points. but Scott H. Biram turned me onto a real big spectrum of blues without me knowing about it. I think people need Scott singing Lost Highway, If you listen to Scotts material… its damn near in tribute to “lost highway” and all it has with it. But when you say what you did about William Elliott Whitmore, THAT was the effect we went for and that I talk about. believe it or not, but there are/were/is some folks that get Hiram & Huddie and dont know who Scott is, but if they go buy any of his stuff, they are gonna get what they came for. That happened with every artist on there! Out of all the articles I read and all the ones I cry over… i know what Hiram & Huddie says & is has still not fully been discovered. Now let me go listen to this tribute.
The Triggerman
February 18, 2011 @ 5:56 pm
Yeah, I totally see the power and importance tributes can have, and I totally admit it is my stupid brain that gets in the way of me enjoying or appreciating them more.
I wish I could. I’m a complete music junkie. I always want more. But I think I’ve built up such a music tolerance over the years, something has to be super original for it to be potent on me. I know this music too well. I can totally see someone hearing “Lost Highway” by Scott Biram, and being turned on to both Scott AND Hank, which would be a good thing!
HB HQ
February 18, 2011 @ 6:08 pm
a tribute speaks for those involved, and allows them to pay respects in a way that they are capable of. Sure… cover bands are a no no, but nothing is hidden with the word Tribute, and it says that those folks took a minute from their creativity, to pay a lil tribute is all. most of the masses will like most all these takes, thats what they are buying it for. Also…the whole 50/50 thing, who were the women behind a lot of these songs? What other experiences have other men/ women have with men/women like this? A tribute is a nice way of saying “hey thanks, you inspired me and this is for you, i hope I dont butcher it too bad” thats why when we set out for tribute AND representation… we put a lot of care in it… and we do nOT release cover songs (in style of cover song)
The Triggerman
February 18, 2011 @ 6:13 pm
Can’t disagree with any of this. But can’t lie either and say that tributes as a whole are something i enjoy listening to.
HB HQ
February 18, 2011 @ 5:53 pm
ok, Iistened, you cannot compare Hiran & Huddie to that. This is fine for main stream, not horrible…but it aint what we did… and just a heads up. we are holdin nothin back on JR & RL and it will hold the wheel. a tribute is just that. a tribute with concept and community can break molds.
Shon Hampton
February 18, 2011 @ 6:08 pm
I’m just like Jessi,I don’t want to hear anyone sing Waylon’s songs either.I have trouble listening to myself sing them.I’d like to get this cd and use it for target practice with a 3 1/2 magnum 12ga shotgun shell…with the turkey choke in…at close range.Good fair review btw Triggerman.
Ga. Outlaw
February 18, 2011 @ 6:35 pm
I am so glad you covered this (no pun intended). Love it or hate it I think it needs to be talked about. I love the concept of tribute albums. Pay tribute to your heros while putting a new spin on an old classic. So many tributes fall short, & while I think this one could have been better, it could have been a whole lot worse (like Sweet Home Alabama A Country Music Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd). I’d like to give my opinion of each song…
1) This Time – Jamey Johnson: Sounds good but is too short. It sounds like it gets cut off in the middle.
2) Are You Sure Hank Done It That way – Alabama: Everything Triggerman said is true plus it suffers from being too short as well.
3) I’m A Ramblin’ Man – Randy Houser: The only thing I’ve heard from him before is also off of tribute albums. The difference here is he makes the song his on & it sounds great.
4) Bell Of The Ball – Shooter Jennings: I agree completely with Triggerman.
5) Good Hearted Woman – Sunny Sweeney & Jessi Colter: Never heard of Sunny Sweeney & not a big Jessi Colter fan but this is good
6) Don’t You think This Outlaw bit’s Done Got Out Of Hand – James Otto: Ever since I first heard him I’ve been trying to decide if I like or hate Otto. Haven’t decided yet but this ain’t bad.
7) Just To Satisfy You – John Hiatt & Waylon Jennings: This just doesn’t work.
8) Rose In Paradise – Kris Kristofferson & Patty Griffin: This song works until they sing together.
9) You Ask Me To – Trace Adkins: The only one who could have done it better is Waylon himself.
10) Go Down Rockin’ – Waylon Jennings: What can I say but it’s Waylon.
11) Wulitzer Prize – Chanel Campbell: Pure pop country bullshit.
The Triggerman
February 18, 2011 @ 7:45 pm
I’m glad somebody did a track by track breakdown so I didn’t have to.
For as many people I heard from that said they wouldn’t touch this thing because Trace Adkins was on it, he did as good of a job as could be expected with it.
Kristofferson should be banned from singing duets. LOVE the man, always will, but he’s all over the place. Saw this same thing at the Merle Haggard Kennedy Center tribute. I don’t know if he is trying to be like Willie and use unusual phrasing, or he just can’t hold it together anymore.
Glad you mentioned the first two tracks were too short. Many of these songs felt like they were trying to cut them for radio instead of trying to tribute Waylon. Maybe that’s why Shooter’s feels like the best, because he knew they won’t play it.
Ga. Outlaw
February 18, 2011 @ 9:12 pm
I’ve been wanting to do a review for the Skynyrd tribute album I refranced, but haven’t found the right place to do it.
Denise
February 19, 2011 @ 6:51 am
It’s a real interesting theme: taking the greats from the greats and recreating it. Again, motivation is important. Is it a true tribute or just for the money? Not all musicians are great songwriters so taking the cream of the crop and rebranding it is a way to get their craft out in the public. Kris Kristofferson is a Rhodes Scholar but that doesn’t mean everything he does is going to be brilliant. I wonder if y’all feel the same about tribute bands and such?
Also, I’m a realist and trying to figure out some things theologically. A huge theme in alot of country music is God and the Devil. Could it be safe to say that the gift of songwriting, fame, talent, etx is on the fencepost? I mean, is it either a gift from the Lord or a fleeting gift from the Devil? Just curious if anyone wants to discuss it.
Ernie
February 18, 2011 @ 8:03 pm
looked at the tunes and the artists have zero interest in this. I’d like to hear Shooter’s song but that’s it. Maybe if Willie did a track, maybe??? Hmmmmmm. Next..
Sound In The Signals Magazine
February 18, 2011 @ 11:16 pm
I basically only want to hear the Shooter song off this. Other than that I, like you, am not a fan at all of the tribute album.
Someone mentioned Randy Houser and I’ll say this he has a “sound” that I guess fits in well with artists like Jamey Johnson and I don’t think he’s the worst…but man I feel like the guy is a total tool. I feel like guys like this have a slick Toby Keith (the one he had a few years ago with the white cowboy hat) and now all the sudden they have this “outlaw” image and it just feels fake.
Sound In The Signals Magazine
February 18, 2011 @ 11:18 pm
I feel like guys like this had a slick Toby Keith* look a couple years ago themselves…like the one Toby Keith had before the Honkytonk U look…re-read what I said and it didn’t make sense to me…hopefully this is a little more clear ha!
kenneth alverson
February 19, 2011 @ 8:57 am
before i start let me say that I too hate tribute albums..to me they’re nothing but big money scams..it’s like someone saying to me Pam anderson wants to have sex with you and me saying no thanks I’ll have sex with my pam anderson blow up doll…I mean why would I buy this when Waylon’s albums have been remastered and re-released with great sound,bonus tracks and liner notes…No this album was musically weak on all fronts…Waylon’s music had a punch to hit..this was like a thump on the nose..Even Jessi’s duet with Sunny Sweeney was weak…I know everyone wants to be respectful of Jessi but let’s put her in her proper context-she always has been and is a country pop singer..she was ‘Outlaw by association’ or in this case marriage-justt like Etta place was never really a member of the Wild Bunch but people thought she was because her and Sundance were a couple. .she and sweeney give it a good try but no go on Good Hearted Woman and I won’t talk about Alabama-it’ll just be a retread of what’s already been said…Overall like i said musically weak on all fronts…No punch watered down versions of songs that can be heard on any of the original albums and countless greatest hits packages..if you want to spend your money on Waylon spend it on those…and I say to Big Machine Records good luck on volumes 2&3-if we ever see them because something tells me if this tanks it won’t happen…
The Triggerman
February 19, 2011 @ 12:41 pm
As much as I hate tributes, reading the quotes above from Shooter and Jessi make me feel like they were the first to worry this was going to be a scam or disrespectful when they were approached with it. Maybe that’s all marketing, but they said some pretty heavy things about people covering Waylon songs that don’t necessarily help this album. I see some honesty there.
Jessi may not be Waylon, Willie, Kris, or even Tompall, but she’s no Olivia Newton John either.
Denise
February 19, 2011 @ 1:25 pm
So. Does this mean you’re NOT a big fan of Xanadu?!
Martin Luther Presley
February 19, 2011 @ 11:29 am
I’m interested in Shooter’s contribution. I really liked his take on I’M A LONG WAY FROM HOME from Walk The Line.
the pistolero
February 19, 2011 @ 11:30 am
Tribute albums are hit-and-miss. I have one of the Waylon tribute albums, I’ve Always Been Crazy, and the hits were by and large worth the misses.
I don’t mind the note-for-note covers of the originals; Travis Tritt sounded damn good on “Lonesome, On’ry and Mean.” Much better that than, say, Deana Carter & Sara Evans’ whispery, turgid, lite-AC cover of “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys.” On the other hand, though, James Hetfield nailed “Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit’s Done Got Out of Hand.”
Scott
February 19, 2011 @ 7:25 pm
I have always pre-ferred Henry Rollins version of Lonesome, Onry and Mean to Tritts but Waylon’s originals are tough to top. I think if a tribute album is attempted the artist NEED to change the songs up a bit. That said, I owned two Waylon tribute albums before I owned any Waylon. It’s embarrassing but true. I was trying to get Hetfield’s version of “Don’t You Think…” and accidentally bought the wrong tribute album. Because I bought those albums I started to remember the originals from when I was a kid in the 80s (back when you could still hear Jennings on the radio). That shit along with Hank 3 brought me back to listening to alot of the legends again… So I guess tribute albums aren’t so bad after all! 🙂
Martin Luther Presley
February 19, 2011 @ 11:32 am
And wether it’s got done for the money…well, I doubt there is THAT much money involved, and seriously, even if I WERE filthy fucking rich and my dad happened to be a music legend…I’d get a kick out of producing such a tribute.
UncleMary
February 19, 2011 @ 12:30 pm
Why is Alabama of all groups doing THAT song. I mean really. I’ve always thought that Trace Adkins dude could sing good but his music is just down right terrible. Really though at the end of the day tribute albums are pointless. You’re not going to beat the originals and I don’t want to hear someone trying to sing someone else. It rarely works. The only exception I can think of is Same Train A Different Time. That’s a great fucking album. That one never gets old.
The Triggerman
February 19, 2011 @ 12:46 pm
Just got an idea for a PERFECT tribute album! A Weird Al tribute, with the original artists of the songs he parodied, doing his parodies! Like Michael Jackson doing “Eat It!” Oh wait, he’s dead.
Ga. Outlaw
February 19, 2011 @ 2:26 pm
Why not? Cledus T. Judd put together a damn good tribute album to Ray Stevens. All duets with him & big stars. The three highlights were with Trace Adkins on It’s Me Again Margaret, with Joe Diffie on Would Jesus Wear a Rolex & with Ray Stevens on The Streak.
Nathan38401
February 19, 2011 @ 1:28 pm
I grew up on Alabama. Their first 3 records deserve alot of respect. That said They were by by the weakest point of this cd. They did not make anything change. If anything Waylon, Willie, Johnny, and a hand full of others changed country to the point that they could bring their early sound in.
Shooter Fan Warning:
You Have to hear Belle Of The Ball. That Track Alone is a true tribute. The song is about the way Nashville works, and waylon telling Nashville that they can have their way but hes taking The People with Him. Thats a path Shooter is walking now, and He puts his soul into the song, And Changes it enough that it isnt a Kareoke version, like most tributes are.
Nathan38401
February 19, 2011 @ 2:13 pm
Here is a youtube link to Belle of the ball
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHZru2usZCs
Denise
February 20, 2011 @ 7:42 am
Nice. I assume that was Leroy on the lead . . .
The Triggerman
February 20, 2011 @ 9:59 am
That’s after Leroy.
Nathan38401
February 20, 2011 @ 5:20 pm
Not Leroy on the lead guitar. Leroy Powell is an amazingly good guitarist, and i do root for him to succeed, however it sounds like he found bridges to burn and decided to add gasoline to them on his way out of the .357’s.
Ga. Outlaw
February 19, 2011 @ 2:39 pm
Here is what I think are the 10 best Tribute Albums…
10. Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Tribute To Loretta Lynn
9. An All-Star Tribute To Lynyrd Skynyrd
8. Fade to Bluegrass: A Tribute To Metalica
7. Dressed In Black: A Tribute To Johnny Cash
6. Lonesome, On’ry & Mean: A Tribute To Waylon Jennings
5. Skynyrd Frynds
4. Not Fade Away: Remembering Buddy Holly
3. Sharp Dressed Men: A Tribute To ZZ Top
2. Kindred Spirit: A Tribute To The Songs Of Johnny Cash
1. Keith Whitley: A Tribute Album
Denise
February 20, 2011 @ 5:37 pm
Thanks for the list. One I like called AppalachianStomp is more of a compilation but has many great bluegrass cuts.
Ojaioan
February 19, 2011 @ 8:52 pm
I shoulda read ALL the comments before I tore up my 3 1/2 page review of these songs…Thanks Ga. Outlaw. I agree with you on all but #7, one of my favorite Waylon songs and Waylon himself was the only thing that saved this song, #9 You Ask Me To was done so much more musically and tributary to the original Waylon song by Brigitte London that to pass her version over for a Trace Adkins self promoting version is sacriWaylongistic! Personaly I like a Tribute album if I can remember and hear the original artist in another artists interpretation of their work. I have always considered that to be a “Tribute”. To me for an artist to do an “original?” version of someone elses song…is called plaugerism. ” It’s all about the fucking money”?…who the hell said thaaaat?
Ga. Outlaw
February 19, 2011 @ 9:03 pm
I must disagree with you. On Waylon’s album I’ve Always Been Crazy he does his on version of Johnny Cash’s I Walk The Line. It sounds nothing like Johnny Cash’s version. So by the standards you set you accusing Waylon Jennings of plaugerism. Also Waylon’s Album Honky Tonk Heros was completely writen by Billy Joe Shaver. To make another artist song fit your own style is artistic. To copy someone elses art & call it your own is plaugerism.
Ojaioan
February 19, 2011 @ 10:54 pm
I stand corrected…maybe only a true fan of the song hears the original artist. I never heard Waylon publish I WALK THE LINE or any of BILLY JOE SHAVERS songs as a “TRIBUTE”, my mistake…oops.
Ojaioan
February 19, 2011 @ 11:08 pm
P.(fuckn)S. “Honky Tonk Heroes” was (almost) completely written by Billy Joe Shavers…until some TRASHVILLE exec decided to throw in “We Had It All” …just to break up a clean sweep. Still it wasn’t meant to be a “tribute” album,…there is a differance between singing somebodys songs and performing a kudos to an artists accomplishments…get my drift?
The Triggerman
February 19, 2011 @ 11:19 pm
OK, we’re all Waylon fans here, let’s remember.
And not that this takes anybody’s side, but I love hearing how when Waylon was recording that album at Hillbilly Central with Tompall Glaser behind the mixing board, Shaver was ranting and raving at what they were doing with his songs. The tempo change at the very end of “Honky Tonk Heroes” drove him especially bonkers.
Oh, and as for Brigitte London being “snubbed,” I love Brigitte as much as anyone, but this seems to convey that anybody involved with this project has any clue who Brigitte London is, and that they had her version sitting there and said, “eh, we’ll pass for this Trace Adkins one”. They should of course know who Brigitte London is, and in a perfect world, you couldn’t even dream of putting a Waylon tribute together without her. But let’s be realistic. This was not about trying to find the best versions, this was in part to promote folks people already know who are on major labels. I think that is why Hillgrass Bluebilly has a much better chance of putting together a tolerable tribute album.
Ojaioan
February 19, 2011 @ 11:33 pm
…ha ha…an artist with his mistreated creation…ya gotta love’m both. I don’t blame the artist one bit…but I sure love the performers interpretation. I truly love the artists work but I think the framing is what made the picture complete.
Ga. Outlaw
February 20, 2011 @ 6:57 am
That’s why I love Not Fade Away: Remembering Buddy Holly. It wasn’t about the big stars. They went out of there way to find artist who were Buddy Holly Fans. It was realy my first tast of Americana music, It featured The Mavericks, Nanci Griffith, Los Lobos, The Band, The Tractors, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Joe Ely with Tod Snider, Marty Stuart, Suzy Bogguss, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band & Waylon Jennings with Mark Knopfler. Waylon & Mark’s version of Learning The Game is one of the greatest things I’ve ever heard. Amazon has it on mp3.
http://www.amazon.com/Fade-Away-Remembering-Buddy-Holly/dp/B001NSF35A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1298209505&sr=8-1
Denise
February 20, 2011 @ 7:35 am
Yeah because remember “the best is yet to come.” Joe Bucks version of Big River on the Outlaw Radio Comp is top notch. Takes nothing away from Johnny Cash, and yet upholds the fact that there will never be another Johnny Cash but his songs can live on (and do!) in other artists. Not for the money, but for the tribute.
TyFar
February 19, 2011 @ 11:44 pm
I for one loved it, the ONLY gripe I have was Alabama changing the lyrics from “we need a change” to “we made a change”. that REALLY bothers me.
I think Jamey has an uncanny ability to adapt, to Waylon songs and really makes them his own even though he changes almost nothing. I’d love to see him do an album of Waylon songs, I mean its not uncommon for a musician to do entire cover albums to pay homage to there hereos. Waylon did a album consisting entirely of Hank Williams.
I like how Randy gave Ramblin’ Man, a bluesy feel. I always thought Waylon’s rendition of the song was a cautionary tale to the ladies. But when Randy Sings it, it almost sounds like he bragging about his rambling.
Shooter, well he sounded fantastic, great version of the song, I think its interesting how it applies to his experience with Nashville, but too a lesser extent to his father.
Jessi did quite good with Good Hearted Woman, and it made me fan of her duet partner Sunny Sweeney. She’s got a real twang to her voice (not a fake accent) and I like that in the female artists I listen to.
James Otto did a good job on Outlaw Bit, but while he sounded good, Musically it wasn’t anything we haven’t heard before. It was pretty much the same as the original (and to be honest after hearing the ballad version on Waylon Forever, I’m not much of a fan of the quick rockin ‘version )
Jon Hiatts Duet with Waylon was…passable. Didn’t really do much for me.
Rose in Paradise, was great until they sang at the same time, that just seemed odd to me.
Trace Adkins on You asked me to. A lot of people complain about his mainstream appeal, but I dig him, the man can sing. His voice fits well with the older outlaw style stuff.
Go Down Rockin’….Its Waylon. and its a bad ass Waylon. need I say more?
Chanel Campbell pulled at my heart strings on Wurlitzer prize. Waylons rendition was never a favorite of mine, but I think her version is one of my favorites on the album.
All in all, this is the best Waylon tribute album yet! The others that’ve been released have had a few gems, but for the most part had a lot of filler covers, that fell flat. I’m looking forward to the other two albums!
Also, anyone notice that this has quite a few of the artists from the Lynrd Skynrd tribute album?
The Triggerman
February 20, 2011 @ 10:08 am
Kris should not be allowed to do any more duets. Didn’t work here, didn’t work at Merle Haggard’s Kennedy Center Honors presentation.
I’m finding it interesting a the comments get deep, many people not liking the John Hiatt track.
TyFar
February 20, 2011 @ 12:25 pm
I think its mostly because it seems gimmicky to people, if he’d just sung the song alone, it’d be good, but the fact that they’ve added him to an already existing Waylon track, (like hank sr. and jr, in Tear in My Beer) it cheapens the performance I think.
TyFar
February 20, 2011 @ 12:28 pm
Thats not to say that Tear in my beer is bad, I was just using it as an example of the technique
Calvin
February 20, 2011 @ 1:15 am
Ehhh…. Trigger I feel the same way that you do about tribute albums. Most likely there never going to meet our expectations…. I mean how can anyone do it better than Waylon? Why not just listen to the real thing? Honestly, there is not many that I like and this is no exception. I will say Shooter’s version of “Belle of the Ball” was worth the six dollars I spent on Amazon to purchase the album though. Other than that I think Sunny Sweeney stood out and Jamey Johnson did another solid cover of a Jennings song but its nothing we haven’t heard before from him. I absolutely HATE Alabama’s version of “Are you sure Hank done it this way”. The changing of the words aggravated the F@#$ out of me and frankly after watching Randy Owens on Nashville Star I haven’t wanted to here his voice again. I also dislike the Trace Adkins cover….and it’s not so much him, it’s more so his voice doesn’t fit the song. The rest is so so and tolerable. I look forward to hearing what Justin Moore can do with a Waylon song (I actually heard him perform this live, can’t remember the song but I remember enjoying it). But other than him I doubt the last 2 volumes will be anything to get excited about.
The Triggerman
February 20, 2011 @ 10:07 am
I am . . . impressed/suprised . . . I’m sure what the right word is, but reading through the comments, how universally liked the Shooter track is. It stuck out to me for sure, and stuck out for some people that would probably not characterize themselves as Shooter fans.
Calvin
February 20, 2011 @ 8:14 pm
I personally am a Shooter fan and to me it’s the only song on the album that makes you think, “Wow.. this could be a hit.” When I hear it I don’t want to listen to the Waylon tribute album… I want to throw in a Shooter Jennings album. Also, theirs those rare moments when his daddy shines through in his voice and that’s the Shooter I love the most.
Aran
February 20, 2011 @ 9:15 am
Maybe I should have read all the comments above in more depth, but I think the discussion is turning towards the difference between cover songs and tribute albums. In my opinion tribute albums usually fall flat. If it’s an artist that I love (and why else would I listen to a tribute album?), I’d just rather hear the artist that I love. However there’s nothing wrong with a strategically placed cover song, in a live set or on an album. Hellbound Glory comes to mind. In their live set they crank out piles of originals, then throw in a Waylon song here and there, or Merle, or Hank. It’s a way of paying tribute to artists they admire, give the audience something they recognize, and put a unique twist on an already familiar song.
Hell if you’re like me, and just playing open mikes and opening slots, you HAVE to throw some covers out just to get the audience interested. Maybe this is off topic!
The Triggerman
February 20, 2011 @ 10:13 am
Yeah, I certainly would not say the same things about cover songs as I do about tribute albums. Putting a bunch of “cover” songs in a tribute seems to expose the idea for me. There’s no cohesiveness in the tracks like you get with an original album, while a well-placed, tasteful cover can compliments and album’s theme. And then there’s the tendency on tribute albums to more ape or try to re-create the song instead of doing their own rendition of it. I mean, Alabama would not put this version of “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” on one of their albums, it would seem completely out of place. But you could put Shooter’s “Belle of the Ball” on an album and it wouldn’t.
Denise
February 20, 2011 @ 12:42 pm
There is no better cover album AND tribute compilation than the Three Hanks. My next tribute purchase will be Hiram and Huddie. I read somewhere that Hank Sr.’s proper name was supposed to be Hiriam King and was misspelled. Not sure if that’s true or not.
IceColdCountry
February 22, 2011 @ 9:16 am
What are you talking about?
Did they mis-spell Hiriam to Hiram or mis-spell King to Hank?
What exactly do you think his name is?
And do you follow this music or just spout off about pop-country? You thought Leroy was playing on Belle of the Ball? Leroy and Shooter parted ways a while back.
Denise
February 22, 2011 @ 6:03 pm
I was researching Hank Williams to write a story about him and in my research I found information that his name was really Hiriam (like in the bible, King Hiriam) but was misspelled and they called him Hank as a nickname. Again, don’t know if it’s true and what his actual birth certificate lists. I do not keep up with Shooter Jennings band so no, I did not know when this video was filmed and when or if Leroy parted ways. What else you wanna know?
I know Leroy is listed as the writer of Lonesome Blues and Ted Russell Camp is listed as the writer of Steady at the Wheel.
IceColdCountry
February 22, 2011 @ 10:09 pm
Sorry for coming off like a jerk. I know we had it out before and I was kind of sticking it to you again, sorry.
I’m not sure the story you read, but I think you might have it flip flopped. Hank’s given name is Hiram, referencing the bible’s King Hiram. From what I understand, his birth cert. is mis-spelled “Hiriam”.
Good luck on the paper, researching this stuff is always fun and interesting.
Ga. Outlaw
February 20, 2011 @ 1:56 pm
The sad part is on the Skynyrd Frynds tribute album Alabama does a great job of making Sweet Home Alabama there own.
Martin Luther Presley
February 20, 2011 @ 9:37 am
Speaking of tribute albums…there’s hardly a record that I am looking as much forward to as J.R. AND R.L. – A DOUBLE TRIBUTE TO CASH AND BURNSIDE. I love Hiram And Huddie.
Pucci
February 20, 2011 @ 7:47 pm
Well i’m not a fan of this tribute album, i was of the one with Hank III with the tribute for Hank Williams well and the one for ZZ Top too, but i don’t know just not feeling this one. That’s my opinion of it anyway.
IceColdCountry
February 20, 2011 @ 9:19 pm
Given Shooter and Jessi approved of this big of a project, is a great. I think that should put the speculation of “this is only for money” to rest. The project has a documentary coming out as well, “Waylon-Breaking the Myth”. This is really the first extensive tribute/legacy project on Waylon. Perhaps even in the afterlife Waylon will usher in the change needed to Nashville today. If people can look beyond pointless angst.
Couple thoughts off vol. 1
I think Shooters rendition is most popular by the above replies not only because it is done well, but I don’t think many ever heard the original. It is a quality song and rings true today for the underground movement.
Jamey Johnson just kills (in a good way) any Waylon tune. As stated by TyFar, he doesn’t really change anything about the song, but makes it his own at the same time. I think that speaks to the influence/respect Jamey has for Waylon and shouldn’t be brushed aside by nay sayers.
Alabama butchered it big time. Changing the words! Come on. Jamey should have done “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way” vs. “This Time”. He kills “Are You Sure…” in concert.
Good Hearted was done very well. I thought the paring was out of the blue and worked really well. Nice to see Sunny included with the true country she loves. I would hate to see her fall to the label pressure with her recent success in the mainstream.
I am a bit confused why some replies seem to think that artists on a tribute album are trying to do the songs inspite of the originals rather than the artist paying respects. Comments like- “how can anyone do it better than Waylon? Why not just listen to the real thing?” That really isn’t the point of a tribute, to do it better.
I like tribute albums to the extent of learning who is on the tirbute and why they are on it. Why/how did the artist being paid the tribute influence the artist singing the tribute. I think that is kind of cool.
I think I would pass out if Hank III showed up on one of the final 2 volumes. It would be wonderful to hear him do a Waylon tune and it would really get the water under the bridge for all the rumors of him and Shooter, and would perhaps mend some fences with fans that don’t know what to think of the two and other artists on the tribute.
I don’t think that this tribute is a money thing. I prefer to look at it as Waylon coming around again when Nashville needs it and there are some good people behind it. I know Big Machine is the label, but hey, they sure know how to push music, so let them push this.
I think the underground masses should endorse this, unless we see Rascal Flatts show up on a song.
“The Conversation” is certain to be on vol. 2 or 3. I am very interested to know who duets that.
Calvin
February 21, 2011 @ 1:17 pm
IceCold, you are right. I was wrong in my statement and now looking back I’m not sure why I did say that (other than it was really late and I was a little drunk.) Artists on a tribute album are NEVER going to do it better and that really isn’t the purpose of a tribute album. I will say this though. If you are going to do a tribute… give me a reason to WANT to listen to your version. When I’m browsing my Ipod… give me a reason to pick your version and not head straight to the original artists version. Shooter gave me reason, Jamey gave me a reason, Sunny, Jessi, Randy, and as much as I hate to say it… James Otto even gave me a reason. Alabama on the other hand gave me a reason to throw up. The changing of the words did it for me… I understand they are a “group” and not a single person… so pick another song! I will say it’s one of the better tribute albums out there. I like that they included Kris Kristofferson, and John Hiatt….other than Rascall Flatts and Uncle Kracker. At the same time though, I think Trace Adkins was solely on this album to sell copies.
"Louie" Chris Lewis
February 21, 2011 @ 3:51 pm
I personally like this album so far. I haven’t bought it yet but have listened to samples off Amazon. I like tribute albums as long as the artist who is performing them changes the song creatively and makes it their own rather than listen to someone sing the song exactly as it was done by the artist they are tributing. I can hear that at any karoake bar. Here’s what I think about this so far:
This Time (Johnson) – Decent track, not Johnson’s best. I think he should have slowed the song down though.
Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way (Alabama) – Not creative, karaoke like
I’m a Ramblin’ Man (Houser) – My favorite on this album. He recreated it and gave it his cool bluesy feel to it.
Belle of the Ball (Shooter) – Cool obsure version..kinda boring though
Good Hearted Woman (Sweeney & Jessi) – Sunny has that interesting fresh voice that is different enough to make this unique.
Don’t You Think This Outlaw Bit ( ) – Uncreative. I prefer the original or James Hetfield’s version
Just to Satisfy You (Hiatt) – Just Boring
Rose in Paradise (Kristofferson) – This was good from what I heard, but I’m a fan of Kristofferson.
You Ask Me To (Adkins) – He does have a great deep voice but didn’t catch my attention.
Go Down Rockin’ (Jennings) – Just not my favorite Jennings song.
"Louie" Chris Lewis
February 21, 2011 @ 4:02 pm
I also liked the Skynrd tribute as well. I don’t understand why noone liked it other than that it had mainstream artists on it.
I thought these were the best songs of that album:
Four Walls of Raiford (Jamey Johnson) – Johnson gave his touch and turned out great
Sweet Home Alabama (Ashley Ray) – My favorite on this album. A very cool and creative version of this song
The Ballad of Curtis Loew (Eric Church) – He turned this song up and rocked it out great. I know noone on here likes the guy but I thought this was top notch.
Derek
February 21, 2011 @ 9:36 pm
Wow Louie! I’ve talked to quite a few people about this tribute album and not a one of them enjoy Ashley Ray’s version as much as I do. It’s nice to know there is at least one other person out there that enjoys it. I read a quote somewhere on the internet from someone who said that she gave Sweet Home Alabama and ‘love song’ feel, which I think is apropos. About the Eric Church song, I’m a fan of both his albums and he certainly didn’t disappoint with this version of Curtis Loew. I think Eric used this opportunity to showcase a slightly different side of his musical influences.
"Louie" Chris Lewis
February 22, 2011 @ 5:14 pm
Derek it is nice to hear someone say they like Ashley Ray. Ever since I heard her voice I’ve been hooked on her. She’s unique which makes her stand out from the rest. Her entire album is good also. I’ve talked with her a few times and seen her perform once and was very impressed. I think most people don’t like that version of Sweet Home Alabama because it is so different than the original. Some people don’t like classic songs like that sung differently. I thought it was a cool creative outlook on that song. If you like her, you should checkout Sunny Sweeney and Jaida Dreyer. Unique voice who keep their country “classic”. I guess I prefer the girls with accents. About Eric Church, I know noone on this site seems to like him. Personally I’ve liked his albums, a couple songs leaned towards the poppy sound like Two Pink Lines and Hell on the Heat, but I loved his song “Lightning” and some others.
I like all these underground country bands that most of us follow on this webpage, but sometimes I think we get caught up on those bands and become blind of some decent stuff coming out of Nashville. At least Eric Church is not lil girl music like Taylor Swift, or pop harmony groups like Lady A and Rascall Flatts, or cheesy sellout artists like Trace Adkins.
The Triggerman
February 22, 2011 @ 6:37 pm
Someone get me some Ashley Ray stuff, I’ll put an ear on it. That goes for any band. I’m always up for suggestions, but without the music, it’s hard to make a judgment call or do a review.
Derek
February 21, 2011 @ 9:54 pm
I’m a fan of tribute albums. One reason is because it gives artists an avenue to do things a little different. They don’t have to worry about making the track fit on an album with 10 other songs, so they can put all their focus on one single song and try to create the best version they can.
But it is almost a requirement for me that the artist put their own stamp on the song. If they just go in the studio and recreate the original, then I don’t see why I should listen to anything other than the original. Now I certainly don’t expect to enjoy every cut on the record. Even if the artist did put their own stamp on the song. But with the new era of music that places such an emphasis on singles and digital sales, I can go online and download only the tracks I like and within a few minutes I have a few new songs that I enjoy listening to. And isn’t that the name of the game?
crook
February 22, 2011 @ 12:14 pm
the difference maker for me on tributes is the artists singin on them, not the artist bein paid tribute to.the”hiram and huddie” albums are a perfect example of this.i enjoyed them because i like the guys on those albums.exactly why i dont care for this, and those on this whose music i do like(kristofferson) still didnt make it worth my while.my pal played this for me on sunday night, he’s a big waylon fan like me but he’s also a jamey johnson fan which, well i try not to let it ruin the friendship. so i listened to this when otherwise i probably wouldnt have and it did nothin for me. had to go listen to some high on fire to shake off the lingering odor.he likes it cuz he likes these artists. i didnt previously and this didnt change my mind.
Tyra aka: A Moment To Smile
April 8, 2011 @ 10:09 am
I my self do not care for the alum…My opinion is that one of the Senior Outlaws should have been on it..Yes, Kris kristofferson was there & Hank Jr. but I feel Travis Tritt should have been on there also he can do a Waylon song with FEEL’N!!! Just my opinion..