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Some people are clearly disappointed by the low Emmylou content on this compilation although the front cover clearly says 20 country recordings featuring the duet or backing vocals of Emmylou Harris. However, Emmylou seems to be more in evidence on this volume than on the sequel, so if you don't think you can hear enough of Emmylou here, don't even bother with volume 2. If, however, you accept this for what it is, you may find it an enjoyable listening experience.
In picking out highlights, I've based my assessment purely on the music and not on how much Emmylou contributes to each track. The set opens in great style with a duet from Willie Nelson's Honeysuckle Rose soundtrack and a high standard is maintained throughout. My favorite track here is Mexican wind, performed by Jann Browne. As Jann's voice is similar to Emmylou's, it is difficult to identify Emmylou's voice here. Then again, if you enjoy one of their voices, why wouldn't you enjoy the other's voice too? Emmylou co-wrote Woman walk the line for her concept album, Ballad of Sally Rose. Highway 101 later covered it and so did Trisha Yearwood. Here you'll find Trisha's excellent version. Other highlights include Oh Carolina (Vince Gill), That's all it took (a duet with Gram Parsons), Here we are (a duet with George Jones) and Rachel (Gary Stewart), but every track here is brilliant.
The writer of the comprehensive and impressive liner notes thinks that Street of this town (Mary Kay Place) is the most obscure track here. Actually, both of her albums were released as a twofer a few years ago on Raven (the label that is also responsible for this compilation), so it's not obscure to me as I bought and reviewed it a long time ago.
Taken for what it is, which is a collection of great country music by a wide variety of singers, this is brilliant although you won't find many hits here. Just don't expect to hear too much of Emmylou. Judged as an Emmylou album, it would rate one star, but judged for what it is, I have no hesitation in awarding it five stars.
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