| CD Review: 16 Biggest Hits - Flatt & Scruggs | |
|
Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
As old as the mountains, as old as this country, bluegrass music is the music in this country from which all other music derived from. An Americanized version of the Celtic music from Ireland and Scotland, bluegrass was brought to the mainstream in the 1930's by the great Bill Monroe. Two of his background band members were Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. Flatt & Scruggs broke off from Bill Monroe's band around 1951 and forged their own successful career. Now 51 years after their first hit single, the duo sees their CD, 16 Biggest Hits released.
Containing their 16 Biggest Hits, this CD is a great introduction into the world of bluegrass. Flatt & Scruggs were together for 20 years. Lester Flatt passed away in 1979 at the age 64. While Monroe is known as the "Father of Bluegrass," Flatt & Scruggs are known as the people who put bluegrass music on the map. The duo also were given heavy exposure by TV and radio and sung many theme songs for shows such as "Petticoat Junction," and "The Beverly Hillbillies." In 1955, the band joined the Grand Ole Opry with the duo being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1985.
"Tis Sweet To Be Remembered" was Flatt and Scruggs first ever single for Columbia Records and it became their first top ten single as well. With Flatt's high lonesome styled vocals and Scruggs banjo pickin', this song still sounds great today.
"Cabin On The Hill" has a neat sound that sounds like a bluegrass-gospel type of song. This song was one of a string of top 40 singles over the course of ten years (1959-1969).
As the theme song for the "Beverly Hillbillies," "The Ballad of Jed Clampett" became the first bluegrass song to go to number one. It also propelled Flatt and Scruggs into the spotlight of TV and movies.
"Pearl, Pearl, Pearl" is another banjo-infused song that has a sound similar to Johnny Cash's "Ring Of Fire." The instrumentation on this song showcases the talents of the duo. There is also a neat verse of the song where the duo exchanges reasons for "Pearl" to date them and not the other.
"Petticoat Junction" is a song that was the theme song to the show of the same name. It is a cute song that nostalgia buffs or children from that era will surely remember.
"Workin' It Out" was written by the great Shel Silverstein and was a hit in 1964 for Flatt and Scruggs. With its tale of a man trying to work out his troubles, this song is a gem that is my favorite off of the CD.
"Foggy Mountain Breakdown" is now a bluegrass standard that was written by Earl Scruggs. Featured in the film Bonnie and Clyde in 1967, many people know this instrumental but not necessarily who recorded it first.
With 16 fun tracks, this is simply an enjoyable CD that should not be missed.
Song List
Album cover, used with permission of Sony Nashville .
Click on the button below to find the best price for this CD and purchase it from a retailer on the Internet.
