The Bottom Line
Pros
- "Branded Man"
- "Drink Up And Be Somebody"
- "Mixed Up Mess of a Heart"
Cons
- None.
Description
- Two 1967 releases on one CD, with four bonus tracks (alternate takes).
- Includes a full-length essay by Hollywood Reporter music editor, Chris Morris.
- Includes original cover art for both albums.
Guide Review - Merle Haggard - I'm a Lonesome Fugitive and Branded Man
I probably mention my intense admiration of Merle Haggard all too often, but then, this is one classic artist who hasn't failed to release at least one new disc a year for as long as I've been writing reviews, and I love 'em all. It's nice, though, to hear these albums from Merle's early career, intact and complete, with some alternate tracks tossed on as a bonus. Nice? Nah, it's awesome."I'm A Lonesome Fugitive" was Merle's first #1 single, and of course began a career that's been both impressive and, of course, lengthy. "Fugitive" was his third album for Capitol; "Branded Man" his fourth. While his first two albums had spawned some hits, it was when "Fugitive" struck that Merle made it. There's impressive ballads such as "House of Memories" and "Whatever Happened To Me"; "Branded Man" yielded its amazing title track, as well as "I Threw Away The Rose," and "Long Black Limousine."
It's terrific to hear some of the obscure tracks that never made it to the big compilations, such as the Americana favorite, "Drink Up And Be Somebody" (which I'd heard everyone else in the world perform except Merle before now!) and "I Made The Prison Band." My only beef with this release is a lack of full credits. While some of the musicians are named, not all of them are, and I like to know who's playing and singing (for example, it really sounds like Buck Owens singing harmony on "Mixed Up Mess of a Heart"). But it's a small complaint. It's Mighty Merle. You can't go wrong.
