Pros: The best cd for hearing the honky tonk sound of country music.
Cons: A few songs could have been left out.
The Bottom Line: The ultimate Gary Stewart cd. A must for any fan of honky tonk music or Gary Stewart. If you can only buy one Gary Stewart cd this is the ONE!
tchoate's Full Review: The Essential Gary Stewart by Gary Stewart
The 1970’s were the era of Gary Stewart. He was at that time crowned the “King of Honky Tonk” by Time Magazine. Honky Tonk music was largely sang in the 70’s by very few one of those being Gary Stewart; others included Johnnie Paycheck, Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley.
The Honky Tonk sound of Gary Stewart is country music in its rawest form; it is the songs of life’s lessons, beer drinking and a dose of life giving you only the cold hard facts. This music rose to popularity out of the dance halls in Oklahoma and Texas. During much of the 70’s it seemed that Honky Tonk music was lost, that is until Gary Stewart appeared on the scene and seemed to save the honky tonk sound.
This cd is every hit song I ever remember hearing Gary Stewart sing. I remember dancing many a dance myself to these very songs. Gary Stewart not only sang the music, he more or less lived the struggles in each and every song. I have seen him in concert twice; once he showed up drunk and could barely stand on stage but still put on a great show and sang his songs with all the gusto that you expect from Gary Stewart. The second concert didn’t ever happen, as he never showed up. This just goes to show that what this man sings about he definitely knows about as he has lived it.
The Essential Gary Stewart Tracks
Drinkin’ Thing - Written by Wayne Carson - I’ve got this drinkin’ thing, to keep from thinkin’ thing is the first line to this ultimate honky tonk hit. Many people have done quite a bit of boot scootin’ to this great dance hall song.
Honky-Tonkin’ - Written by Don Goodman/Troy Seals/Dave Gillion/John Bettis - Honky-Tonkin’ sure makes you feel funky, honky tonkin’ makes you feel fine. The first line of this great song tells you right off how people who enjoy honky tonkin feel about it.
Roarin’ - Written by Mark Lawler/Johnny Cobb – This song showcases the sound of the piano in the honky tonk sound of music. Upbeat and actually sounds a little like a rock song.
She Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles) – Written by Wayne Carson – This song tells you about another aspect of honky tonk music. The love lost and drowning your sorrows in a bottle.
Back Sliders Wine - Written by Michael Murphy – This song is a great dance song and showcases the talent of the steel guitar player. It is all about back sliding once you have kicked the bottle.
Out of Hand - Written by Tom Jans/Jeff Barry – This song definitely has the honky tonk sound and story. It tells of having an affair and how it can get out of hand so quickly.
Single Again - Written by Gary Stewart – Tells the story of going through a divorce and finding yourself “Single Again”.
Quits - Written by Danny O’Keefe – This is one of my favorite Gary Stewart songs. This song asks what you call the place in your life when love leaves. Gary says the only thing you can do is call it “Quits”.
Oh, Sweet Temptation - Written by Wayne Carson – This song is pretty upbeat for the honky tonk sound, but the meaning behind it is definitely part of the honky tonk mentality. It is telling you about the temptation of running around on your spouse and how hard it is to say no, even with a wedding band on.
In Some Room Above The Street - Written by Sterling Whipple – This song is one that I hadn’t heard Gary Stewart sing before buying this cd, but I am glad that it is included on this cd. It has turned out to be one of my favorites.
Your Place Or Mine - Written by Carol Anderson/Roy Bourke/Mary Beth Anderson – The title to this track says it all! Where shall we go after this honky tonk closes your place or mine?
Ten Years of This - Written by Gary Stewart/Wayne Carson – This song tells about surviving 10 years of a bad marriage with one running around and the other doing drugs.
Whiskey Trip - Written by Wayne Carson/Don Tankersley – I believe the title of this song tells you about the entire song. Drinking whiskey from a bottle and how you try and drown your sorrows in that bottle.
Stone Wall Around Your Heart - Written by Pat Twitty – If you enjoy listening to some great piano playing then this song will make your day. The piano is great in the background.
Flat Natural Born Good-Timin’ Man - Written by Gary Stewart – This is an upbeat song that tells you about being ready for Saturday night and dancing in the bars.
Mazelle - Written by Russ Kilpatrick – Not one of my favorite songs on this album and I still cannot bring myself to like this song. It is an upbeat tune, but could have been left off of this album.
Cactus and A Rose - Written by Chips Moman/Bobby Emmons – This song is about a man trying to move up in life to the big city of New York, but how he just can’t leave his roots.
Are We Dreamin’ The Same Dream - Writen by Billy Burnette/Johnny Christopher – This song asks if you are still thinking of that lost love the way he is thinking about you.
I See The Want To In Your Eyes - Written by Wayne Carson – Many people remember this song from Conway Twitty making it a #1 hit. But Conway first heard this song recorded by Gary Stewart. It is still a great song know matter who sings it. I myself like both versions.
Brotherly Love - Written by Gary Stewart/Dean Dillion – The co-writer of this song sings this song with Gary on this album. A great song to end this great cd with.
While today’s country music seems to be more about being in love and political correctness. The songs on this cd remind of us a time when country music told the story of how life is not always tidy and shows the human side of life through the lyrics of each and every one of these songs. This cd is the ultimate honky tonk cd; from hearing the piano and steel guitar in every song to hearing Gary Stewart sing with all of the emotion he can it is a must for any country music fan. If you enjoy the sounds of the old honky tonks then you must have this cd.
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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