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Album Details

• Artist: George Jones
• Album: The Definitive Collection 1955-62
• Label: Mercury/Chronicles
• Year of Release: 2004
• ME Rating: Indie Classic
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2005-02-08

Where does a second George Jones review fit on MusicEmissions.com? Well, we do review some alt.country stuff we like to call No Depression (not our term) and it's thanks to country originators like George Jones that we owe this music to. Even up to this day, Mr. Jones has kept true to his roots without straying to far but it is this particular era, 1955-1962, his Mercury days, that are most cherished by his fans and other classic country afficianados. There is no denying George Jones' influence on the genre but if you are like me, maybe you are lacking the firsthand knowledge of the legend. Well this single disc compilation came along at the right time for me. I had my eye out for a different double disc anthology of the same era but Mercury has whittled it down to the 22 most essential tracks for us casual fans. These are the kind of songs that once you hear them you should recognize them in some or another. Songs like "You're Still On My Mind" are instantly familiar even if you never knew who wrote or sang the song ("An Empty Bottle/A Broken Heart/And you're still on my mind"). The compilation starts off with George's most recognizable song, "Why Baby Why". With influences like Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Bill Monroe, The Carter Family and Roy Acuff he really couldn't go wrong. I'm not sure if he ever realized he would be that influential to other musicians. So, if you have ever listened to a Ryan Adams album, an Uncle Tupelo album or even the Jayhawks then give George Jones the respect he deserves and add The Definitive Collection to your collection. And I would probably pay the extra money to get this disc over the one listed below. It has a whole lot more songs.

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