A rock&roll classic that belongs in every country collection
Peter Durward Harris | 03/17/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As an old fan of the CRVB and a good friend of the guy who helped arrange this album when it first came out about 30 years ago, I am a heavily biased observer. But as one who lived through the 60's after college and grew up with the Beatles, but who's greater love is for bluegrass music, I can say without hesitation that this is one of my all time favorite albums. I am delighted to see that it has been re-released as a CD. It should definitely be a part of every country music lover's personal collection. It's a classic blend of two great polyphonic styles of 20th Century music."
The first bluegrass Beatles tribute
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 10/03/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Apparently, the CRVB recorded several albums, although this is the only one I've come across. It is a brilliant collection of Beatles covers originally recorded in 1966. They didn't just go for the obvious songs - this must be one of the few Beatles tributes not to include Yesterday.Some of the songs are very famous, like I feel fine, Help! and Ticket to ride. Less well known are Baby's in black, And your bird can sing and What goes on. I was pleased to see the rarely-covered Paperback writer included, though perhaps my favorite here is Yellow submarine - they insist on singing it as Yeller submarine, but do it very well, including bubbling sounds.In 1966, when this album was recorded, the line-up included Joe Val, a mandolist and singer well known in bluegrass circles, and Jim Field, former lead singer of the New Lost City Ramblers. The other members were Bob Siggins and Everett A Lilly. Three guest musicians were brought in for the recording - Buddy Spicher, Craig Wingfield and Eric Thompson.This is a wonderful, if slightly unusual, album, but if you enjoy bluegrass music, it's well worth a listen."