Search - Jim Reeves :: Up Through the Years / Distant Drums

Two great Jim Reeves collections!

Even Bjerkelien | Fåberg, Lillehammer, Norway | 11/03/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD consists of two early collections released after the singers death. "Up Through The Years" (1965) and "Distant Drums" (1966).

"I Know One" is a nice track which Charley Pride scored a #6 hit with in 1967. "Young Hearts" and "Two Shadows On Your Window" are early examples of his late style (both recorded in 1957).

"Pride Goes Before A Fall" is a favourite of mine written by Leon Payne (he also wrote "I Love You Because"). This one even includes the sound of one or several accordions (a rarity in Reeves' music).



One track is done in Afrikaans: "Nooientjie Van Die Ou Transvaal", it's from an album Jim did for South Africa as he was enormously popular there.



The "Distant Drums" album contains several hits like: the title track, "Is It Really Over?", "I Missed Me", "Losing your Love", "This Is It", "Not Until The Next Time" (a hit in Norway), "Snowflake" (a hit in Norway). "Good Morning Self" is, in my opinion, one of the greatest he recorded. The lyrics are great, combined with Reeves' beautiful voice and music.



The reason I didn't give this album a full score is that six of the tracks are from Reeves' earlier period (before 1957). They are a fun listen but not as "smooth" as the later ones.



Anyway, those who love Jim Reeves' music will surely love this one!

It comes highly recommeded from a 27 years old fan.

"