Search - Johnny Bond :: Very Best of

Some will remember Johnny Bond as Gene Autry's comic sidekick and guitarist--his beefy, simple bass runs are unmistakable. Or as the author of classic country songs "Tomorrow Never Comes," "I'll Step Aside" (made famous by Ernest Tubb), and "We Might As Well Forget It" (a Bob Wills favorite), or as singer of a host of novelty tunes like "Hot Rod Lincoln" or "10 Little Bottles." But this new collection shows Bond as an affecting, understated singer and a gifted lyricist whose best material can often be tender and timeless, not merely hilarious. Varese Sarabande has pulled together hits from the '50s, '60s, and '70s, and while Bond surely deserves a longer overview, including his important Western work from the '40s, this is the best introduction to Bond available in 1998. Varese's digital mastering, however, isn't always up to snuff, though the sound is acceptable throughout. Bond deserves a revival from alternative and traditional country enthusiasts, and perhaps collections such as this will bring him into the Country Music Hall of Fame--he clearly belongs there. --Roy Kasten