Brilliant twofer with strong Dolly connection
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 03/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Keep moving on (the second album here) was the album that really made me take Merle's music seriously. More than any other album of his that I'd bought up till then, it showed me that he was much more than a singles artist. Of course, it didn't do any harm that the album has a strong Dolly Parton connection (via several songs) but every song here is a real classic.
The three big hits on Keep moving on are Moving on (an excellent trucking song), Kentucky gambler (written by Dolly) and Always wanting you (written by Merle about Dolly). All three of these songs went to number one on the country charts. Of the other songs, my favorite is the touching ballad, You'll always be special to me. Written by Merle, Dolly covered the song and included it on her album, Bargain store. The Dolly connection on this album is completed by Life's like poetry, which Merle co-wrote with Dolly, Dolly's own version later appeared on her album, All I can do.
Merle complains wryly about women in A man's got to give up a lot, though he must think the sacrifice worthwhile as he sings I've got a darling for a wife and These memories we're making tonight - two other fine songs. Two other excellent songs (September in Miami, Here in Frisco) compete an excellent album. I'm not sure if Keep moving on is still my absolute favorite original album by Merle but it'll always be special to me.
Portrait (the first album here) may not be quite as strong overall as Keep moving on, but it includes several classics including Working man blues, Silver wings and Hungry eyes. There are several other fine songs including What's wrong with staying home, I die ten thousand times a day and Every fool has a rainbow. At the very least, it is a worthy companion to Keep moving on.
If you want to explore Merle's music beyond the hits, you will find much of interest here."
"A man who's written most of his life in the songs that he s
K. Coyner | Waynesboro, VA United States | 12/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These 2 efforts prove Merle Haggard is one of the greatest singer-song writers that ever wrote and sang a song. "Portrait" produced 4 big hits for Merle. "Working Man Blues" has proven to be a timeless hit for Merle and one of his most recognized songs. The same goes for "Silver Wings". "Hungry Eyes" is my favorite Merle Haggard song. Perhaps it's because I saw him perform the song on stage about 35 years ago with tears streaming down his face. It was so personal, so real, so powerful. It comes out in this recording as well. I was only 10 yrs old, but I've never forgotten it. Some years after that, I found out Merle had written the song from real memories from his childhood. Not of his Mom and Dad but of some family members. He'd spent some time with them in their 'canvis covered cabin'. It was a long time before I heard Merle sing the song again in person. I always felt it was because it was so personal for him. The other hit song that became a Merle Haggard standard is "Every Fool Has a Rainbow". All the other songs are worth a listen as well.
"Movin On" is another testiment to Merle's gift as a singer-song writer. "Always Wanting You" (written for Dolly Parton) is another deeply personal song. Merle went through a period of serious infatuation for Dolly. Of course he really did love her, just like millions of us do. "Movin On" was the theme song for a T.V. series of the same name.
This is a "must have" collection for any Merle Haggard fan and a great sample for those who are becoming Merle Haggard fans.
"
Vintage Haggard
R. Webb | u.s.a. | 07/16/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"A portrait of Merle Haggard released in 1969 is a good album by the Hag introducing the classic's,Workin' Man Blues,Hungry Eyes,Silver Wings and the big hit for George Jones,She Thinks I Still Care,in which Haggard does an admirable job,but the one Merle Haggard song that always stands out in my mind,Every Fool Has A Rainbow,a self-penned Haggard original,reminds more of the classical sound than the country side,just listen to acoustic intro and lead or maybe this could even have a Sinatra flavor to it or Marty Robbins could have easily recorded this,notice also the strong Haggard lyrics.Classical. Keep Movin' On,1975,is loaded with Haggard originals,however,nothing really substantial,Movin' on,probably one of the better truck driving songs out there with the exception of Tennessee Ernie Ford's,Sixteen Tons,Always Wanting You,a big hit for the Hag,and Life's Like Poetry,Haggard's mentor Lefty Frizzell recorded this one on his final recordings compilation. Keep Movin' On,not the best Merle Haggard album,missing that hardcore telecaster sound,however,A Portrait Of,fits right in that mold. This import from England sounds excellent,England and Germany imports are the best.I would probably rate this cd 3 1/2 stars but this is THE HAG."
Track Listings (21) - Disc #1