"This is a live recording - just "Woody Paul" on fiddle, "Too Slim" on bass, and "Ranger Doug, the Idol of American Youth" on guitar. All three singing and carrying on. It should be listed in the "comedy" section as well - IT IS FUNNY!The Riders in the Sky play COWBOY music. Pure cowboy music, in the tradition of Sons of the Pioneers, Tex Ritter, Roy Rogers. None of the synthesizer-washed, big-production, string-section, countrified "pop" music that passes for "Western" music nowadays!The title refers to their frequently-repeated axiom, "It might be the easy way, but it wouldn't be the Cowboy Way." The recording is full of comedic moments - "Mister Sincere," in which Too Slim gushes to the audience about how much they are loved by the group, and "The Salting of the Slug," a daring tale of adventure. But by and large, it is a recording of top-notch, genuine cowboy music, by three guys who know it well and love what they're doing.If Riders in the Sky come to a state fair near you, DON'T MISS `EM! In the meantime, treat yourself to this recording, that really captures the essence of those live performances."
My Favorite Album by RITS
Anthony C. Tovar | Houston, TX | 03/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The thing that I like most about this album is that it's their major label/studio debut, but it comes across as one of the intimate shows that they used to do years ago. They invited an audience into the studio with them, and so you not only get the songs, but the humorous banter that RITS fans know and love so well. Buy this album."
The Easy Way...
Badingo | 01/02/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Not only are all the songs good, but the lightly sarcastic transitional banter between each musician combines to form a rare glue which makes for a timeless CD to which this fan never tires of listening.Who needs Calgon or Reincarnation with these guys!"
Family Favorite
Teacher Mom | Texas, United States | 05/07/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"My family loves this CD! Riders in the Sky provide entertaining family-friendly takes on new and classic songs. It's a CD that the kids can listen to, and yet the parents will still enjoy."