Not the original recordings
08/02/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"It's okay, but I would have preferred the originals. My fault because I neglected to listen to the samples."
England swings with the king of the road
Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 03/15/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Roger Miller first made his mark as a songwriter when Andy Williams recorded his song, In the summertime. As a singer, his earliest successes were with novelty songs like Dang me.
When Roger started writing more serious songs, he really hit the jackpot. The song he is best remembered for, King of the road, describes a man who needs somewhere to sleep overnight. He hasn't got any money but he is willing to do two hours' work to pay for his bed. Another of his classic songs, England swings, describes his image of London as he saw it in the sixties. I don't think London was really as he describes it even then but it's a great song. Walking in the sunshine is another joyful song. Contrast those songs with Husbands and wives, a very sad song about marital problems.
Having been grateful to others who recorded his songs while he was struggling, Roger did his bit for those that followed. He helped Kris Kristofferson by being the first singer to record Me and Bobby McGee, a song that has since become a country standard but also made the pop charts when covered by Janis Joplin. He also recorded Little green apples, written by Bobby Russell.
Roger had five hits on the British pop charts (King of the road - a number one hit, Engine engine number nine, Kansas city star, England swings and Little green apples). He had an even greater number of hits on the American pop charts and more still on the country charts.
This compilation of Roger's music contains all his essential hits, together with covers of other classic songs. Although the best single CD of his music is the fill priced compilation, All time greatest hits, this budget collection will suffice for most people.
NOTE - this review is linked to more than one Roger Miller compilation. My review refers to the British release on the Spectrum label."
A Great CD
T. Krauter | BFE Nebraska | 09/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My dad was a Roger Miller fan, I have been for 40+ years and now my 12 year old daughter is a huge fan. It says a lot for music when it can appeal to such a broad spectrum across the generations. Thanks Roger for the great music."
Track Listings (23) - Disc #1
