Search - Sons of the Pioneers :: Columbia Historic Edition

Phenomenal Pioneers in their Prime

James Otterstrom | Big Bear City, CA United States | 08/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded in Los Angeles, in October and December of 1937, this is my favorite Pioneers collection. While you won't hear their classic 'Tumbling Tumbleweeds' or 'Cool Water' on this CD, you will find a young exuberant Sons of the Pioneers in rare form. As one would expect, vocalists Bob Nolan, Roy Rogers, and Lloyd Perryman alternate wonderfully distinct solos with peerless harmonies, while Hugh & Karl Farr show off their fiddle & guitar virtuosity. What sets this album apart from the smoother Pioneers later work is its toe-tappin' style, playful arrangements, and downright hot pickin'---not to mention Roy's killer yodeling. 'Song of the Bandit', 'Hold That Critter Down', 'When The Golden Train Comes Down', 'You Must Come In At The Door', and 'The Devil's Great Grandson' are all up-tempo storytelling, lyrically interesting and durable. 'Cowboy Night Herd Song' showcases Roy Roger's considerable talent(check out the yodel variations on this one), where 'At The Rainbows End', 'Send Him Home To Me', and 'The Touch Of God's Hand' do the same for Bob Nolan's lovely unique voice and poetic bent. 'Cajon Stomp', as the title implies, is a foot-stompin' instrumental. There are only ten songs here, but they're well worth the price. Anyone who enjoys cowboy songs, The Sons of the Pioneers, or just great music, can't go wrong with this CD. Since Columbia's initial pressing, on LP vinyl in 1982, I've played this recording hundreds of times, and it still sounds as fresh as the first listening."

Larry A. Linton | Feasterville, PA USA | 05/11/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've listened to this CD many, many times. I can honestly say that, as a long time fan of The Sons of The Pioneers, it is one of their best, if not the best. This CD displays the harmony that made them so popular that it continues today. They set the guideline for all others to be judged. Some of my personal favorites are, At The Rainbows End, When The Golden Train Comes Down, and The Touch of God's Hand. This is the true Pioneer singing.This will become your favorite immediately and you will be singing it in your mind all day.If I didn't own it, I'd buy it again."

Good album for fans of the early Sons of the Pioneers

stephenrichie@sprintmail.com | Bremen, Georgia | 02/15/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Only 10 songs, but still worth the price. These early selections are good music and lots of fun. The Farr brothers stand out nicely, and Roy Rogers' wonderful yodeling is well used. Song of the Bandit is one of my favorites; listen to Karl Farr having a great time on his guitar. Cajon Stomp is just grand."