Merle Haggard & the Strangers - Same Train, Different Time (CD)

Same Train, Different Time

By Ray  Jul 21, 2007

Pros: A great traditional country record.

Cons: If you aren't a stone country fan you might not like it.

This fine double album is a beautifully executed tribute to the one of the founding fathers of recorded country music; Jimmie Rogers. Jimmie was the original 'kid with a guitar' who wrote wistful, often witty, songs about life on the road, girls and trains and then died young, having squandered his considerable royalties. His music was country but with deep blues overtones, picked up from black railroad workers. Merle pays tribute to Jimmie's genius as a songwriter (a host of modern artistes have recorded the songs) but also goes to great pains to preserve something of the original settings of the songs. Somehow you an almost see the world through Jimmie's eyes as Merle sings. The well recorded dobro backings are great; deep Americana! The music of Merle Haggard has always been rooted in the traditions of American country music. If this appeals to you, You will love this great album.