The Imus Ranch Record (New West, 2008)
Various Artists
Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
Patty Loveless starts off with a good reading of Fleetwood Mac's very tender Silver Springs, followed by Delbert McClinton's chogglin' Lay Down Sally, a perfect match for his bluesy style. Lucinda Willims slows down Mams Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys, and having a female sing the song gives it a different feel. Little Richard's voice has lost none of his vigor as evidenced by his take on Webb Pierce's hit I Ain't Never. Raul Malo shows why he is one of the best singers out there today on his soulful interpretation of Charlie Rich's Life Has Its Little Ups and Downs.
About the only misstep was the overwrought You've Got to Fight for Your Right to Party courtesy of Big & Rich. The song is overblown and isn't country save for instrumentation. Otherwise, this is a case where the cause is right and so is the music.
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