Looks like it might turn cloudy.
Johnny Heering | Bethel, CT United States | 04/04/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
""Everybody's Favorite Hillbilly" goes a-shootin' at some tunes, and up from his throat comes a-bubblin' crud. In tackling a passel of country classics, such as "You are My Sunshine" and "Your Cheatin' Heart", Ebsen finds it harder to hold a note than to hang onto a greased possum. But what really does him in is the musical accompaniment by the inappropriately named Pleasant Williams and the Tennessee Sunshine Singers. If he were backed up by a simple string band (perhaps his old pals Flatt & Scruggs), Ebsen's phelgmatic croak would at least sound authentically rustic. But Williams drowns him in the lush strings and sugary choruses dictated by the horrid "countrypolitan" style that plauged Nashville in the 1960s. The arrangements completely overwhelm the down-home simplicity that was Ebsen's major assett, leaving the listener no choice but to judge him solely on his singin' ability. That may work for Eddy Arnold, but not Buddy Ebsen. True, before he bacame Uncle Jed, Ebsen had a long career in musicals. And one listen to this CD will demonstrate conclusively why he became a dancer."
Multi talented Supper Star
Darlene Quinn | Long Beach, CA | 03/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I laid eyes on the previous review, I couldn't wait to write my own.
Buddy was a man of many talents. He was one of the most beloved actors of stage, motion pictures, and TV for many decades. He was also a phenomenal dancer, and accomplished artist--his oil paintings were giant steps above the usual celebrity art. He wrote plays, poetry, a non-fiction book about his sailing adventurers, his autobiography, and two novels. Sizzling Cold Case, a Barnaby Jones novel, which I had the honor of completing for him, after he was taken from us in July of 2003 at the age of 95. Buddy wrote the music as well as the lyrics for most of the songs on this album. His somewhat gravely voice adds character and enchantment to this album. Attempting to summarize Buddy's numerous talents I get lost in a sea of adjectives. Therefore, I'd suggest you listen to this delightful album filled with the emotion that made this man a charismatic star across our nation and abroad."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1