Mason Williams - Music 196871 (21 tracks) +Album Reviews

Ouch!Does NOT include orignal version of "Classical Gas!!!"

07/27/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Wonderful compilation of one of America's finest musicians -- but it broke mah heart to find out AFTER I ordered it -- that it does NOT include the original (orchestrated) version of "Classical Gas.""

Fine guitar picking, good singing, and wit, besides

James Skrydlak | Pella, Iowa | 12/03/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Twenty-two tracks from one of the funniest, most creative songwriters and authors of the late 1960s, who also happens to be a good singer and one truly fine guitar picker. It's all here, except for the hit version of "Classical Gas", excluded because the copyright holder wouldn't give permission. Instead, there's a fine solo guitar version. I've loved "Cowboy Buckaroo" and "Bucko's Memoirs" for more than thirty years; they are among the great music here that will surprise those who know him only from his instrumental hits. There are a few tracks that I wouldn't have included, but that's probably going to happen any time there are twenty-two tracks on a CD."

Classical Gas - Guitar only

Vernon William Underwood Jr. | Bethel Park, PA USA | 07/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have not even listened to the entire recording yet. But I must tell you that this version of Classical Gas is the one to have if you ever want to play it on guitar on your own. This version is the greatest 20th century classical guitar masterpiece composed in the 20th century. It is even more enjoyable without the orchestra. IF you want the version with the orchestra, then purchase Phonograph record. Mason's playing on Gas is flawless. This song alone is well worth the purchase price. I am surprised that anybody could write a review that is less than 5 stars for such a masterpiece. This song has, and will continue, to stand the test of time."

The ultimate Mason Williams CD, Cassette or OP

ed_curtis@corvallis.k12.or.us | Corvallis, OR | 11/14/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you want to sample Mason Williams' music, then this is the CD for you. It is like a greatest hits compilation. The "Classical Gas" version is a great "classicalguitar only" version. "Manna de Carnival" and "Largo de Luxe" are great instrumental cuts, as are "Baroque A Nova" and "Greensleeves". One of my favorites is "Train Ride in G". I am still awaiting the promise of a symphony with this as the leitmotiv linking the "stops" (each a separate tune presumably focusing on a city or place). I love this CD."

The Best One Disc Compilation of the Man That's Out There!

Frederick Baptist | Singapore | 04/23/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mason Williams is that rare, eccentric talent that doesn't take himself too seriously. He comes up with brilliant melodies and tunes but doesn't think twice about adding these to very corny and off-beat lyrical jokes. Still, there is no denying his immense talent. Although his guitar-playing technique isn't brilliant compared with say a John Williams but then again very few if any are, he does play some decent guitar on many of the tracks here.

There are 22 tracks on one disc and all the tracks are very good and quite fairly represent the best Mason has ever done which means you are getting good value for money. A word of warning though for those of you looking for the original, Mike Post version of "Classical Gas" as the version here is not it; it's just Mason playing solo guitar without the lush orchestral backing.

I guess as a guitarist myself, I don't mind too much because this version actually makes it easier for me to learn and play along with although once Warner comes around to getting an mlps packaged, digitally remastered version of this album and "Phonograph Record" done, I'll get that as well as I also like the original version.

One weakness of this album, however, is the fact that the sound quality is quite poor and clearly needs to be cleaned up and digitally remastered from the best master tape that Warner can find in the vaults. Until that happens, this is the best cd of Mason's works that's out there. Recommended."

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