In the field of honky-tonk, singer Ray Price is a hard-core legend the equal of Hank, Lefty, and George Jones. So, when in 1970 he came out with the Kris Kristofferson-penned "For the Good Times," purists felt betrayed by... more » the single's more than prominent string section. Most of the country audience couldn't be bothered by such arbitrary distinctions, though, and were instead wowed by an arrangement that was jaw-droppingly gorgeous and a crooning Price vocal that was the definition of dignified heartbreak. A huge country and pop hit, "For the Good Times" ushered in a new era of lush, countrypolitan popularity for Price, a period that's well documented here. As a proud Price often says in concert these days: "Ladies and gentleman, strings!" --David Cantwell« less
In the field of honky-tonk, singer Ray Price is a hard-core legend the equal of Hank, Lefty, and George Jones. So, when in 1970 he came out with the Kris Kristofferson-penned "For the Good Times," purists felt betrayed by the single's more than prominent string section. Most of the country audience couldn't be bothered by such arbitrary distinctions, though, and were instead wowed by an arrangement that was jaw-droppingly gorgeous and a crooning Price vocal that was the definition of dignified heartbreak. A huge country and pop hit, "For the Good Times" ushered in a new era of lush, countrypolitan popularity for Price, a period that's well documented here. As a proud Price often says in concert these days: "Ladies and gentleman, strings!" --David Cantwell
CD Reviews
20 "Past-His-Prime Remakes of Ray Price's" Hits
Andrew Skurna | New Jersey, USA | 03/02/2000
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This CD was a huge disappointment. Ray Price is the ultimate honky-tonk performer. I selected this CD because it contained many of my favorite Price classics, including "For the Good Times," which had been missing from my collection. Every song on "20 Hits" is a re-done version that sounds as though it has been stripped of all sincerity and originality.Mr. Price strains through every song. On some tracks you hear more backup singers, then the legend himself. Sadly, this album sounds as if it was recorded after his prime. In my opinion it should never have been released.Other factors that made Price music true honky-tonk included bristling sharp "fiddle" playing, exaggerated sliding steal guitars, and rapid-fire, tinkling piano accompaniment that literally forced your toes to tap. All of these elements have been severely muted in this album.Everyone has heard "elevator music" - those horrible mutations of musical genius that have been sterilized, homogenized, and over-processed to be force-fed to the masses. Well, if your passion is riding in elevators all day just to hear the fine music, this is the album for you. If, on the other hand, you prefer true originality then keep on clicking, you won't find it here.If you want genuine Ray Price classics then I would recommend Ray Price's Greatest Hits (Columbia), also available through Amazon.com. I have that album, so I know it contains "original recordings" and the genuine Ray Price gold that made Mr. Price a Country Music Hall-of-Famer."
Take me as I am (or let me go)
Darlene Baxter | Paris Texas | 03/09/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Take me as I am (or let me go) will always have a place of its own in country music..as will Ray Price..Burning Memories.. Talk to your heart. The other woman..this album is chock full of Ray Price at his best.and then there is one that is special to me and lots of other fans,"For the Good Times"..this is a wonderful album..as it has so many of his best on it."
"For the Good Times" is the best!
JBean (maurer80@prodigy.net) | Somewhere in Wisconsin | 09/21/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Even if every other song on this CD stunk (which they don't), "For the Good Times" makes it worth it. It is a beautiful ballad which brings me to tears every time I hear it. It was one of my grandmother's favorites."
Remakes
Cory L. Schwent | Bloomsdale, MO United States | 08/13/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"When dealing with Ray Price cd's, pay attention to the fact that he has re-recorded his greatest hits many times.
This collection is a good example. All remakes, all well done, but remakes anyway.
Beware anytime you see the name "Tee Vee," it is a sure sign of remakes.
"
Worth Hearing and Owning
Tomato Pie | West Chester, PA USA | 01/02/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Like the reviewers here who panned this disc, I too prefer the 'original' honky-tonk Ray Price. If you are going to own only one Ray Price disc, this should not be your first choice. However, this guy has golden pipes and lends his folksy dignity to all of these tunes.
This is a fine disc, and Price handles country 'pop' better than anyone I know. If you are a Ray Price fan, find a spot for this one in your collection."
Track Listings (20) - Disc #1