Search - Various Artists :: Classic Railroad Songs, Vol. 1: Steel Rails

Train classics from a bygone age

Peter Durward Harris | Leicester England | 02/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first of a series of CD's released by Rounder, all devoted to train songs. This volume focuses on country music, although the series as a whole covers several musical genres. Some of the songs featured here were recorded in the 1990's while others are from as far back as the 1930's, yet somehow they fit together well.Roy Acuff starts the wheels rolling with Wabash Cannonball, one of many train songs that he recorded. This is followed by another famous train song, Orange blossom special, inspired by the first streamline train ever to run in Florida. That was in 1938, although the Johnson mountain boys' version featured here was recorded in 1945.Daddy what's a train?, from 1973, was written at a time when it was feared that trains would disappear from America altogether. Perhaps they will one day, but I doubt it. Elsewhere in the world, especially in Western Europe where the population density is much higher, there will always be trains. Among the other great songs here, Steel rails (the title track) is sung superbly by Alison Krauss, while another wonderful lady, Kate MacKenzie, closes the set with a fine rendition of Pan American boogie. The original Pan American train ran from Cincinnati to New Orleans."

Excellent selection of early train songs--some hard to find

R. Kyle | USA | 08/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love train songs or know someone who does, this 14-song collection is a great addition. The music here favors country and folk, which is mostly the genre that covers train songs.



All 14 selections are good, but I have three favorites. My all-time favorite train song, "Texas 1947" is on here. The song captures the enthusiasm of a young boy when he first sees a train. I don't think anyone but Guy Clark could do this song and somehow keep the reminiscence strong and sweet. Then there's "Steel Rails" with a very young Alison Krauss singing. "Pan American Boogie" is a great closing song. You're going to want to listen to that selection over and over.



Rebecca Kyle, August 2009"

The Wreck of the Old 97

atbarker | 05/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is in response to "A Music Fan's" question. The wreck of the Old 97 was an actual event. The accident happened on September 27, 1903 in Virginia, and was immortalized by the song to which you refer. So no, you are not imagining it; but it's probably more of a big deal than you thought. A very useful website has many details and even newspaper articles and photographs. (...)"