Search - Ray Stevens :: Best of

Nice career overview of this multi-talented performer

Paul Tognetti | Cranston, RI USA | 06/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"He is the #1 novelty recording artist of the past 40 years. He placed nearly 40 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 Pop charts and for over two decades was a fixture on Billboard's Top Country Singles chart. And the man could croon with the best of them! Ray Stevens certainly made his mark on the American music scene. Much like the late Charlie Rich, another incredibly gifted and versatile performer, Ray Stevens might have achieved even greater commercial success had he concentrated on just one or two genres. But there were simply too many sides to Ray Stevens to allow that to happen. And he was a very gifted songwriter to boot.
This 1997 disc from Rhino is the most comprehensive Ray Stevens collection I have found. It includes many of the best known novelty recordings you would remember like "Ahab The Arab", "Gitarzan", "The Streak" and the hilarious "Bridget the Midget". One of my favorite Ray Stevens tunes is here as well, 1968's "Unwind". And if you are not convinced that there is a serious side to Ray Stevens listen to his moving performance of Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Mornin" Comin' Down". That one just might bring a tear to your eye. You will also find his Grammy award winning #1 hit from 1970 "Everything Is Beautiful" and my all-time favorite Ray Stevens tune "Misty". And just for good measure there is the little known 1979 recording "I Need Your Help Barry Manilow". If you have never heard that one be prepared to smile....you are in for a real treat! Rhino has done it's usual fine job with the included 16 page booklet. Because Rhino has managed to include material from 5 different record labels, it is unlikely you will ever find a more comprehensive collection of Ray Stevens work. I suggest you pick this one up while it is still available and enjoy the work of a truly talented artist. Highly recommended."

A versatile entertainer

Scott N. Burton | Bridgeport,CT USA | 12/26/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After Spike Jones,Ray Stevens was the crown prince in the novelty song world. This single CD contains all his kooky classics such as "Ahab The Arab", "Gitarzan", & "The Streak." By the way, that was Ray's biggest all-time seller. It topped the Billboard "Hot 100" for three weeks in the spring of 1974. What's also exceptional about this collection,is that you hear Ray's serious side, as well. Check out "Mr.Businessman", "Sunday Morning Coming own", which by the way, was penned by an unknown singer-songwriter named Kris Kristofferson, & "America, Communicate With Me." The liner notes by Dr.Demento contain some interesting tidbits of information-For example,Ray was initially asked to sing "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" before BJ Thomas. I also liked Ray's version of "Misty"-He gives a real country feel to it-Anyway, if you're a Ray Stevens aficionado,purchase this CD."

Wrong version of Mr. Businessman?

st3333ve | Los Angeles, CA USA | 07/05/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I've got a copy of Mr. Businessman taped from the radio in the early 70's and I believe it's the original "hit" version. It matches the AMG sample from Jukebox Hits of 1968, Vol. 1, but it has a significantly different vocal (more forceful, different phrasing) from the version on this Rhino compilation (judging from the samples here and at AMG).



I thought we were supposed to be able to trust Rhino to either snag the originals or scrap the compilation. Anybody know what the story is with this one? Are there other tracks here that aren't the hit versions?"