Rex Allen Albums (14)
'Sings Western Ballads'
Release Date 1/1/1997
Tracks 12
Label Hilltop
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What The Critics Say
This 12-song budget LP consists of M.M. Cole radio transcriptions Rex Allen recorded at Chicago's WMAQ studios in the late '40s while under contract to Mercury Records. Transcriptions were studio recordings leased to radio stations for broadcast, not for commercial release, which has made them a favorite source for reissue material in later years since their ownership is often in doubt. Allen's transcriptions were typically recorded in one take; their high performance quality shows how tight Allen and his group must have been live. Because these transcriptions were recorded in a professional studio, the sound quality is excellent -- on par with Allen's Mercury recordings of the period. A full cowboy band accompanies Allen on the program of western ballads and songs with occasional yodeling spots. With the exception of one song ("Cross Eyed Gal"), Sings Western Ballads is identical to the 1998 Simitar CD, Rex Allen. ~ Greg Adams, All Music Guide
'Lonesome Letter Blues'
Release Date 2/27/1996
Tracks 12
Label Collectables
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What The Critics Say
Rex Allen cut these 12 sides in association with his friend Johnny Henderson in the early '60s (probably before "Don't Go Near the Indians") with producer E. J. Henke, and Collectables has them courtesy of Home Cooking Records. This is nice, slightly rough-hewn country-pop mixed with a little blues and traditional-sounding stuff, at its best a little more authentic than the kind of stuff that Roy Rogers or Jimmy Wakely did as solo recording acts. "Lonesome Letter Blues" shows off Allen's voice to best advantage and is a solid piece of country-blues; a few other numbers, such as Johnny Henderson's "The Bell in the Steeple," feature more elaborate vocal backing, with a pretty prominent chorus. Other notable songs include covers of Floyd Tillman's "I'll Keep on Lovin' You" (a great showcase for Allen's smoothest romantic baritone), "Cold Cold War," and "Gotta Have My Baby Back"; Johnny Bond's "Love Gone Cold"; plus a pair of surprisingly lively, almost rockin' little numbers, "Sure As Your Name's Kate" by Marty Robbins and a cover of "Sixteen Hundred Miles." The sound is good, and the notes are surprisingly honest in their sketchiness about these sessions. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
'Voice of the West'
Release Date 1/1/1972
Tracks 16
Label Bear Family
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What The Critics Say
Voice of the West collects songs Rex Allen recorded in the early '70s with producer Jack Clement, who cut away the cinematic strings that dominated Allen's previous recordings. Instead, he leaves the singing cowboy with simple, straight-forward production that accentuates the western roots of his music. Not only does he play tradtional cowboy classics, he does a handful of contemporary country numbers. It might not have his classic hits, but Voice of the West gives a good sense of the scope of Allen's talents. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'Golden Songs of the West'
Release Date 1/1/1970
Tracks 12
Label Vocalion
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'The Touch of God's Hand'
Release Date 1/1/1968
Tracks 11
Label Decca
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'Smooth Country Sound of Rex Allen'
Release Date 1/1/1968
Tracks 10
Label Decca
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'Rex Allen Sings and Tells Tales'
Release Date 1/1/1962
Tracks 12
Label Mercury
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