The Statler Brothers Albums (40)
'Read by the Authors: Harold Reid and Don Reid'
Release Date 2/5/2008
Tracks 20
Label Yell
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What The Critics Say
The budget disc Amen collects 12 tracks emphasizing the gospel direction and smooth harmonies of the Statler Brothers. These songs are culled from the second era of Statlers recordings featuring Jimmy Fortune, the high tenor who took the place of original member Lew DeWitt, who passed away in 1990. Highlights include "I Should Have Known You, Lord," "It Might Be Jesus," "God Saw My Need," and "Jesus Living Next to Me," along with the Louvin Brothers-penned "Keep Your Eyes On Jesus" and "He's Gettin' Me Ready," written by Fortune. ~ Al Campbell, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Fans of traditional country music who are dismayed at the increasing attempts by country-based artists to crossover to pop audiences will enjoy the classic C&W flavors of Showtime from a legendary quartet, featuring an appealing mix of witty ditties ("You Just Haven't Done It Yet") and lyrically clever ballads ("Too Late for Daisies," which features the line "When You're pushing up daisies, it's too late for roses"). Don and Harold Reid composed the majority of the pieces, and though the collection is ballad heavy, many of these old-fashioned tunes have the potential to become standards. The epitome of the Statler Brothers harmonies comes across on the chipper "I've Had a Good Time," a spirited look back at life à la "My Way." The Statler sound is steeped in the gospel-country tradition, and it's always good to hear a deeper sense of spirituality late in the tracking tunes like "The Other Side of the Cross" (a very descriptive scene of Jesus' crucifixion, with each group member taking a verse) and the a cappella gem "I've Got Jesus on My Side." ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
'When We Sing For Him'
Release Date 1/1/2001
Tracks 10
Label Sony Special Products
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'Country America Loves'
Release Date 3/25/1997
Tracks 11
Label Mercury
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What The Critics Say
The Statlers scored a trifecta of Top Ten hits with the Country America Loves singles "Thank God I've Got You," "I Was There" and the nostalgic "The Movies." Additionally, this album includes renditions of Dolly Parton's "All I Can Do" and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
'Always Here'
Release Date 12/1/1995
Tracks 10
Label Sony Special Products
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What The Critics Say
"Flowers on the Wall" is unavoidable on any Statler Brothers collection from the Columbia Records library, but the rest of this budget-priced, ten-song collection is a lot less well known. The other nine songs show off their work in gospel music ("How Great Thou Art," etc.), folk, and even rock & roll (covering Chuck Berry's "Memphis," no less). The sound is excellent and the diversity of material makes this CD an unexpectedly entertaining and rewarding collection, even if there is no annotation of any kind. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Prior to recording Years Ago, the Statlers purchased their old grammar school in their hometown of Staunton, Virginia, renovating the building to serve as their offices. (On the album cover, the group is photographed on the auditorium's stage.) Perhaps as a result, the record is even more nostalgic and sentimental than most of the Statlers' efforts, as evidenced by the song titles alone, including "Memories Are Made of This" and "Today I Went Back." Among the record's hits were "Don't Wait on Me" and "You'll Be Back (Every Night in My Dreams)." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
'Entertainers...On & Off the Record'
Release Date 3/22/1994
Tracks 11
Label Mercury
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What The Critics Say
Entertainers...On and Off the Record was one of the Statlers' most successful efforts from the 1970s, courtesy of their first number one hit, "Do You Know You Are My Sunshine" as well as "Who Am I to Say" and "The Official Historian on Shirley Jean Berrell." ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
