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This compilation relies heavily on country music but is not limited to that genre, as the inclusion of Howlin' Wolf (Smokestack lightning), Johnny Burnette (Train kept a-rolling), Junior Parker (Mystery train) and Blind Willie McTell (Broke down engine) proves. The set opens with Merle Haggard singing My love affair with trains, a song written for him by Dolly Parton, who never actually recorded the song herself. It is an appropriate song for Merle, who has been a train enthusiast from an early age. The singing brakeman (Jimmie Rodgers) is represented by Train whistle blues - not his most famous train song, but an excellent choice. Johnny Cash, who has also recorded many train songs, sings Blue train. Another prolific recorder of train songs, Hank Snow, is not represented directly but the Horse Soldiers do a fine cover of his Golden rocket. This is an excellent collection of train songs, mixing the famous songs with the obscure, complete with interesting liner notes. |
