Rounder has released 14 songs recorded by the Stanley Brothers for the Rich-R-Tone label in the late '40s and early '50s. These recordings capture the group before they were recorded by a major label. Included along with the CD is a 22-page booklet with photos and biographical information which will tell you much more than I can about Carter and Ralph Stanley's early career.
Originally recorded on 78s this material still manages to retain that old-time sound. There is still a noise factor which could not be removed without losing aural material. Apparently these recordings were released in the middle '60s but with added effects and even a bass part added. But these are the pure sound. Even the bandwidth is narrow as evidenced by the display on my Winamp player.
I confess to not being overly familiar with the Stanleys but I love a good pure bluegrass sound. This is it. You can hear the dust coming out of the cracks of time.
Track Listing
1. Little Maggie
2. Jealous Lover
3. Little Glass of Wine
4. Our Darling's Gone
5. Molly and Tenbrook
6. Little Girl and the Dreadful Snake
7. Are You Waiting Just for Me?
8. Death Is Only a Dream
9. Little Birdie
10. I Can Tell You the Time
11. Little Glass of Wine [Alternate Version]
12. Mother No Longer Awaits Me at Home
13. Rambler's Blues
14. Girl Behind the Bar
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