The Stanley Brothers - Earliest Recordings: The Complete Rich-R-Tone 78s (1947-1952) (1997)

For a truly haunted high-lonesome sound, the duo of Ralph and Carter Stanley stands alone in bluegrass. This collection features their earliest recordings, beginning in 1947 for the Rich-R-Tone label, and presents the duo at their rawest and most unbridled. Of all the recordings that bluegrass trailblazers the Stanley Brothers made in their 20 years together, their early Rich-R-Tone cuts are some of the hardest to find-and most exciting. These are essential for any bluegrass collector: Little Maggie; The Jealous Lover; Our Darling's Gone; Death Is Only a Dream; Little Birdie; The Rambler's Blues; The Girl Behind the Bar , and more!
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“Collects 14 ancient sides by these protean explorers of the hot, sad art of bluegrass, complete with an extremely well-researched book that appeals to the Greil Marcus inside us all.” - Spin
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“5 Stars. Along with the Dock Boggs set, one of two absolutely stunning early country collections from Revenant.” – Downbeat
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“This is the first time these titles have appeared on CD, and the first time without technical tampering of any kind. The improvement in remastering technology over the past three decades is truly remarkable. As never before we now are hearing these songs in all their exquisite beauty, just as they were originally sung and played. The enclosed booklet, with period photographs, text, and discography written by Gary Reid, makes an already wonderful reissue all the more enjoyable.This is pure, unadulterated, way-up-the-creek high-lonesome bluegrass‚ the lonesomest you are ever going to hear in this life. This set should be required listening – again and again – especially for those just getting started who think they already can sing bluegrass.” – Bluegrass Unlimited