David never achieved the success that Waylon and Willie did, but his music was excellent as this twofer shows. The first album is from 1980 and the second from 1981. A bonus track from 1978 is also included.
Most of the songs here are originals, many written by David, but there are three famous covers. Dock of the bay is the Otis Redding classic - as with any great song, it can be adapted to any genre and David proves this with this excellent cover. Pledging my love is a cover of the fifties song by Johnny Ace, to which David adds a spoken introduction. Perhaps the most unlikely cover is Stand by your man. I believe David was the first man to record this song although Lyle Lovett and Elton John have both recorded it since and there may be others. David adds some narrative near the end to explain why he's singing it.
Among the many great original songs, Tennessee whiskey is perhaps the best, but there are many other great songs. David's status as an outlaw is clear when he sings I love robbing banks. Two duets with Karen Brooks remind me of her brilliant solo albums of the early eighties. Sadly, those albums did not do as well as they deserved to so Karen never made it as a singer, nor did her number one country duet with T G Sheppard (Faking love). At least we can enjoy hearing her sing with David on As far as this feeling will take us and The best game in town.
There are many other fine songs here, as you will discover if you buy this album.
There is no doubt that some of COE's absolute best work was done in the time period that these songs were written and performed. It really is a 4 star album if you are a REAL COE fan. DAC most likely will not be truely appreciated until he is gone forever.
