Disco de Dolly Parton: “Jolene”

Buddha's 1999 reissue of Parton's 1974 LP is a straight-up presentation of the original ten tracks. Clocking in at under 25 minutes, this may seem like a sampler rather than a full album in today's 78-minute CD world, but what's here is vintage pre-Hollywood Dolly. In addition to the chart-topping title track, the original version of her farewell to Porter Wagoner, "I Will Always Love You," is awe-inspiring. In contrast to Whitney Houston's overblown remake (and Parton's own oversung reworking), the original is a perfect record, filled with strength, vulnerability, fragility and resolution that culminate in heartbreak all around.

The remaining eight tracks, six from Parton, one from Wagoner, and one from Blaise Tosti ("It Must Be You") are a bit tamer than the topics explored on "Coat of Many Colors" (Buddha's other 1999 reissue), but no less heartfelt. Parton's emancipation from Wagoner would eventually lead her to Hollywood and crossover success, but in the mid-70s she was at the full flower of her first go-round as a pure country singer-songwriter.

Buddha's reissue was an essential buy upon its arrival in 1999, and one for which Parton fans should be grateful. At this point, however, BMG's 2001 pairing of this title with 1975's "My Tennessee Mountain Home" (which is otherwise unavailable on CD) offers twice the music (plus a bonus track) for a few dollars more.

I LIKE THIS ALBUM THE MOST, BOASTING HER EARLY WORK. BESIDES "JOLENE". I'M VERY FOND OF "LIVING ON MEMORIES OF YOU" WHICH REMINDS ME OF A SONG YOU MIGHT HEAR IN A SALOON, BACK IN THE OLD WEST. I ALSO LOVE "HIGHLIGHT OF MY LIFE", "LONELY COMIN' DOWN"( WHICH IS VERY HEARTFELT)AND "IT MUST BE YOU", NOT TO MENTION THE LEGENDARY "I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU". THIS IS THE ONLY ALBUM I CAN SAY, BESIDES THE COMPILATIONS OF BEST HITS I HAVE, THAT I LIKE EVERY SONG ON DEEPLY. WORTH EVERY PENNY IF YOU LIKE DOLLY'S EARLY WORK.

This is a wonderful album. Every song is entertaining, some edgy stuff. Dolly is so talented. Get this album now.

Great job by Columbia Legacy -- lots of liner notes, 4 fascinating extra cuts, great sound, this is Dolly at the peak of her singing/song-writing talent.

As with "Coat Of Many Colors" this album has been issued on CD several times already. The album is good, and has some stand out tracks, the title track, "I Will Always Love You" (although I have always preferred the 1982 version), and "Lonely Coming Down". So the draw here are the bonus tracks, all of them are pretty strong. "CrackerJack", is about a girl and her puppy, sort of along the lines of Dolly's other puppy songs "Gyspy Joe & Me" or "Me And Little Andy". "Another Woman's Man" is sort of the same story as Jolene, but told from Jolene's perspective. "Barbara On Your Mind" was later redone for Dolly's 1982 album "Heartbreak Express", the original included here is a better version. Finally "Last Night's Lovin'" simple put is an ode to afterglow!!! When all is said and done, this re-issue is a keeper.