Jim Reeves' 1963 LP of GOOD 'N' COUNTRY (CAL/CAS 784) was reissued some years later by RCA/CAMDEN on a Dynaflex disc. The mono (
) version is superior soundwise to their fake stereo (
) one.
"There's a Heartache Following Me" is its only single. The record didn't crack Billboard's C&W chart, but was a #6 in Britain. A laudatory back cover essay by Lorne Harasen of station CJGX Yorkton, Saskatchewan, comments on Jim's likeabilty as a man, musician and personal friend.
Many in this small collection are sad songs. One exception is "Little Ole Dime," an upbeat celebration by an Okie cowpuncher. The bright tempo and arrangement of "Heartache Following Me" contrast with its message, yet somehow the song works. "World You Left Behind" has a post-Western Swing feel. Hardly a lush Nashville production, its appeal lies in a small group sound that includes steel guitar and jangly honky tonk piano.
"I've Enjoyed as Much" has a curious theme: that of a gluttonous butterball of a child whose daddy expects will grow up to be a big strong man. "Bottle, Take Effect" is a quietly introspective ballad that takes full advantage of Jim's gorgeous deep baritone voice. Besides the usual musical contingent, he's supported here by a mixed chorus. "Before I Died" uses a "highway to nowhere" metaphor in expressing the frustration of a rejected lover.
SIDE ONE
[2:18] Don't Let Me Cross Over
[2:02] There's a Heartache Following Me
[2:37] The Talking Walls
[3:20] Little Ole Dime
[2:15] The World You Left Behind
SIDE TWO
[2:24] I've Enjoyed as Much of This (As I Can Stand)
[2:19] Lonely Music
[3:18] Bottle, Take Effect
[1:58] You Kept Me Awake Last Night
[2:50] Before I Died
TOTAL TIME: 25:21
I got this as my first record along with my first record player for Christmas when I was about 12 years old. My father passed away last year and my entire family is deceased. I was listening to the LP one evening reflecting and remembering how my father used to sing like Jim Reeves and checked Amazon just by chance to see if this could possibly be on CD; and to my shock and surprise it was. The sound quality is great and I am able to hear this music as I have never heard it before some 43 years later. It is one of Jim Reeves early if not first recording and one of his best. Thanks to the record company and Amazon for making this recording available. It gives me great comfort when reflecting on life as I used to know it.
