Varese's second collection of Cline's pre-MCA recordings for 4-Star takes a more focussed, thematic approach than their previous release, the lengthily titled "25 All-Time Greatest Records -- The 4 Star Sessions 1955-1960." With eleven tracks of overlap between the two discs, this release provides completists with five tunes not on the earlier collection: "I've Loved and Lost Again" -- Cline's first single on Decca, "Never No More," "If I Could Only Stay Asleep," "Just Out of Reach (of My Two Open Arms)" and "Fingerprints".
While "25 All-Time Greatest Records" traces Cline's career arc from pure-country to the start of the Nashville Sound, "Love Songs" homes in on Cline's ability to draw inspiration from her personal life. The breadth of her 4-Star work is well represented (ranging from fiddle-and-steel ballads like "I Cried All the Way to the Altar" to jazzy torch songs like "There He Goes"), but the emotional core of this album rests on Cline's failing marriage to her first husband, Gerald, their 1957 divorce, and her (mostly) subsequent relationship with second husband, Charlie Dick.
1956's "I've Loved and Lost Again" reflects Cline's growing dissolution with her marriage, while titles recorded shortly after the divorce, "Hungry for Love" and "I Don't Wanta," ring of freedom, and the growing love for her new beau. "Then You'll Know" suggests Cline was aware early-on of the turmoil that her new relationship would bring.
Picking between Varese's two 4-Star releases is tough. Both provide well-picked track lists, programming and sound quality. Those looking for an overview of Cline's entire 4-Star run (especially landmarks like "Walkin' After Midnight" and "Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray") are best served by "25 All-Time Greatest Records." Those seeking a maximum dose of Cline's emotional heartsongs will prefer this collection. Either way, a tour through Cline's early recordings is a moving prelude to her well-known work on MCA.
I am one of the worlds biggest Patsy Cline fans. Her voice is so smooth and husky that it sometimes drives me to tears. Nobody has as brilliant a voice as she (even though some come close in my book). When I was trolling around Amazon last Wednesday I noticed this little gem. At first I was skeptical. I thought, oh no not another Patsy Cline CD of songs I already own. But I broke down and bought it on the strength of the song samples. When I received my CD, man was I happy. I cut open the annoying plastic wrap (must all CDs get harder and harder to open!) and popped in the CD. The sound quality already won me over (I even think this sounds better than some of my MCA recordings). Kudos to the engineer and record company on that one. The song selections are pretty darned good. I couldn't believe that after buying scores of badly recorded, badly packaged Patsy CDs, this one actually was worth the $12 or so bucks (plus shipping) I paid for it!
To wrap it up: 5 star recordings, 5 star artist and overall a good package. I actually find that I am playing this in my car a lot more than I thought!
Highly recommended...
