There are too many artists here who are matched up with songs beyond their ability or apparent understanding. Certainly the most glaring example of this is
Mary Chapin Carpenter's version of
Don Gibson's classic hit "Oh Lonesome Me." Another glaring mismatch is the
Collin Raye/
Joe Diffie cover of the
Billy Joe Shaver rebel rouser "Honky Tonk Heroes (Like Me)," the rallying cry of the outlaw country movement during the '70s. However, there are some marvelous moments, and the project, dedicated to
Tammy Wynette, should be lauded for donating a portion of the proceeds to the development of a much-needed Country Music Retirement Center. Highlights include the work of
Patty Loveless on "Wine, Women and Song" and
Trace Adkins doing
Lefty Frizzell's "I Never Go Around Mirrors." Just as good are the contributions of
the Dixie Chicks, who lead off with
Wynette's "Stand by Your Man," and
Randy Travis and
Alison Krauss singing "The Three Bells."
Wade Hayes performs an outstanding version of "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)," a
Gary Stewart honky tonk hit from 1975 that shows what
Hayes is really made of. The grand finale, an original tune penned by
Marty Stuart called "Same Old Train," is a nice ending since living legend
Merle Haggard joins
Dwight Yoakam,
Emmylou Harris,
Travis Tritt,
Earl Scruggs and others. Touted as a project that pays homage to the founders of traditional country music, it is a nice sentiment.
–
Jana Pendragon, Rovi