joe_attaboy
Connie Smith continues to be an American music treasure. A great collection of excellent songs performed with her golden voice. Incredible.
Favorite track: If You Won't Tell On Me (I Won't Tell On You).
Mr. Johnson
Connie Smith's new album is wonderful, a real example of true and traditional country music. Backed by the fabulous superlative musicians of Nashville's musical elite and stellar production of Marty Stuart, this album is a trumph.
Legendary country singer Connie Smith releases her highly anticipated 55th album Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches on Fat Possum Records. On the new release, Smith takes a different approach from Cry of the Heart, her critically acclaimed 2021 effort. On Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches, Connie has chosen to interpret songs that were originally sung, played or written by fellow country legends; Dottie West, Skeeter Davis, Liz Anderson, The Glaser Brothers, Loretta Lynn, Jim & Jesse, George Jones, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard and Dallas Frazier. And while the list of songs has been in the established country canon seemingly forever, Smith’s take is more of a tribute than a recreation. When asked if this is a covers record, Smith replied, “No. Hardly. I’m singing on behalf of my friends. Hoping to share them while passing along their songs.”
Smith’s radiant, textured voice reimagines the very best songwriting and vocalists from the country catalog. Her vibrant style shines bright on “Beneath Still Waters,” made famous by George Jones. It is also the 73rd song Smith has recorded written by Hall of Fame songwriter Dallas Frazier. Smith breathes new life into “One of These Days,” originally recorded by the Glaser Brothers, and deftly redefines Merle Haggard’s #1 hit “The Fugitive.” She pays homage to Dottie West and classic country themes on “Country Girl” before taking Loretta Lynn’s obscure “World of Forgotten People” to new heights with her soaring, ageless singing. Smith’s indelible imprint radiates through the sunny “Seattle” before taking the beloved country hymn “End of the World” into an entirely new stratosphere.
And as far as Smith’s recording process goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. On Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches, Smith reunites with her longtime collaborators Gary Carter on steel guitar, along with Hargus “Pig” Robbins on piano, which was his last effort with Smith before he passed in 2022. Producer (and husband) Marty Stuart again helms the production, and his Fabulous Superlatives back up Connie throughout the enthralling collection. Stuart sums up the album this way: “Love, Prison Wisdom and Heartaches is a monument to the heart, soul, and timeless beauty of traditional country music. I have no doubt that this record will serve as a North Star for those who look for the divine spark in country music.”
An eleven-time Grammy nominee, Smith has been consistently carrying the country music torch since her 1964 hit single, “Once a Day.” In March of 2021, the Library of Congress announced that “Once a Day” was one of the 2020 selections for its National Recording Registry. Connie has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1965 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
credits
released April 11, 2024
Producer – Marty Stuart
Recording engineers – Mick Conley & Nick Gibbens
Mixing & mastering engineer – Mick Conley
Assistant engineer – Trent Woodman
Recorded at East Iris Studios, Berry Hill, TN
Project coordinator – Maria-Elena Orbea
Photography – Marty Stuart & Les Leverett
Session photography – Cody Peavy
Artwork/Design – Cronin Creative
Cartage – Cody Peavy
Gary Carter, Hargus “Pig” Robbins, Marty Stuart, Harry Stinson, Kenny Vaughan, Paul Martin, Justin Weaver, Dennis Crouch, John Jarvis, Kris Wilkinson, Sari Reist, David Angell, Carole Rabinowitz, David Davidson, Alicia Enstrom, Jimmy Buchanan, Stuart Duncan, Jodi Seyfried, Terry Wilson, Christian Davis, Larry Marrs, Sonya Isaacs, Nick Gibbens, Mick Conley.
supported by 7 fans who also own “Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches”
Roaring out of the gate astride a hook that won't be denied with a fuck-you attitude that's far outlived the expression it's delivered through, X debut album stands as the pinnacle of West Coast punk and one of the best of the genre at large. You also get a scorching cut of The Doors' 'Soul Kitchen', one of punk's most enduring anthems in the title track, and a closer so tight, catchy and emotionally resonating that it more than makes up for the relative dud it follows. - 9.5/10 CptHatemonger
supported by 6 fans who also own “Love, Prison, Wisdom and Heartaches”
This has been one of my favorite albums for a long time, super glad to have it in my pocket nowadays! I'm a youngin' compared to some X fans, but got to see ya'll on the 13x31 tour in 2008, had a blast! Very glad to see yer still playing together and making great music Wexel
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