All Gone Fishin'
Various Artists
Bandit Records

In most cases on compilation CD's, the songs are releases from nondescript albums or sessions that haven't had a lot of time spent on them. Let me clear something up for you, this is not one of those. And don't be fooled by the cover, though this album has fishing songs on it, it's just not that simple. This is far and above some of the finest production I've heard in quite some time and above all else, is a page of history in the music business. The artists on this release reads like a who's who in Country Music. Fourteen songs are included here and here's a breakdown of what you'll hear: Two songs, "Something Fishy's Going On" by Lori Morgan and "Sleepwalking" by Tanya Tucker, could very well be released as singles, right now, for airplay and stand head and shoulders above what you're currently hearing on radio.

A rousing rendition of "Beer, Bait And Ammo" by George Jones will have you patting your foot and turning up the volume, exactly as it was intended to do. "Front Of The Boat" by Jerry Reed speaks humorously about the shortcomings of not owning your own boat and losing out on all the good fishing. Another one of my favorites, "As Country Could Be", with Gary Shiebler and Marcia Ramirez with a distant, heartfelt arrangement is a definite standout. There's even an offering from folk music stalwart, Arlo Guthrie with a rambling, bizarre rendition of "Talking Fishing Blues". Other artists include Porter Wagoner, Bobby Bare, Patty Loveless, Mel Tillis, Little Jimmy Dickens, Danny Gilley, Bryan White and Rachel Procter with special guests Brad Paisley, Steve Wariner and Jon Randall.

Like I said before, production on this album is impeccable and kudos go to executive producer Connie Nelson as well as Gary Shiebler and Jimmy Johnson who did a fantastic job on getting that "Big" sound that is extremely hard to get and rarely heard. They managed to get it 14 times, no problem. I have to close by saying that my favorite song on the whole album was Merle Haggard's version of Harlan Howard's song "Take Him Fishing". You might want to watch where you listen to this one at and be prepared to have a Kleenex handy, trust me on this one, it will get you. This album is a near perfect balance of humor, heartfelt emotion, storytelling with amazing musicians, production and on top of all that, a must have, history making album that is in a class all by itself. Go to banditrecords.com and get this one quick.

By Greg Roberts