Ray Charles Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music Volumes 1 & 2 180g 2LP (Vinyl)

Integration of Soul & Country Music On 180g Double LP!

Regarded by many critics as Ray Charles's best studio album, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Volumes 1 & 2 is a landmark album in American music. The album's integration of soul and country music bent racial barriers in popular music, amid the height of the Civil Rights Movement. In the process of recording the album, Charles became one of the first African-American musicians to exercise complete artistic control over his own recording career.

"Ray Charles was an avowed fan of country music and felt he could add something to the rootsy sound that he grew up with. So as his success was heading towards its peak and his power in the industry grew, he took the daring move to record 12 of his favorite country tunes, infusing them with the blues and jazz swing he was already known for and exposing how all these genres were influencing one another through the first half of the 20th century. The hit album and its sequel have been in and out of print since their initial release in 1962, with the most recent pressings arriving last month. And the first volume (the only one we were sent to review) has a nice sheen to it. Bob Fisher's remastering work is subtle, gently turning up the lights on Charles's inimitable vocals and bringing the rhythm section further out of the shadows. The ache of ballads like 'Born To Lose' and 'I Can't Stop Loving You' and the winking joy of 'Bye Bye Love' are still present, protected behind glass. Fisher just gives it once over with a fine chamois." - Paste Magazine

The music is as fresh as it was nearly a half century ago. At a time when a generation of white kids has co-opted black music, lingo, and fashion, it may be hard to appreciate the genius of these albums. But in 1962, with America in the throes of a racial meltdown, Charles accomplished the impossible - the poor, blind and oprhaned Georgia native bridged the cultural chasm between blacks and whites, and urban and rural audiences.

Features:
• 180g Vinyl
• Double LP
• 2 legendary albums
• Each LP housed in a separate jacket
• Made in USA

Selections:
Volume 1
Side 1:
1. Bye Bye Love
2. You Don't Know Me
3. Half As Much
4. I Love You So Much It Hurts
5. Just A Little Lovin' (Will Go A Long Way)
6. Born To Lose
Side 2:
1. Worried Mind
2. It Makes No Difference Now
3. You Win Again
4. Careless Love
5. I Can't Stop Loving You
6. Hey, Good Lookin'
Volume 2
Side 1:
1. You Are My Sunshine
2. No Letter Today
3. Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You)
4. Don't Tell Me Your Troubles
5. Midnight
6. Oh, Lonesome Me
Side 2:
1. Take These Chains From My Heart
2. Your Cheatin' Heart
3. I'll Never Stand In Your Way
4. Making Believe
5. Teardrops In My Heart
6. Hang Your Head in Shame