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The album includes the huge best-seller, "El Paso," as well as the equally powerful "Big Iron" and classic Western ballards like "Water." The sequel album, "More Gunfighter Ballads," continues the tradition, but tempers it with more Christian message songs about cowboys and gunfighters. Nobody sang Western songs anymore and certainly no one wrote Western songs anymore. When Marty Robbins wrote and recorded his original "Gunfigher Ballads," Country-Western music in America had pretty much abandoned its Western side and was deeply sunk into the smooth Country side of its personality. It, too, is a homerun, but didn't create the sensation that the first album caused. Marty wrote most of the original songs on the "Gunfighter Ballads" while riding in the backseat of a car as he and his family drove across the southwest, from one performance date to the next. His recording label was uncertain about whether it should be recorded, but Marty insisted and the result was a sensational success. Both albums are worth owning and keeping. Marty Robbins' fine, clear baritone voice was never better.
what a talent. I've looked for many years for ballad "Little Wrangler Joe" which I had once on a cassette. CD just as described. thrilled to have it on this wonderful set. We listen to it over and over. new, sealed. Thank you so much.
Probably some of the best known of Marty Robbins' works, this is a great album combining his two best known western albums. From El Paso to San Angelo, true Texas traditional story telling at its best. A must for all Marty Robbins fans.
The Glaser brothers harmonies most definitely made a big difference of "the western feel",the overall sound of this "old west" album. Listening to the great Marty Robbins sing the famous Gunfighter Ballads, you can't help but think Marty was there at one time in his life or past life,listen to Marty's self-penned ,"El Paso",or the glorious, "Masters Call", these type of songs would have been perfect for western music scores or themes.- There was always the drifter with the "Big Iron" on his hip and maybe riding a "Strawberry Roan". The classic first gunfighter album was actually recorded in one day and Marty had the help of the tight, haunting harmonies of the Glaser brothers. The second follow up of the gunfighter ballads, for the longest time has always been out of print until now,thanks Germany,waited a long time for this. The songs on this album are not as strong as the first,still affective with the voice of Marty wailing more western ballads ,"Five Brothers","San Angelo",- continues the Fleena-El Paso saga, Marty gives his rendition of,"Streets Of Laredo",-a great two on one compilation/combination from the true "voice of the west", the great Marty Robbins.
Marty Robbins covers a range of timeless classics. As good today as it was when first released 40+ years ago. Hard to beat Big Iron, The Master's Call, Strawberry Roan.
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