Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

American Burl Ives' brief flirtation with the British record charts extends to two hit singles in 1962 and no hit albums. Beyond the pond he was more popular as a general entertainer and like a number of singers of his generation he also sang gospel and spirituals. Here Paul Davis has collected together 20 of his best. To best capture the sound of this album it is necessary to close your eyes and imagine an episode of Bonanza. If you don't remember this particular cowboy TV show, don't worry. It just means you're definitely too young to enjoy this! GO and read another review! If the rest of you could try and imagine a church service on that programme, this is the soundtrack! Rousing singing, wobbly organ and plonky piano. Ives deals with all the classics - "How Great Thou Art", "There's Power In The Blood", "Love Lifted Me", "Showers Of Blessing" and "Are Ye Able?" in a style reminiscent of a saved Howard Keele. Burl Ives was gifted with a rich voice capable of conveying great tenderness. If very old fashioned country gospel is your passion you need to recognise thar's gold in them thar hills! Or at least golden songs in this collection in the rack of your local Christian bookshop! If you're not, it's possible to still enjoy this as a bit of a laugh, if you have an ironic sense of humour like me. Yee haw!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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