Memories, Memoirs & Miles: Songs Of A Lifetime
BFD, 2017
8/10
Listen to Memories, Memoirs & Miles: Songs Of A Lifetime
On his last compilation album before his death this year, the legendary Charlie Daniels dug deep into this 60+ year career where he played several genres and made millions of fans across the globe.
“Keep On The Sunny Side” starts the listen with banjo acrobatics alongside the signature vocals from Daniels that are both gritty and melodic, as plenty of harmonizing enters the bluegrass filled setting, and “Jaguar” follows with a blurry instrumental of textured, playful sounds.
Near the middle, Daniels offers a live track with the bright and expressive singing of “Saddle Tramp” as the music flows with spirited keys, breezy melodies and a timeless appeal, while his most well known song, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”, roars with a brisk pace of precise instrumentation and plenty of power. “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye” then rocks and rolls with a rowdy enthusiasm that won’t let you sit still as Daniels and company pen a furious bar rocker.
Deep into the listen, “Simple Man” resides closer to country rock as Daniels gets a bit more reserved yet still rugged, and “Let ‘Em Win Or Bring ‘Em Home” recruits some gospel in the soulful delivery that turns into an patriotic anthem that tips it hat to our soldiers. Of the two bonus tracks, “Still In Saigon” is particularly memorable, where strong guitar work aligns with vivid storytelling as Daniels pays tribute to Russell Palmer, who taught him his first guitar chord.
If you’re a diehard fan of Daniels, you’ve heard these songs in other recordings and will certainly appreciate these modern renditions of them, and if you’re new to his song craft this is a great place to start to peruse a sampling of the enormous body of work from one of the biggest talents to ever do it.
Travels well with: Charley Pride- Music In My Heart; Randy Travis- Precious Memories