The Music City Sessions
Country Rewind, 2019
8/10
Listen to The Music City Sessions
In 1968 Jeannie C. Riley accomplished a rare feat by hitting #1 on the Billboard Charts in both the pop and country categories for her hit “Harper Valley PTA”, although this was just the beginning of her lengthy and esteemed career.
Here we get to take a peek at tunes recorded in 1970 that were never commercially released and intended for a TV show that featured country music artists.
“Country Girl” starts the record indeed firmly in country sounds as the songstress delivers flawless singing over warm, twangy sounds, and “That’s A No-No” follows with a rural shuffle that will easily get your body moving.
“Harper Valley PTA”, her massive hit, is included here and sounds as timeless as ever with plenty of soul in the tune, and “There Never Was A Time” follows later on with an emotive spirit and a touching delivery from Riley.
Deeper cuts like “Back Side Of Dallas” inject a Motown influence to the affair, while “Wish You Were Here” will get your head bobbin’, toe tappin’ and have you looking for your dance partner. “Roll In My Sweet Baby’s Arms” ends the fun with fluid, playful instrumentation, and encapsulates all the timelessness Riley displayed during her peak years.
Although Riley would later take up gospel sounds and deviate from her country roots, this rarities listen spotlights the songstress in her prime in the country world, and it truly is a thing of beauty.
Travels well with: Carl Smith- Mr. Country; Johnny Russell- All I Gotta Do Is Act Naturally