Only three kinds of people generally buy tribute albums: someone who is a huge fan of the artist who is being paid tribute, or someone who really likes one or more of the artists on the album, or the person who falls into both categories. So chances are you probably already are familiar with Hank and don't need preaching from the likes of me and the guy who gave the album two stars.

Now, lets get down to the nitty gritty. Most of the songs on this album are fine renditions of Hank Williams work. Some that stick out:

Dylan. Yeah, he's blown out his voice. Get over it. He never had one anyway. Just marvel at the turns of phrase, intonations, and humor he can inject into the song with what he's got. A vocal master, even if he never could "sing". And that band is smokin'.

Sheryl Crow. She should sing more country. Wow.

Keb' Mo'. The drums on this track really detract from the softness of the rest of the song. I just don't get it. Big mistake. Could have been great.

Hank III. Straight up but fine interpretation.

Keith Richards. Knocked my socks off by starting off in a quirky kind of country style and transcending into Memphis style soul. Amazing. Best track on the album.

All the other tracks on the album are fine. However, I find that Emmylou and Lucinda Williams are both a little overwrought and depressing for my tastes. Yes, Hank could tear your heart out when he sang, but these girls are wearing it on their sleeve, and Hank never did that. Also, Ryan Adams...I can't make up my mind if he is just bored or if he is fantastic. Guess I need to listen a few more times. A fine album, in all.

12 of 12 found the following review helpful:


A Timeless Classic  Sep 25, 2001 By Sargenttpepper
Hank Williams is undoubtedly one of the most talented singers and songwriters of our time. And while this album does not contain any of his own musicianship, it does exhibit performances of his songs that he would surely be proud of if he were alive today. Every artist on this tribute does a fabulous job of intertwining the classic sound of hank williams with their own contemporary edge. Only Hank Williams could bring artists like Beck, Keb 'Mo, and Johnny Cash together on the same album. This album comes highly recommended for anyone who has heard the name Hank Williams. The simple fact that you are reading this makes you a prime candidate to buy this album! I promise you will not be disappointed.

18 of 20 found the following review helpful:


Hank in the 21st Century  Dec 07, 2001 By Lee Armstrong
Hank Williams' music is still thriving here in the new century. Some great artists have gotten together for this loving tribute to his music. Bob Dylan's expressive snarl rocks happily on "I Can't Get You Off of My Mind." Sheryl Crow's take on "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" is remarkable for how well she does country! Heck, we might have to stick her up there with Patty Loveless & Trish Yearwood! Blues master Keb' Mo's voice caresses the melody with a beautiful fiddle and transforms the classic "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" with a reading more wistful than sad. Beck's voice is fragile with a music box arrangement of "Your Cheatin' Heart." Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits fame does a churchlike take on "Lost on the River" with Emmylou on background vocals. One of my favorites is Tom Petty's country rocking on "You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)." The beauty of the melody really comes out even if the lyric seems somewhat dated in retrospect where you "ball her out at night." Keith Richard's ragged voice is like Stones-go-country on the slow "You Win Again." Emmylou Harris takes lead on the sad lament "Alone & Forsaken." Another favorite of mine is Hank III's uptempo vocal on "I'm A Long Gone Daddy." The great fiddle work is classic and singing must be in his genes! Ryan Adam's "Lovesick Blues" works less well for me. The spare arrangement is fine, but the squeeky voice doesn't carry the melody. Lucinda Williams milks the sad, slow "Cold Cold Heart"; and David Mansfield's gorgeous violin is worth the price of admission. The song-talk style never worked well with me, and although I love Johnny Cash's voice, I'd have preferred a stronger close than this talked "I Dreamed of Mama Last Night." However, the strong points from Dylan, Crow, Petty, & Mo' more than adequately show how important Hank Williams' music continues to be in the 21st century! Don't miss it!

9 of 9 found the following review helpful:


Some Nice Twists on Old Classics  Nov 16, 2001 By Bobby Spencer
When I was 6 years old I'd hear half drunk Appalachains play Hank's songs on front porches and in clubhouses. I loved those songs dearly then and much more so today.

The first album I ever bought (at age 6) was "Hank Williams' Greatest Hits." The first song I learned on the guitar was "Your Cheating Heart."

Today, I have everything he ever recorded. I've made the pilgrimages to Mt. Olive, Georgiana and Montgomery. I've been listening to Hank for over 35 years now and have been playing his songs for over 25.

I know Hank pretty well and I know why people love his songs so much. Of course, it goes without saying that the authentic Hank is the best. But I've been hearing Hank do em' for 35 years. It was refreshing to give others a shot at it and I wasn't disappointed.

I've been singing his songs the same way for a long time. Now I have some good ideas about how I can put some shakes and mixes on those songs that I love so much.

They're not better than Hank did em,' not as good either. BUT all of the renditions are interesting, inspired and in good taste. And if the "Rockers" on these tracks help a younger audience come to know Hank and how vitally important he was to the musical landscape that exists today, which I think they will, I applaud their heart felt efforts.

I liked the album. My favourites are Keb Mo's "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" (beautiful), Keith Richard's "You Win Again" (Hank would have been proud)and Emmylou Harris' "Alone and Forsaken" (it'll bring a tear to your eye).

If you love Hank or if you like the artists who took part, enjoy. This is the only Hank tribute album that I've ever heard that's worth a dime or even a listen. Man, I sure would like to hear Tom Waits taking a stab at some of Hank's songs. Keith Richard could sit in too.

9 of 10 found the following review helpful:


Man-o-man!!! This is a GREAT CD!  Jan 10, 2002 By D. L. Mayhue "Foreign Policy Wonk in Montana"
KGLT, our alternative radio station here in Bozeman, was playing a string of songs on Monday, Jan. 7, 2002 that absolutely knocked my socks off. As soon as I got near a phone, I called and asked "Who's singing these songs and what albums are they from, and by the way, whoever's doing your programming there...this is the best set of songs I've ever heard."

Turns out they were all from one CD called simply "Timeless" from Lost Highway Records. They had played the whole album in its entirety during the lunch hour. I immediately called our local record shop here in town and lo and behold, they had it on hand. I rushed down the street and bought it. The girl behind the counter said "Boy, you must not be far from here because you sure were fast in getting here." I'm on a budget and can't splurge right now. But this is one CD I had to have.

This CD is far and away the best collection of Hank Williams tunes by other artists. Hell, it may be even better than Hank himself. The song that really hooked me was Beck's rendition of "Your Cheatin' Heart". Eerie. I couldn't put it out of my mind. Tom Petty, Hank III, and EmmyLou Harris are great. Everyone is great on this CD!

I'd recommend getting this CD right now if you have ever listened and remotely liked Hank Williams.

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