The Imus Ranch Record II

I really liked the first Imus Ranch record and I love the concept because I think Don Imus has excellent, eclectic taste in music. The only song I didn't care for on the first album was the Big and Rich tune, because I felt it was disjointed in terms of working with the rest of the album and I'm not a huge B & R fan. On the second one, there are several real standouts: Jamey Johnson's take on the old Meat Loaf song to me, elevates the song to something much more thoughtful and poignant. I really like that one. Also like: King of the Road and LOVE the Blind Boys song, but I like everything they do. His choice for Levon Helm was good too but Levon could sing anything and I would love it. Not so crazy about the choice for Sam Moore. I think Adam Durvitz is inspired with Carmelita.If I could swap out a few songs, I'd keep Elizabeth Cook but give her something else to sing, maybe something kind of sassy to capture her personality. I know how Imus feels about Kinky and Delbert, but I would have loved to have seen him include, instead, Robert Keen and Lyle Lovett. Lovett is such a great interpreter of music that I bet Imus could collaborate with him really well.Cheap Trick - eh. Newsbeats: that's just a crazy song.

Agree or disagree with Don Imus on his comments about our society, but get behind this effort to help children with cancer. When you do by purchasing this album you'll discover or renew the fact that Don Imus can sure match musical talent with songs. I use to watch and listen to both Imus in the morning on tv after years of listening to him on radio in NY. My favorite part of his shows was the music he spun and the musical guests he had on. Many times I had never heard of the artists, but he played and invited guests with amazing talent even if they where not well known. For this I respect him.Imus Ranch Record was outstanding and the followup is no less impressive. I particularly recommend the cut by the Blind Boys of Alabama, "You Can't Be a Beacon If Your Light Don't Shine". I want to thank the various artists for not only appearing in such a good cause, but performing outside the box in Imus land. Some may think that covers are easy, but quite the opposite is true. Such attempts are always compared to the originals and it is difficult to match an artist to an established song. Every single cut on both albums are great matches from honestly talented performers.Do yourself and your friends a favor and buy several copies for a great cause.

The ever-controversial Don Imus actually provides an invaluable public service with the release of the second of his Imus Ranch Records,The Imus Ranch Record II. Though just a bit too country-western twangy at times, and questionable at others (with Hayes Carll's cover of Roger Miller, Jr.'s 1965 Classic "King of the Road") the album is a treasure trove of talent (historically speaking) from Cheap Trick, to Sam Moore, to Delbert McClinton. Younger audiences could be better served if Mr. Imus featured more contemporary tracks, let's say by Weezer or GreenDay, for example. One absolute highlight is Charlie Robison's "My Hometown". If this song doesn't have you jamming in your car, you are comatose!The album has its share of surprises. Who knew Kinky Friedman could sing?! Adam Duritz' (of Counting Crows fame) does a "rousing" rendition of "Carmelita".This collection has 13 tracks. For 7 bucks and some change why complain? However, personally I would have liked to have seen 15 or 20.The most important aspect of this recording is the fact a portion of the proceeds goes to the Imus Ranch for Children (with Cancer!)We should all be buying this and the first Imus Ranch Record for that reason alone! Thank you Don Imus and musicians! -- Tony RizzoWest Palm Beach, FL 12/21/2010

I enjoyed this CD and Imus never fails to deliver with his choice of song and artist but I much preferred the first Imus Ranch CD. I very much like Jamey Johnson's rendition of Two out of Three; I love Levon Helm. But where is Dwight Yokam, Bekka Bramlett, Willie, oh and how can you made a CD without Raul Malo? I guess I simply prefer the artists on the first CD. I still play the first one over and over, the 2nd, not so much and picked certain songs to load onto my Ipod and left off more. I hope Imus makes a third CD and includes the above mentioned. Also Kelly Willis and Bruce Robison! I'd love to hear Shelby Lynn on the next one! I'd recommend this CD but if you don't have the first one, get that instead!

actually give it a 4 1/2. i think it is better than volume 1, and i like most of volume 1. i dont care for the selection for the Blind Boys of Alabama to sing, and, Bread and Butter i dont understand it being on here.however, the rest kicks ass. i love Sam Moore (of "Sam and Dave" fame), but never cared for the song he does, "Bop". i was pleasantly surprised. the song works for him. oh yeah, the guy still sounds like he's 35. love you, Sam.also pleasantly surprised by Elizabeth Cook. great song, and she sings like an angel.beyond all my ramblings, Don Imus and his wife are good people, doing good work for very sick kids. 100% of these proceeds go to further their work with these kids that need to enjoy life for a change. look at it as a donation: if you dont like it, pass it on. if you do, order more.Thanks for all you do, "I-Man".

This cd was highly promoted for pre-order and we got the shaft when the price was reduced by $5.00 right after our order shipped....we didn't get the order any faster by pre-ordering.I just hope Imus ranch got the extra money but I doubt that.....I don't think I will ever use amazon again!!!!It's not the money it's the principal....I have contacted amazon to just give me a credit but they refuse..........soooooooooooooo-NO to amazon in the future.BEWARE!!!!ELK

I really like this CD. Most of the songs are just great. Especially '2 out of 3 ain't bad' by Jamie Johnson, and heck I can't remember the others at this moment, but I like them! They are mostly uplifting and you can sing along.Imus does a great job with his selections.

und zum Teil sehr schräge Mischung - Cheap Trick und New Beats; auf der amerikanischen Kommentar-Seie gehen die Besprechungen weit auseinander, wobei man nie weiß, ob das an der Person von Don Imus liegt oder Cover-Versionen grundsätzlich wie Karaoke zu sehen sind; sehe ich nicht so, Two out of 3... als Opener ist klasse, die Blues Nummern - und hier vor allem Leveon Helm's * It takes a... - sind erste Sahne - und Elizabeth Cook ist sowieso ein Winner - let it roll, let there always be Rock.