A new album from Hank Williams III is always a revelation: first, because it came out at all (his relationship with his label is as stormy as the marriage of his legendary grandparents); and second, because of its content and execution. So it’s something of a miracle to see a 2-CD set of some of III’s most hardcore Hellbilly (as opposed to the relentless screaming of his Assjack), especially as a number of the songs had been scheduled to appear on his unreleased 2003 album Thrown [Read More...]
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5.0 out of 5 stars
This is not your daddy’s country music!
“Straight To Hell” is a revelation. This two-disc album offers as much as anyone can hope for from high-tempo pickin’ to raw analog recordings.
I’m an old fart. I bought 78’s of Hank Sr. I had vinyl, then CD’s, of Hank Jr. I liked ‘em both, for their likeness and their differences. In Hank III, who I never knew existed until I saw this cd here on Amazon, is living proof that the hank legacy is real. This is one frikkin great cd. I love it!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Album
Great album. I am not a huge country fan, but I can appreciate the musicality of the album. Catchy melodies, great vocals, memorable lyrics, and a good band.
Whoever criticized the sound quality apparently has no idea of the back-history regarding this album.
Hank III spent 4 years fighting with his label to put out a record on his own terms, without the slick Nashville production of Risin’ Outlaw and most of the boybands-with-a-fiddle on the radio. In addition to wanting to select and write his own material without compromise, he also wanted to record a raw album, produce it himself with minimal overdubs and slick production. This was the way records used to be made in the 50s when most classic country was still recorded in primitive studios and released on independent labels. Considering the concept behind this album, the production quality sounds surpisingly modern. Hank III did an excellent job caputuring the nuances of acoustic instruments, and mixing them in a way that is very crisp and clear (unlike most vintage recordings from the 50s). He made the record himself at his house in a relaxed, creative environment - but unlike artists in the 50s, he used digital multitrack recording to more accurately capture the instruments. The vocals are more raw in places, but this is a throwback to hillbilly mountain music and western swing. It’s not supposed to be pretty and slick. That’s the whole point. Next time, be careful not to miss the forest for the trees.
And all that being said, there are quite a few songs that would stand up to anything on modern country radio as a hit song. Listen to “Low Down”, “My Drinking Problem” or “Things You Do To Me”. The vocal production on all of those songs, and the multi-part backing vocals on “Low Down” in particular, sound professionally-produced. The vocals match the top-notch sound quality of the instruments, the accessible quality of songwriting, and the tight performances. With these songs, everything comes together in a package that could compete with anything else on mainstream radio (without compromising an inch of Hank III’s non-pop integrity). You could never tell that these songs were home recordings. And they still fit in with the rough, raw, non-radio friendly outlaw songs on the CD.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Runnin’ and a’ gunnin’ and lookin for a damn good time!
From the opening lines “Satan is real…” to the closing croon “when you’re lovin’ an angel of sin, she’ll never be there for you” this album takes you on a meteoric ride to the…
This album is a masterpiece in ANY music genre! It happens to be country music, which I normally cannot stand, but this is BRILLIANT! The lyrics really stick it up the wahzoo’s of purveyors of boring pop/rock-country. Loads of people have already said it, but Grandpappy Hank Sr. would be SO proud!
This sprawling 2-disc set (talk about spraaaawl - the 2nd disc is ONE very long song! - Kinda like The Beatles’ Revolution Nine on the White Album, a trippy sound collage of some Hillbilly Hell in Hank’s head!) kinda reminds me of the album, London Calling by The Clash, in that each song is so varied from the previous. How appropriate that the album is titled Straight to Hell, since The Clash have a song by that name. They were punk/reggae/rockers, not country, but I get the same adrenaline rush when I put this CD on as I did the first 40 times I listened to the first Clash CD! Even on the slower twanga-a-doodle songs (of which there of very few)…My favorite tracks are ALL OF ‘EM!! But especially, Pills I Took - it’s hilarious! That’s another thing about this album - it’s a hoot! It’ll have you smiling, I guarantee it, maybe even hootin’ and hollerin’. I’m off in the direction of Hank III’s other CDs…if they are half as good as this, I’ll still be very pleased!
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is What Country Music Should Be!!!!!!!
Once again I was not disappointed. Hank III delivers with balls to the wall attitude, down home music and pure talent. This is what Country music should be!!!
2.0 out of 5 stars
A mess of an album by a talented but self-indulgent man
This is a very unusual album. Most reviewers seem to like it very much. I think Hank Williams III is a very talented musician, who could do great things if he wanted to.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Doin’ his own thing on the threeway
Well the third album by III is a little different. His first two albums rode the Outlaw Country rock road.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hank III-Straight to Hell
Country Masterpiece, Solid Rebel Gold, This is my 3rd copy,we wore the others out. Not that pop country on CMT,
5.0 out of 5 stars
Straight To Hell CD
My CD came on time. It was in good condition. I am satisfied with my transaction. I would use this person again.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Who Said I Hate Country Music?
Actually I used to say it before a guy at work lent me this CD. Although I went to college in Kentucky in the ’60’s and visit there regularly I never really got into country…
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hank III does it again!
Outlaw country at its best. i’ve had this album for 2 years now and still cant get enough. Hank 3 can’t be touched, he is one of a kind.