In this week's episode, we're featuring what remains Ricky Skaggs' only US platinum album, "Highways & Heartaches" (1982). A magnificent sophomore effort on Epic Records, Skaggs was once again given free rein to produce it himself - certainly an uncommon stipulation for a 28-year-old would-be star with next to no country music clout at the time. After hitting town a few years earlier armed with but a few rough mixes, Ricky Skaggs scored a meeting with Epic's Rick Blackburn, and aside from walking away with a recording contract more or less that day - Blackburn also agreed to let Skaggs produce his own stuff, pending sales. Hindsight proved that to be a wise decision, because from the get-go Skaggs - from a traditional bluegrass background - combined the acoustic and no-fuss aspects of bluegrass and old-time country music with an uncanny knack of finding timeless material which appealed to mainstream country audiences. The Kentucky high tenor had himself three number ones from 1982's "Highways & Heartaches", and cemented himself at the forefront of a rising traditional country revolt - later to be known as the new-traditionalist movement. Highlights include Guy Clark's "Heartbroke" (with one minor change); a cover of Bill Monroe's "Can't You Hear Me Callin'"; some glorious steel guitar from Lloyd Green on "You've Got A Lover" and the whirlwind picking on fellow member of Emmylou Harris' Hot Band Rodney Crowell's "One Way Rider" is simply mesmerising.
The Mavericks - What A Crying Shame
George Jones - Cold Hard Truth
The Country Gentlemen - Joe's Last Train
Jean Shepard - Slippin' Away
All Faron!
Dallas Moore - Tryin' To Be A Blessing
Marty Robbins - Good 'N Country
Peggy Sue - Dynamite!
Herschel Parker
Jason Allen - Something I Dreamed
Ray Price - Greatest Hits
The Hanson Family - Rhythm Rides Again
Kelly Spinks - Thank God For Cowboys
Billy Joe Shaver - I'm Just An Old Chunk Of Coal
Jeff Brown - Wanderin' Man
Cal Smith - I've Found Someone Of My Own
Jerry Webb - Red Lips & Honky Tonks
Highway 101 - Bing Bang Boom
Tony Booth - The Key's In The Mailbox
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