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I’m with Razor – there’s really nothing not to like here. One of the major highlights of this album for me once again is the contribution of steel guitar player Tommy Spurlock. His playing elevates the quality of every song that he touches. His crisp clean licks can be compared to Ralph Mooney who gets my vote as the best steel player of all time. Tommy is magnificent here. As integral as he was to the Highway 101 sound he should have been made an “official” member of the act.
The first two singles mirrored their album versions however “This Side Of Goodbye” received a remix and an edit. More punch was added to the drums & rhythm track and the ending was faded about 12 seconds earlier. That tweaking did make the song sound better on the radio but it was not the strongest selection verified by the fact that it was the first single to miss the top ten since their very first hit. A good song but not especially memorable. A better choice would have been the steel-drenched “If Love Had A Heart” which was relegated to “B” side status for the “This Side Of Goodbye” single release. It sounds similar to the tracks from their excellent first album.
By the way a lost “B” side connected with this album was “Don’t It Make Your Mama Cry.” Issued on the flip of “Who’s Lonely Now” it never received an album release.
I share Razor’s opinion of their retro-revival of a 1960’s Johnnie Wright single as the best song on this album. Following the tragic death of Jack Anglin in a 1963 car accident his singing partner Johnnie Wright continued as a solo recording act. The very first song that Johnnie recorded was issued as his second single in early 1964. The song featured Johnnie & Jack’s backup band The Tennessee Mountain Boys who received label credit on the Decca single “Walkin’ Talkin’ Cryin’ Barely Beatin’ Broken Heart.” That song peaked at #22 in June 1964 and was included on Johnnie’s most successful album in 1965 “Hello Vietnam.” Here’s Johnnie’s great recording: