Once More, Vols. 1 & 2
combines two original vinyl albums, which originated from the same sessions, onto one compact disc. The
Once More
albums were recorded in the mid-'80s for
Sugar Hill
. At these sessions,
the Osborne Brothers
-tackled a large chunk of their earlier repertoire, including songs that were originally recorded for
Decca
and
MGM
. These versions are harder and purer than the originals, which frequently featured electric instruments, and -- unlike many re-recordings -- these cuts don't sound labored or tired. If anything,
contains music that is even more alive and vital than the originals and, since it contains a diverse selection of material, it functions as an excellent primer on one of the finest
bluegrass
bands ever. However, if you're looking for hits, go elsewhere --
concentrates on pure
, so
the Osbornes
have excised their hits in favor for high, lonesome obscurities. ~ Thom Owens