The Carter Family Album: “The Carter Family”

This is the last known recording (1991)of the 3 Carter Sisters, June, Anita & Helen. There are 12 songs, all classics of the original Carter Family which included their mother Maybelle Carter. Most songs are done with delightful + spirited uptempo guitar playing + singing. Anita as she did in the day sings lead most of the time. Because she is now about 60 years of age her voice is much lower than the soprano she was 30-40 years earlier. But still she sings as beautiful as in her younger days. What a shame the earlier record albums of Mother Maybelle + the Carter Sisiters are not yet on CD. This CD is a rare jewel for anyone who loves the music of the Carter sisters but is frustrated like me that more of their recordings are not available on CD.

This a fantastic album of Helen and Anita singing together. If June's there, she's not singing, just playing. That being said, I love this album. Helen and Anita were great singers in their own rights, and they sound great together as only sisters can. (Nerissa and Katryna Nields, are you listening?) The musicians on this album are stellar, too - the picking and playing is top-notch. I really enjoy it all, but I truly love "Clinch Valley Home" and "Lonesome Valley."

Track list:

1. Foggy Mountain Top

2. In The Valley Of The Shenandoah

3. Clinch Mountain Home

4. The Winding Stream

5. Blue Eyes

6. Lonesome Valley

7. Worried Man Blues

8. Home By The Sea

9. I Never Will Marry

10. You Are My Flower

11. Diamonds In The Rough

12. Amber Tresses

Today I got this CD. Maybe the voices are not what they used to be. But anyhow, this is real music and it brings the sound from the days music was honest. I like most of the songs very much and I'm happy with these memories from the past.

This CD is a small snapshot of the Carter Sisters near then end of their recording days. It is June, Helen, and Anita at their finest and truly reminds the listener of their glory days in the shadow of A.P., Sara, and Maybelle. Early Country Music before it became hats, hair, and popularity. Get this CD. Listen and Respect, Lest we forget!

I just bought this CD and it is very good but I have heard the Carter Sisters early recordings/performances and it is hard to believe it's them. I can't even tell who is singing. I know they are older but sometimes it almost sounds little girlish. I enjoy it and I was under the impression Helen sang lead on many of the songs but none of them sound like her.