I have listened to lots of LPs and CDs and normally, there are a few tunes that I don't care for on each LP. Even on Jim's records, I have favorite songs. But, after "Four Walls" I don't think I would say any of Jim's recordings were "duds". Jim was very good at choosing songs to record that I enjoy. I know he did not have me in mind when he made his selections. It just turned out that way.

Some of it might have to do with recording songs written by people like Cindy Walker, Dale Noe, Bill Anderson, etc..

Yes, Gary, I agree that most of Jim's songs after "Four Walls" were his best. That was when he made the transition to his more intimate style of singing with credit going to Bea Terry for suggesting this idea to Jim. I still like a lot of Jim's earlier songs, but he did make some duds like "Pickin' A Chicken" and "Beatin' On The Ding Dong"...

So very well said Gary. Of course as we all know Jim had the unique ability to interject his tender delivery and make it personal, in every song he recorded. When I'm listening to Jim, he would be singing just to me. The same feeling that Gary mentioned ("It just turned out that way'') and would include Bob and Mike and all who contribute here I'm sure.

I can not even think of another singer with this ability but Jim. Certainly not the trash being pumped out unto the modern listeners that never lived in a time REAL music was recorded. We have been blessed to have lived in the 50/60's.