Last Train to Memphis

Long before the automobile was widely used as a means of transport, the railroad was the symbol of freedom, independence and adventure in America. "Go west, young man" was the typical saying for anyone who wanted to try their luck as a prospector, farmer or rancher. In 1869 it was possible for the first time to cross the American continent from east to west by rail. In addition, a suitable music began to develop, which consisted of folk, blues, rockabilly and skiffle songs. These songs glorified and celebrated on the subject of the lyrics only one thing, namely the railway. It was time to dedicate a double CD to these songs.

Long before the automobile was widely used as a means of transport, the railroad was the symbol of freedom, independence and adventure in America. "Go west, young man" was the typical saying for anyone who wanted to try their luck as a prospector, farmer or rancher. In 1869 it was possible for the first time to cross the American continent from east to west by rail. In addition, a suitable music began to develop, which consisted of folk, blues, rockabilly and skiffle songs. These songs glorified and celebrated on the subject of the lyrics only one thing, namely the railway. It was time to dedicate a double CD to these songs.

Long before the automobile was widely used as a means of transport, the railroad was the symbol of freedom, independence and adventure in America. "Go west, young man" was the typical saying for anyone who wanted to try their luck as a prospector, farmer or rancher. In 1869 it was possible for the first time to cross the American continent from east to west by rail. In addition, a suitable music began to develop, which consisted of folk, blues, rockabilly and skiffle songs. These songs glorified and celebrated on the subject of the lyrics only one thing, namely the railway. It was time to dedicate a double CD to these songs.

While this two-CD collection does include all but one of his Top 40 hits, it's not quite the ultimate Johnny Rivers anthology, nor is it even the best double-CD "best of" devoted to the man. That honor still belongs to Rhino's Anthology, 1964-1977, a preferable compilation if you can find it. While almost all of Rivers' big, popular hits are on disc one of Secret Agent Man, most of disc two is devoted to tracks from obscure post-1990 releases, long after Rivers had last visited the charts.

JAMES LAST The Album Collection (2019 UK limited edition 90th Anniversary box set, featuring more than 40 classic albums digitally remastered on 25 CDs, with many on Compact Disc for the first time.