I was just here to look for the song by Emmylou that was played during the closing credits of The Sopranos last week, but while searching through her catalog was surprised to discover that this CD, probably her best ever, is only available as an import. What a travesty!

A little background...The Ballad Of Sally Rose is the first "concept album" ever in Country music. Talk around the time it was released was that the songs were inspired by the romantic relationship between Emmylou and Gram Parsons, but only one person knows that really, and she's never confirmed it.

The story that's told in the CD is of a half Indian girl named Sally Rose who grows up on a reservation after her father abandons the family. She leaves the reservation, as the opening song goes "with stars in her eyes and greater expectations" and soon joins a band as a guitar player. While on stage one night a huge star is in the audience and falls in love with her at first sight. She joins his band, they get married, but he starts cheating on her before being killed on the road in a traffic accident. Heartbroken, she continues with the band, and is now the biggest star around with sell-outs everywhere they play. But she's all bummed out without him and decides to retire and buy a radio station to play nothing but his music 24 hours a day. Then she dies and goes to heaven.

Great story, huh?

But, just wait until you hear the music! Background singers include Linda Rondstadt, Dolly Parton and Waylon Jennings, and you can hear them really belt it out on some beautiful vocal arrangements. There are ballads, two-steps, and rocking songs on this CD, acoustic and full band songs. It's one of the best ever. I still can't believe it's an import. Get it while you still can.

THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE is much more than just an album. For starters it is one of Emmylou Harris' most fascinating collections, one you just have to hear from start to finish. Each song defines a small piece of the story. The material Emmylou Harris and Paul Kennerly wrote for the album is consistent and remarkable. Uptempo numbers like "White Line", "Bad News", and "K-S-O-S" are flawlessly done and instantly enjoyable. Where the album leaves it's mark is on the slower, more intense material. "Diamond In My Crown" is warm, touching, and uplifting. It is a song that mixes strenght and beauty into something everyone should hear. "Timberline" is a graceful acoustic song, with a beautifully harmonized ending. "Sweet Chairot" has the most awesome vocal arrangements on disc, demanding a second listen. "Women Walk The Line" is a power ballad with Emmylou Harris delievering incredible vocals. "The Sweetheart Of The Rodeo" is a well done western piece. The storyline is best told through the titletrack, "Rythym Guitar", and "Long Tall Sally Rose". The only unfortunate thing about THE BALLAD OF SALLY ROSE is that it is not easily available. If you see it, buy it, you won't regret it. MATT COKER

This is an interesting album from Emmylou Harris. Released in 1985, it stands as one of her best. Avid fans will want to get their hands on this cd, it's pretty rare to find but worth the search! This is the first album in her career where she wrote or co-wrote all of the songs, something she is more inclined to do on her newer albums. She is an excellent songwriter in my opinion. The album works as a concept album, telling a story of a girl from a small town who gets taken under the wing of singer that takes her (and her angelic voice) out on the road. Which is sort of like what happened with her and Gram Parsons. To get the story of the album though you need to read the liner notes. She truly shines on the slower ballads such as "Diamond in My Crown" and the closer "Sweet Chariot." Not an essential album for casual fans, but the hardcore Harris fans will either already have this, or be looking for it.

This album belongs on any Emmylou fan's "Must Have" list, whatever it takes to find it. A powerful, cohesive concept piece, it should be listened to straight through, with no distractions. "Woman Walk the Line" is absolutely stunning, and "Sweet Chariot" can be heard again and again and again, and never grow stale. Really, this album is the progenitor of the TRIO albums, and features many of the same performers. Every song is Emmylou's, and while some have been covered by other artists, Emmy does it best. If unforgetable solos, impeccable harmonies, haunting renditions, straight-to-the-point lyrics, and superb production are your thing, this is your album.

I "inherited" this album as a cassette tape I found in my husband's car about a decade ago. After wearing it completely out, I was heartbroken to find that it was no longer available, but determined to find a copy even if I had to get another old tape on e-bay or some such place. After checking back periodically, I was thrilled to finally find an import version at Amazon today. I only hope that the sound quality is as good as the American release; however, it couldn't be much worse than my old, mangled (and now totally unplayable) tape!