Boy Named Sue and His Other Country Songs

Anybody who isn't aware that "The Unicorn," "The Giving Tree," "A Boy Named Sue," "Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out" and "Sylvia's Mother" were all written by the same person should really get this album. Only one of those songs is on it, but the combination of Shel Silverstein's songwriting and his unique voice (acquired taste though it may be for some) should prove irresistible. It's a shame there was such a gross imbalance between his written work and his recorded work that was available on CD at the time of his death in 1999, but better late than never. For the uninitiated, not that much of Silverstein's juvenile material was covered by other artists (Peter, Paul & Mary and Johnny Cash both recorded "Boa Constrictor"), but his more adult stuff paid a lot of bills for the likes of Bobby Bare (alone and in the Old Dogs), Dr. Hook & His Medicine Show, and of course the Man in Black. A must for those who love any combination of catchy songs, children's songs, bawdy songs, satirical songs, road songs, and message songs.

Its okay, I am not a fan, but was looking to try some new music

I am a big fan of Shel's recorded work, and I have to say I really love this CD. The songs sound more serious than silly, but of course contain Shel's sharp wit and catchy lyrics. It's not really fair calling them country songs, as this oversimplifies their range. It's just a really good collection of songs in Shel's own voice. "Boy Named Sue" is certainly his best known selection here, but it's by no means the only worthwhile track. There isn't a bad song in the twelve. My only complaint is that the CD clocks in under 40 minutes. Still, I love it, and listen to it over and over.Other worthwhile Shel Silverstein CDs are "The Best of Shel Silverstein: His Words His Songs His Friends" (some songs, some spoken word), and Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show's "I Got Stoned and I Missed It" (their take on 23 of his songs, none of which repeat here)."Boy Named Sue and His Other Country Songs" only further proves what an extraordinary multi-dimensional talent Shel was. While I enjoy his books tremendously, there's a lot more to Shel.

Who else has ever decided to write country songs, gone to Nashville, and banged out a bunch of songs just like that? "Somebody Stole My Rig" was my favorite, but if you are a fan of Shel's work you should have this album.

Songwriter Shel Silverstein was allowed to record this album after his song "A Boy Named Sue" became a monster hit for Johnny Cash. Shel does his own version of "Boy Named Sue" here, as well as 11 other songs he wrote. The songs are mostly funny type songs, except for the few songs that are serious. If you are a Shel Silverstein fan, you will enjoy this CD.