Duets [ENHANCED CD]

In 1955 Jimmie Rodgers, dead 22 years, enjoyed a hit single with "In the Jailhouse Now," featuring newly added accompaniment from Hank Snow's band. Since then, similar electronic time travel has been applied with increased sophistication (and mixed results) to Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, Jim Reeves, and Patsy Cline. In this case Cline's vocals, lifted from her 1950s Coral recordings, were dubbed onto contemporary arrangements, allowing the producers to create duets with current stars as well as veterans. As natural as the balance of these carefully crafted performances can be, the new arrangements range from tasteful ("Crazy Dreams" with Mila Mason) to abrasive ("Too Many Secrets" with Glen Campbell). In the end, they neither besmirch nor enhance Patsy's unassailable legacy, but this is a triumph of technology, not artistry, and as such it leaves you cold. --Rich Kienzle