Melody of the Plains

AMG Review of Melody of the Plains

Joe Viglione
All Music Guide

In 1986 MCA issued the eight-song Melody of the Plains compilation of Roy Rogers tracks from his time on Decca Records. Before the days of computer programs like "Cool Edit Pro" where scratches and pops from vinyl sources could be removed, the label saw fit to simply reissue these recordings (at least on the cassette version of this) with the audible transfer sound of the needle playing on a record. It actually adds to the authenticity as these tracks from the 1930s to early '40s are pretty lo-fi to begin with. MCA would release five of these eight titles again in 1992 on their Country Music Hall of Fame Series credited to Roy Rogers & the Sons of the Pioneers. It's a true period piece, the country crooner singing of love lost with pretty much the same tempo behind him on every tune. His personality is more important than the limited vocal range, and he delivers the goods with a sincerity that made him popular. Fiddles and pedal steel guitar sometimes get the spotlight, but for the most part it is Roy's voice that is upfront and center.