Night Life

Every night I feast in complete darkness. Once, I accidentally ate a Puerto Rican kid's ashes. His family were not happy.

What if Frank Sinatra was from Bikini Bottom?

The introduction really set the tone by making the album feel more personal. Can't think of a record that starts with one, but I love it here. This is some real tears-in-your-beer kind of music, but I am here for it. Lyrically, it's great, and vocally, it's superb. Ray Price is a hell of a singer, and really conveys those emotions directly into me. Also, holy hell, Willie Nelson on bass and backing vocals? Neat. Favorite tracks: "Night Life", "Sittin' and Thinkin'", "There's No Fool Like a Young Fool"

It's hard for me to sometimes give such low scores to music that sounds so honest. But within the context of this list, where it's supposed to be about albums that are actually crucial to the history of modern music, or about albums that maybe weren't that influential but are notable by themselves, this one for me doesn't come as a member of any of these two categories. Is it good music? Yes. Is it something I had to listen to get something that I wouldn't be able to get from any other album? I hardly think so

The Price is wrong

10/10 - woeful as fuck makes we wanna get a trad wife and be emotionally absent to her

I'm really digging this classic country. I'm so glad records like this are included in this list. It's a refreshing break from the constant onslaught of 60's-era rock this list is littered with.

Oh, boy. People making out to Hee Haw on the cover. Doesn't bode well. But then, Ray invites me to take off my shoes and enjoy his album. Huh. Linkin Park never invited me to take off my shoes - instead, they made me wear uncomfortable surplus army boots. Night Life gets bluesy - no mentions of broken trucks or sad dogs. Well, never mind. Lonely Street hits all of the tropes - damn, Ray. Pick yourself up, take off your shoes, and go enjoy the night life! Even so, there's a Roy Orbison quality to it - kinda like that late nineties country/pop crossover trend (no slide guitar? It's Hootie! Slide guitar? It's Darius Rucker!). Sittin' and Thinkin' - "I got loaded last night on a bottle of gin"? He just comes out and says it - I think this is probably pretty risqué for the time; 15 years later, Jimmy Buffett will make fun of the country music tendency to dance around topics, and he penned "Why don't we get drunk..." as a parody of those songs. Ray doesn't quite get there (he skips the "...and screw" part), but the first step is admitting you have a problem. He still cries for an entire hour each day - so clearly there are some unresolved issues there. Bright lights and blonde haired women - "I'm getting sick and tired of being lit up like a Christmas tree" - wow. Look, Ray, you left your brunette woman at home with a single dim bulb hanging from a chain in the middle of the room. You ain't going back. Just get used to being drunk and hanging out with the easy blonde girls. You chose this life. Take off your shoes, get your crying over with, and do what you gotta do. Overall review - I didn't hate this. Look, I'm not going to be jamming to this while sitting in carpool or docking a pontoon boat, but it is infinitely better than the mid-nineties "been working hard all week, got my good jeans on, I love America" crap that country music turned into. Ray seems like he'd be fun to hang out with - I just gotta make sure I'm "on a work call" for that one hour of crying per day...

I didn’t find any favorites here, but a very classic country sound with lots of steel and slide guitar. Cool find, should know the artist at least.

Shite Life

Fine as background music on this Monday morning before Thanksgiving, but let’s be honest, this sounds like just about every other country record from the late 50’s or early 60’s that you’ve ever heard.

Whether you like country or not, there are some finely crafted songs on this album delivered by some magnificent musicians and Price, who is an engaging singer with a great voice. There’s an undertone of darkness and restlessness throughout and you can depict the seediness of the nightclubs Price frequents. Frankly, if you’re not enjoying that fiddling and a backing band known as The Cherokee Cowboys; or you aren’t vibing with songs like Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women then I don’t even want to know you.

fine

Very odd framing in he album’s intro bit, leading into a straight forward but very good honky tonk record.

A focused set of country takes, but in the honky-tonk style which has never completely won me over. Comparisons to Sinatra are ubiquitous; For my part I'll say that Price doesn't have the affect problem I mentioned. There's solid fiddling on several tunes as well, elevating the music above the level of the rest of the playing.

This is nice

Wonderful old-timey country, reminded me of Patsy Cline and kd lang. A terrific listen for the day.

Cool sounds, familiar from samples, sent me down some fun rabbit holes

Night Life Quite the contrast to Public Enemy. I really like the crooning vocals and slightly jazzy drumming with the bluesy reverb heavy guitars and pedal steel on the title track, and I also like the more obviously Honky Tonk The Wild Side of Life. And those two songs are pretty much the general vibe for the rest of it, with it not deviating too far from either, all tied together with that kind of country-jazz crooning - e sounds a lot like Dean Martin singing on the Rio Bravo soundtrack on Sittin’ and Thinkin’ in particular. Luckily I do like those two song types, I also really like his voice and the downbeat lyrical themes, so overall this was a very pleasant 40 minutes. I’d definitely listen again, but I don’t think it's quite worthy of a 4, so I’ll stick with a solid 3. 😴😴😴 Playlist submission: Night Life

Classy country.

It's fair to say its all a bit samey. Same pace, same chords the same baseline throughout every song It's fine. Decent, but its bit sorta just the same the whole way through, Nothing stands out, so even though it's relatively short, it feels long

this would go so hard in a jpegmafia mashup

The introduction monologue was so hilariously bereft of confidence that I was started on a good foot. The first track was really great and holds up well. As the album progressed it slowly became apparent that every song would feature identical instrumentation, singing and lyrics. I can see why this didn’t make it on the fallout soundtrack. Rating: 1.5

Virtuosic honky tonk.

Nice and romantic country music.

I was carried away with the honky tonk angels, all the way to lonely street, where in the twenty-fourth hour, I decided this album is worth five fat stars.

Robust, full-throated honky-tonk mostly about failing to fill a hole with booze and women. As perfect a specimen as you’ll ever hear rendered with steel guitar and piano. It literally couldn’t be better.

I didn't expect to like this, but its turns out I love it. Right from the spoken intro over the albums theme music you are taken to a different world. This guy can sing and the lyrics are still relevant today. Yes its country music, but country music before it became the schmaltzy caricature of itself that it is today.

So good I listen to it three times today

LOVE the vibes of this album Perfect title choice

Not really my sound but enjoyed the emotion and production in this album

I could listen to only records like this and be perfectly happy. Truly excellent through and through.

a really great example of itself

Good old honky tonk classics.

classic country style album. Elvis like

Night life Title song was my favorite. Vocals are great. Really smooth country crooning. There’s a low note in the pedal steel solo on nightlife that’s super cool. Johnny paycheck is the best name for a lead guitar player. The songs are all a bit sad and on the night life theme.

Total classic, sittin and thinkin is such a great song, I like the Charlie rich version better. Such an iconic record tho and the playing is top tier.

Fuck it

Found this so relaxing, deep down in the soul. Like the sun shining through the living room window on a Sunday afternoon.

Incredibly easy to listen to. This is a classic country album from before country was just pop with a southern accent.

Only part I did not love is how short the album is! It is obvious how many people were influenced by this sound.

cool

Classic smooth country, not a bad song in the bunch.

Classic and wonderful

Don't let the charity shop cover put you off. I'm new to Price, but took straight away to his voice. It has a purity that reminds me of Patsy Cline and a hangdog guilt that puts me in mind of some of Johnny Cash's catalogue (e.g. Sunday Morning Coming Down). The album is strongly themed, with vignettes featuring a long line of honky tonk women living the "Night Life" hanging out in bars. For the 1960s, the songs aren't actually that judgemental of these women - well, hardly more than Price is of himself for choosing this lifestyle. He asks them "Are You Sure?", but I think he's asking himself the same thing.

Memories

Lovely and short, doesn't bore at any moment nor becomes repetitive or tedious as every song is very discernible and unique

Perfect soundtrack to a sad dance in a Western bar with Sam Shepard and Jessica Lange

just some good old twangy heartbroken country music. A lot of the songs have a similar rhythm and feel but they all tell stories, some a little more bluesy, some a little more bluegrassy. the only knock is that the lyrics can be pretty simplistic (A Girl in the Night), but thats country baby, this is definitely easy listening! This album makes me think of passing through a little stopover town to have a drink at a local dive bar and falling in love with a townie.

Love this album. Ray Price has a lovely voice

Love this vibe

Really good and had never heard of him.

Amazing soft bluesy rock kind of album

I wasn’t sure that this country album would hit the spot for me, and it was a little slow to warm. But as it ended, I wanted to start it again…and I did…and really appreciated what Ray Price delivered.

Honky-tonkin’ heartbreak, drinking’ and depression… Some real classic country from a real master, this album shines a stark light on the Night Life. Each song is a cautionary tale targeting a variety of potential victims of the night life. As Ray suggests in the introduction to this Columbia album, I enjoyed sittin’ back, kickin’ off my shoes and listenin’ to Night Life. Just the perfect accompaniment to an evening of cocktails. Maybe someday I’ll make it to one of those dances…

MY LIIIIIFE

Honestly every one’s a fuckin’ banger.

Honestly very nice. I don’t really listen to this genre of music but it is surprisingly calming.

Good old country

Honky Tonk goes Music Row. A slick slice of the seedier life by a master of singing.

I absolutely love the mood and atmosphere of this album. I often think of music in terms of "day music" and "night music" and this is pretty much THE epitome of night music. Bittersweet and seductive. Romantic but honest. I feel like almost any professional musician would have to identify with that title track. I remember hearing Willie Nelson's version of it first when I was a kid, and I love that version too, but there is something about this version that is so much more haunting. The rest of the album doesn't quite have the same magic as that opening track, but it's still top notch crying-in-your-beer country. The playing, production, and arrangements are all spot on. I especially love that splash of reverb on the vocals. The fact that the songs all adhere to that theme of the trials and tribulations of life in the bar scene is what makes it so great (and believable). A perfectly executed concept album before concept albums were a thing. The intro is a bit goofy, but quaint in an old fashioned way. And goddamn that cover is so cinematic.

I am constantly impressed with early country songwriting. Ray really nails it here. At this rate, I may have to start saying I like country.

Like the old country. Almost has an Elvis feel to it. Would definitely try some of his other music.

Damn this is some good shit.

It's like an Alcoholic's Blues album. Loved it.

Loved it, transported to the 60s

Sorta country, sorta lounge and kinda frank sinatra. Pretty darn good!

I loved this. Pipe smoking rocking chair evening scotch music. Gonna explore this guy's catalog

It is what it is innit?

Classic

A good album, I really liked the music style. I liked Night Life and Lovely Street the most.

Wonderfully recorded, tear in your beer country played with yeoman-like precision and heart

Nice

Pretty solid. No thrills just easy listening music. Not as good as some others with the same type of lounge vibes. 3.5 and we will round up.

First album I was only vaguely familiar with. Also old country definitely a blind spot in my listening knowledge. Really enjoyed, tho shoulda listened after dark. As soon as I heard Willie I knew this was gonna be good

heard this before. i'm skipping the introduction in the rating Night Life - 5/5 Lonely Street - 4/5 The Wild Side of Life - 3/5 Sittin' and Thinkin' - 4/5 The Twenty-Fourth Hour - 3/5 A Girl in the Night - 4/5 Pride - 4/5 There's No Fool Like a Young Fool - 4/5 If She Could See Me Now - 3/5 Bright Lights and Blonde Haired Women - 4/5 Are You Sure - 4/5 Let Me Talk to You - 3/5 Average score - 3.8/5 (rounding up) the title track is definitely the best, and the song i go to most off of this album, but that doesn't necessarily mean the other tracks are bad by any means. Price has a smooth, crooning voice that tugs at the heartstrings (think Frank Sinatra if he decided to go down the country-western route) i think as i listen to more albums like this, i'm coming to learn that i don't necessarily hate country, just *some* country. either that, or i'm beginning to appreciate the sound as i grow older. i enjoyed this about as much as i would anything by Marty Robbins or Johnny Cash and the like, so if you're a fan of those artists you might appreciate this too

Nice classic country sound. Ray Price has such a great, and pleasant voice. I enjoyed this record but lost focus on it a few times. It would be a great record to throw on at home in the evening or a slow Sunday morning.

This is a pretty awesome record. What stands out to me is the fusion of genres. Its jazz crooning from the 40s and 50s, but played by a Texan with a guitar and a backing pedal slide. Its elements of early country and western music but carrying on the tradition that was laid before it. I also really love the songwriting. Sad songs about sinning at night. You can really hear the influence this had on Willie Nelson in particular, but also with other early country and rock and roll artists.

Yee-haw?

It gives me Pride to give this album a good rating. It had me Sittin’ and Thinkin’

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Mr. Price is crafting a wonderful story here about lost loves and dive bars. Honestly makes me nostalgic for my early days of living in Nashville, chasing the music dream, thinking that hanging out at a shitty bar at midnight on a Wednesday would help me get "plugged in" to the community.

Price's forlorn tales of love lost and hearts sinking to the bottom of bottles are ultimately transcended by his vivid storytelling and the soaring pedal steel guitar work that elevates this country concept album beyond mere melancholy.

Very classic-style country album. Not the most variety, but great consistency, melody, and concept. I enjoyed it. Best song: The Wild Side of Life

nice old country from before The Beatles changed the world

Thoughts before listening: I believe this is very old style country music. I don't know all that much about Ray Price, but I do recognize his name. Review: Great title song that I mainly know from Willie Nelson's cover. This is crooner country music with a cool jazzy vibe. I am digging this quite a bit, and I will give it 4-stars.

What a voice! Sad sentimental songs sung so sweetly, with aching swelling pedal steel guitars, crystal clear twangy reverb soaked telecaster solos, just the right amount of honky tonk piano, a touch of fiddle, and a bouncy cowboy bass carrying it all along. I love this old addicted to heartbreak country stuff that's all about what a big loser you are, how everyone is so cruel to you all the time since you're a pathetic drunk failure, how you'll always be lonely and you deserve it for being a stupid miserable little shit nobody could or should ever love, and how the only pleasure in life is the anguish of seeing other people have a good time that you're not invited to and the only thing you can do is project onto them your own fantasy that they're not actually enjoying themselves.

Fun!

2/13/25. I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would! Superb honky tonk right here, loved each song.

Surprised that this album actually impressed me the way it did.

Surprising how much I enjoyed this album. There is a kind of purity to it; from the cheesy but earnest introduction to the consistent vibe throughout every track. This is an old school, prime country record. I really loved “Sittin’ and Thinkin’”, but basically every track here is enjoyable. The only reason it doesn’t hit 5 stars is due to how distinct it is, I’d really have to be in the right mood to relisten. But it’s a great reference point for a classic sound.

This one feels like a true blast from the past! I still like the way Willie sings em better, but I was surprised by how much heart this otherwise squeaky clean honk tonk has.

Wow.. This is insanely good. Perhaps it was mood but this scratched the itch today.

Country crooner with western flare with really good recording. Enjoyed this quite a lot and will definitely add into rotation for listening in the pickup truck.

Chad country.

## In-Depth Review of *Night Life* by Ray Price *Night Life*, released in 1963, is a seminal album in the country music genre, showcasing Ray Price's distinctive style that blends traditional honky-tonk with the emerging Nashville sound. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, while also highlighting its pros and cons. ### Lyrics The lyrical content of *Night Life* is a poignant exploration of themes such as loneliness, heartbreak, and the struggles associated with nightlife. The album opens with an introduction that sets the tone for the emotional depth of the songs. The title track, "Night Life," written by Willie Nelson, encapsulates the essence of living in a world filled with late-night escapades and emotional turmoil. The refrain, “the night life ain’t no life but it’s my life,” poignantly reflects a sense of resignation to one’s circumstances. Other notable tracks include: - **"Lonely Street"**: A haunting reflection on lost love and despair, where Price's delivery emphasizes the pain of unfulfilled dreams. - **"The Twenty-Fourth Hour"**: This song captures the feeling of longing during the quietest moments of the night, illustrating how absence can amplify loneliness. - **"Pride"**: A heart-wrenching narrative about conflicting emotions in love, where Price’s vocal performance highlights the inner turmoil between desire and pride. The lyrics throughout the album are characterized by their relatability and emotional resonance, making them timeless in their appeal. They paint vivid pictures of heartache and longing that many listeners can connect with. ### Music Musically, *Night Life* is marked by its rich instrumentation and seamless blend of various elements characteristic of country music. The standout feature is Buddy Emmons' pedal-steel guitar, which adds a layer of melancholy to the arrangements. The use of fiddle and piano complements Price's vocals beautifully, creating a lush soundscape that enhances the emotional weight of the lyrics. The album features a mix of major and minor keys; interestingly, many tracks are in major keys yet convey profound sadness. This juxtaposition creates a unique listening experience where one can appreciate both the musicality and the underlying sorrow. Key musical highlights include: - **"The Wild Side of Life"**: A classic honky-tonk tune that captures the essence of nightlife with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics. - **"If She Could See Me Now"**: This track showcases Price's ability to convey vulnerability through his vocal phrasing while Emmons' steel guitar provides a poignant backdrop. ### Production Produced by Don Law and Frank Jones, *Night Life* benefits from high-quality production that captures the raw emotion of Price's performances. The arrangements are well-crafted, allowing each instrument to shine without overshadowing Price's vocals. The production style reflects the transitioning era of country music in the early 1960s, blending traditional honky-tonk with more polished Nashville sounds. The album is structured cohesively as a concept album, where each track flows into the next thematically. This approach not only enhances the listening experience but also reinforces the overarching themes of loneliness and heartache. ### Themes The central theme of *Night Life* revolves around the complexities of nightlife—its allure and its inherent sadness. The songs collectively depict a world inhabited by lost souls seeking solace in bars and late-night gatherings. Key thematic elements include: - **Loneliness**: Many tracks explore feelings of isolation amidst social settings. - **Heartbreak**: The lyrics often reflect on love lost or unattainable desires. - **Acceptance**: There's an underlying acceptance of one’s circumstances, as seen in songs like "Night Life," where living in despair becomes a part of one’s identity. These themes resonate deeply within country music traditions but also transcend generational divides, making *Night Life* relevant even today. ### Influence Ray Price's *Night Life* has had a lasting impact on country music, influencing countless artists who followed. It is often regarded as one of the first concept albums in country music history, paving the way for future artists to explore thematic storytelling through their work. The album's sound has been emulated by many artists within the genre, contributing to what would become known as the "Nashville Sound." Price’s innovative use of instrumentation and emotional delivery set a benchmark for future country musicians. ### Pros and Cons #### Pros - **Emotional Depth**: The album's exploration of loneliness and heartbreak resonates powerfully with listeners. - **Musical Excellence**: Exceptional instrumentation featuring pedal-steel guitar creates a rich soundscape. - **Cohesive Concept**: As one of country music's first concept albums, it presents a unified theme throughout its tracks. - **Timelessness**: The relatable lyrics ensure that the album remains relevant across generations. #### Cons - **Gloomy Tone**: The pervasive sadness may not appeal to all listeners; those seeking upbeat music may find it too heavy. - **Limited Variety**: While cohesive, some may argue that the thematic focus limits musical diversity across tracks. - **Niche Appeal**: As a classic country album, it may not attract listeners outside dedicated country music fans. ### Conclusion Ray Price's *Night Life* stands as a monumental achievement in country music history. Its blend of poignant lyrics, masterful instrumentation, and cohesive production creates an immersive experience that captures the essence of nightlife's bittersweet nature. While it may not cater to every listener's taste due to its somber themes, its influence on subsequent generations is undeniable. For anyone interested in exploring deep emotional narratives within music, *Night Life* remains an essential listen.

I enjoyed this.

A great singer. Songs are a bit dated. Good overall.

i was between a 3 and a 4 on this one. I love the sound of this album. The harmonies, the pedal steel, Ray's voice. It's nearly blissful. My only real complaint is that every song sounds the same. Not only were the arrangements the same, but the melodies were often similar, too. But this was cool to hear, and I can see his influence on so many of the later country artists I admire, so I'll go with a 4.

Not my preferred genre and not something that I would listen to regularly, but I can respect the old school country music artists. They were masterful story tellers and good at emoting.