I agree with Joel - the ORIGINAL FMB (circa 1950) is probably the best
example of Earl's genius. We get so used to the song, what with somebody
requesting it every time we flash our banjo in public, that we forget
what a masterpiece it is. IMAGINE listening to the Grand Ole Opry in
early 1950 and hearing this for the first time JEEESUS!!! - and it STILL
sounds as exciting very time I hear any of those Mercury recordings.
IMO, the best stuff Flatt & Scruggs ever did. It's interesting to note
that these were "hurry-up" sessions, fulfilling their Mercury contract
so they could sign with the larger, more prestegious Columbia label.
Many were first takes, some recorded in such auspicious locations as
motel rooms. They just don't make music like that any more - literally!
But DAMN that Lester for playing the E major!!!! I'll bet his ghost is
still snickering.
.