Patriotic Country, Vol. 2 (CD - 2005)

Photographer: Mike Powell .

Arranger: Elvis Presley.

This second edition of Patriotic Country wastes no time in picking up where the first one left off, with 17 anthems designed to arouse the heartland of America to swell with patriotic pride. Like its predecessor, it borders on mildly jingoistic and sneeringly xenophobic overtones. However, those emotions are silenced toward the end, courtesy of two true American music icons: Johnny Cash and his haunting rendition of "Ragged Old Flag" and the King himself, Elvis Presley, with a live rendition of "America the Beautiful." If you're looking for a disc reflecting the heartland's interpretation of "American values," you've certainly come to the right place. ~ Rob Theakston

As the Iraq War dragged on and George Bush's approval ratings plummeted, 2005 marked--in some respects--the year America's patriotic fervor cooled a bit. Nevertheless, there's nothing like a little good ol' country music to get the flags waving and the fists pumping, and PATRIOTIC COUNTRY 2 aims to do just that. With a good selection of old and new, the album also serves as an interesting political indicator of just what was on people's minds during different phases of our Nation's past. Johnny Cash's heart-string-pulling recitation "Ragged Old Flag" from 1974 gives a little history lesson that reminds listeners how much has been sacrificed in the name of the Stars & Stripes. Chely Right's "The Bumper of My SUV" puts a modern, more personal spin on the age-old theme of dying for one's ideals. An added treat is Elvis Presley's dramatic, gospel-infused live reading of "America the Beautiful." A great choice for July 4th, Memorial Day or Veterans' Day celebrations, PATRIOTIC COUNTRY 2 should help many an American's chest swell with pride. minimize