Carl Perkins - Country Boys Dream (1966/1991)

Upon signing to Dollie records in 1966, Carl Perkins decided to concentrate on country music. The result was two minor country hits, "Country Boy's Dream" and "Shine, Shine, Shine," that marked the first time he was on the charts since the late '50s. Though the Dollie recordings weren't blockbusters, they were solid, straight-ahead country and paved the way for Perkins' major label deal with Columbia, as well as a slot in Johnny Cash's band. Country Boy's Dream: The Dollie Masters contains all of Perkins' recordings for Dollie, including a handful of unreleased and rare tracks. Fans of Perkins' harder-edged, rocking sound won't find much to like on the compilation, yet it demonstrates that he was equally adept at country. Nevertheless, even fans of Carl's country records will find Country Boy's Dream a little tedious, since many of the songs on the album are simply unremarkable.