The Best of Vegas Vinyl: Hank Thompson At The Golden Nugget

In Las Vegas, your luck may change in an instant, but one thing remains constant: there is never a shortage of high class entertainment in Sin City. The case rang true even in the 1962, when Hank Thompson and His Brazos Valley Boys serenaded the guests of The Golden Nugget on this essential hifi release.

From the opening spin of a lucky roulette wheel to the sound of slots machines raining down silver treasures, this album certainly gives you the feeling of sitting in the lounge ready to two-step with your darlin'. But, don't let gambling-distracted crowd give you the idea that this is another lazy cash grab of an album. Whether or not the audience was more interested in the tables than the music, Thompson and his boys never drop an ounce of professionalism in their set.

Like with most live sets, however, it does take a few minutes to get the crowd and the band warmed up, and by the time the band breaks into "Orange Blossom Special," the music is practically on fire, as is every track thereafter. Hitting pace on Merle Travis' "Nine Pound Hammer" to Bob Willis' "Steel Guitar Rag," Hank Thompson and His Brazos Valley Boys make dang sure you know they aren't just some cheesy Vegas lounge act.

The band signs off with their well-known staple, "A Six Pack To Go," which really should be every performing artist's closing number, bringing to a close a well-rounded recording of country western and western swing numbers. With some peaks and valleys tailored throughout the recording for your entertainment value, "At The Golden Nugget" remains one of the best live recording to ever come out of Las Vegas. Even though the vinyl version of the album has been out of print for decades, finding a copy online or at your local record shop shouldn't be too much of a chore. Throw this baby on the turntable during your next party and we guarantee you'll have a mighty fine time.