Product ReviewsPlease Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends: The Publishing Demos 1968-1972 [Digipak] by Kris Kristofferson (CD, May-2010, Light in the Attic Records)

Kristofferson demos a goldmine for fans

If you've paid any attention at all to country music or Hollywood anytime in the last 40 years, you know where it ends. This is where it all began, on reel-to-reel demo tapes made by a yet unknown songwriter working doing odd jobs around Nashville, TN while hoping to catch a break.

The cheaply made demonstration (or demo) tapes were made to sketch out the bare bones lyrics and music of Kristofferson's early songs, mostly written in the mid to late '60s when the former Rhodes Scholar and eventual Hollywood star was doing everything but selling his soul to become a hit songwriter.

One listen to this early demo of "Me and Bobby McGee" and it seems obvious he was destined to succeed.

This collection contains demos of many of his lesser known songs and all are a pleasure to listen to as Kristofferson delivers them in his rough hewn, singular growl. Give him credit, though not an accomplished technical singer, he was able to bring out the best in most of his songs, particularly the slower ballads.

"Please don't tell me how the story ends" is a wonderful look at a master songwriter on the cusp of success pouring his heart and soul into recordings that were meant to convince record executives and country singers to sing his still unknown songs.

You'd have to say they worked. The CD also contains an informative mini-biography of Kristofferson as told by some of his friends. The only complain is that the printing is so small you almost need a spyglass to read it.

But that's a minor complaint. Buy the CD if you're a fan of Kristofferson.Read full review...

Good buy

Great to hear early recordings of songs we all know and love to see how they changed over time……

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: mb0927