For The Good Times (MP3)

Ray Price - For The Good Times (3:49)

Here's a pretty good example of what Ray Price was capable of when he veered off the honky-tonk path and incorporated some pop flourishes. It was all tremendously controversial at the time and some of Ray's fans were bitterly opposed to the increasing prominence of this softened approach in his music. While there is probably nothing I enjoy hearing more than a classic Ray Price honky-tonk shuffle, this sounds pretty great to my ears.

The original version of the song, by author Kris Kristofferson, can be found on his debut album, Kristofferson, which was released in 1970. Price's version followed soon after and was, I think, the first of many cover versions that have been released over the years.