**** Various Artists

TAMMY WYNETTE REMEMBERED

(Asylum)

This may be blasphemy, but the truth is that Tammy Wynette's late-'60s and early-'70s albums -- the ones that carried hits like "D-I-V-O-R-C-E" and "Stand By Your Man" -- had as much shit as shinola. When Wynette sparkled, however, the emotions reflected in her voice were multi-faceted as diamonds. And the dozen songs here -- including a duet of Brian Wilson and Wynette herself singing the Beach Boys' "In My Room" to weepy steel guitars -- are gems. It's worth the price simply to hear Elton John open the CD with the line "Sometimes it's hard to be a woman." Then Trisha Yearwood gives " 'Til I Get It Right" a heart-melting turn. Rosanne Cash sticks to Tammy's blueprint for "D-I-V-O-R-C-E." The McGarrigles, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris team for "Golden Ring." Melissa Etheridge actually chills out to offer a sensitive version of the longing "Apartment #9." Really, it's good going all the way through. Especially when George Jones, who took Wynette to Heaven and Hell during their marriage, steps up to warble "Take Me to Your World." Every twist of his soulful voice sounds like a plea that echoes from the carnal plane into the spiritual.

-- Ted Drozdowski