Customer Reviews

The Complete Hank Williams \

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3 star:		(4)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

As the story goes, when Hank Williams died at the age of twenty-nine in 1953, a piece of paper was found on which was written;
"We met, me lived, and dear we loved,
then comes that fatal day,
the left that felt so dear fades away.
Tonight love hath one alone and lonesome,
all that I could sing,
I love you still and always will,
but that's the poison we have to pay."
This box set (the most solid overview of Williams' career released so far) contains over two hundred tracks that echo the joys and the heartaches that were reflected in that poem. A sprawling ten disc collection, "The Complete Hank Williams" is ideal for anyone who wants to obtain the largest collection of work that made him such a pionner (at one time that is). But there's also an intellectual value to the music within; these songs can be seen in many respects as Williams' autobiography. The man wrote a vast majority of his own music (something few country singers do these days), making it possible for country music to be used as a form of personal expression, as well as entertainment. It's a shame that today's country performers have shown very little of the excellence that came from this frail-looking man from Alabama.
In conclusion, it should be noted that there's a reason this is not titled "The Complete Alternates, Outtakes, and Rare Demos of Hank Williams." The more obsessive fans will find themselves upset that this box is not solely comprised of a slew of unnecessary "rare" selections. This is rather an overview of history; some of the greatest musical breakthroughs of the 20th Century have never been collected in a better place than this.

With all the different re-issues of Hank Williams Sr's material over the years - sometimes lovingly done and other times dreadfully overdubbed, I am one of many thousands who waited patiently for years for a truly definitive collection of Williams' material (including live recordings, demos, alternate takes, etc known to exist but not issued for a variety of reasons, including legal complications).

The Polydor series went a long way, but this 10-CD answers those prayers, and moreso. Included here among the 225 tunes are recordings his most devoted fans didn't know existed. "Happy Roving Cowboy," Williams' theme song over his career is heard here on a pretend radio show sometime in 1939/40. His rendition of "Freight Train Blues," from 1940, imitates the version of his hero, Roy Acuff. "I'm Not Coming Home Anymore," from 1942 and thought until this release to be the earliest known recording by Williams, is especially noteworthy because it is stylistically like the Hank we recognize and clearly shows how early his "style" was formed.

And then there are the demo recordings. "Your Cheatin' Heart, with just Hank and his guitar, defines the man, his music and his effect on people. It grabs me in the pit of my stomach and gives me goose bumps. The power and emotion in his voice is such that having The Drifting Cowboys backup on the commercial release - however complimentary it is - detracts from focusing on Williams' voice, in my opinion. And there is so much more in this box set, more than any review could adequately discuss.

Complimenting this incredible package are a 2,500 word essay by Daniel Cooper and 17,500 word book of notes by Colin Escott, author of the definitive biography of Hank Williams. Special thanks must go to Kira Florita whose tireless efforts for the record label made this release possible.

Two "complaints" and one "get ready for:" The box set isn't the complete re-issue of Williams' previously released commercial recordings. But the number is tiny and only a quibble. There should have been a cover page listing everything on the ten CDs and how to locate specific recordings. This is a problem. The good news is that there may be another release of other Hank Williams material in 1999, including more "Mother Knows Best" shows - if the legal problems can be worked out - and other recordings which have surfaced since this fabulous box set was put together.

I love Hank Williams Sr's music which makes this so called "complete" set such a disappointment. The first four cds are essentially the "original singles collection". Ok, I expect some overlap. But the "Health and Happiness" radio show is NOT complete on this box set and yet is available on 2 cds from the same company that puts this box set out. The booklet fell apart the first day and the cds are stored in another booklet which is a great way to ruin your cds. So, now you need to purchase 10 jewel cases and I would have prefer that is how Mercury would have been pakaged them so you can follow the playlist as you listen-the way this company has it, you have to look at the book for the next song. Therefore even though the artist is my favorite, the title is deceptive and I wrote the company about the book falling apart but they never responded. If your just starting with Hank Sr. I would recommend the Original Singles Collection, then Health and Happiness , or Rare Demos. A less expensive start would be the "40 Greatest hits" and the gospel "I Saw the Light"cd. Eventually,"Luke the Drifter" would also have to be in there someplace. When you buy a box set from Bear Family and get great packaging, 32 page booklets, and completeness (such as Ernest Tubb's 6 cd "Waltz across Texas'or Vernon Oxfords "Keeper of the Flame") you realize what a great potential this box set had but failed , not because of Hanks great music, but the manipulation from Mercury.

The music on this boxset is of course wonderful , but , what bugs me is the fact that the packaging scratches the cd's everytime they're taken out and put back . As someone who looks after his cd collection , I've had to record the music on this boxset to avoid further deterioration of the cd's ( absolutely crazy ) .
If I had known that Mercury Records had made such a fundamental error with the packaging , I would not have bought this boxset . For the price they're charging , you have the right to expect a quality product that will last , but , I'm afraid that's not the case with this boxset .

You know that Hank was country's most reverred star. He could also be called the first white rock(abilly) star, directly influencing Elvis, Dylan, Holly, etc. Did you know that Hank even "created" the Beatles? A British Hank Williams fan, Lonnie Donegan, was the greatest influence on John Lennon and the Beatles. So, start with this set for your musical education! When you buy this set, treat it carefully, for it may not always be available. Gently remove the CDs from their slots (which tend to scratch them) and burn your own CDs to enjoy. Then, put the set up for safekeeping. As pointed out by other reviewers, the set is not really "complete." You'll have to supplement this with a few other sources to embrace everything Hank did. You'll need the double HEALTH AND HAPPINESS SHOWS CDs, available on Amazon. Or, buy the inexpensive British CD, LOST HIGHWAY, which is all the Hank Williams tunes from those shows but without 15 fiddle tunes, 7 extra versions of "Happy Rovin' Cowboy," 7 extra "Sally Goodin's," and 2 songs by his shrewish wife, "Chainsaw" Audrey Williams. Buy (or borrow and burn) the HANK WILLIAMS AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY and HANK WILLIAMS/RARE DEMOS. These last two items contain six songs and three songs, respectively, which are available nowhere else. Incidentally, as a reminder to expert reviewers Ronald Reagan and others, Mercury apparently mistakenly omitted "Are You Building a Temple in Heaven?" (available only on the old LP, WAIT FOR THE LIGHT TO SHINE); live versions of "The Blues Come Around" and "Settin' the Woods on Fire" (availble only on the HANK WILLIAMS LIVE LPs from the 60's); and an alternate version of "Crazy Heart," available only on an old EP by that name. Finally, two questions for Mercury Records: (1) When are you going to release a double CD set of the 1953-61 overdubs? There were 42, and many (i.e.,"I'm Free at Last" ) were hauntingly beautiful. (2) When are you going to release Hank's pre-recorded radio shows sponsored by Duckhead Jeans and Mother's Best Flour? Reportedly, songs from these shows exist, and some are available in Europe as bootlegs. I've even heard bootlegs of these shows with Hank singing "Lonely Tombs" and "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain" (written by Fred Rose and popularized by Willie Nelson)! Hank was truly the "Phantom of the Opry" and many of the tunes he recorded are "phantoms," also, existing but never being available to American record or CD purchasers. In summary, folks, despite its flaws, you must have this set. It is an excellent beginning for the serious Hank Williams collector, and the only available source for many of Hank's tunes.

You've heard the old saying that the title says it all. Well, in this case, the title doesn't say it all. We all know, of course, by the disclaimer that there are obviously some cuts missing and we also can figure out that the overdub stuff is not here. If the disclaimer were factual, the title would be fine, but the disclaimer is NOT factual. Following is a list of songs that do NOT meet the definition Ms. Florita gives:

1. A House of Gold-this take is on "Rare Demos First To Last" and is performed in a different key, minus some chord changes and has totally different lyrics.
2. A House of Gold-this cut appeared on Vol. 8 of "The Collector's Edition" in a different key and minus the bridge.
3.Angel of Death-this take appears on "Collector's" as well as current release "Alone & Forsaken".
4. Angel of Death-currently unreleased. Spoken of by Colin Escott in Vol. 5 of "Collector's" when he said THREE versions of the song existed.
5. I'm Goin' Home-vocal/guitar demo on "Rare Takes". Version on "Complete" is with full band.
6. You Broke Your Own Heart-see above
7.Singing Waterfall-totally different cut appears on "Rare Demos"
8. Help Me Understand-vocal/guitar demo appears on "Rare Takes"- no demo is on "Complete" at all.
9. Calling You-take on "Complete" is solo. Appears on "Rare Demos" with vocal backup.
10. Crazy Heart-same session alternate take that was on "Collector's".
11. Mother Is Gone-Appeared originally on "Spirit of Hank Williams" and then on "Collector's". Different version & time period than one presented on "Complete".
12. Wearin' Out Your Walkin' Shoes-First appeared on "Spirit of H.W."-has never been on CD-different lyrics than take on "Complete".
13. A Temple In Heaven-When did Home & Temple start to sound alike? That's the excuse for the non-inclusion of this version because it sounds like demo of "A Home In Heaven". If you say so!
14. Happy Rovin' Cowboy-a scratchy (barely listenable) take from 1939 or '40 appears on "Complete" while the theme song from the "Health & Happiness Shows" is totally ignored.
15. Dear John-live alternate take. First appeared on bootleg "Jambalaya". Has different lyrics and a faster tempo.
16. I Can't Escape From You-See above
17. Jesus Died For Me-Solo take from "Collector's". Take on "Complete" is with Audrey.
18. Are You Walkin' & A Talkin'-take from "Collector's" with the Bailes Brothers on backup. Did not make the cut here. 19. Cold, Cold Heart-video take where Hank says it's bought him & the boys a lot of beans & biscuits.
20. Hey, Good Lookin'-video take that for years was thought to be the only existing film appearance.

Ok, so if Mercury is bold enough to leave off that much that can easily be researched, what else is being withheld? A careful reading of the enclosed booklet will lead one to believe there's an alternate of "Alone & Forsaken" being withheld as well.

Also, the entire "Mother's Best" Radio Shows are not here. Mercury CLAIMS not to have legal rights to these, but is it really true? While I'm not an expert, let's look at a fact or two-some of the songs were broadcast in 1988 on the Music Country Network on a Hank special. So, where did MCN get the songs from? This simply doesn't make sense. MGM bought access to all of the Johnny Fair shows in the 50's, so why would they not buy the Mother's Best shows as well? If I'm wrong, please give me information and I will edit this review and stand corrected!

Since we're on the subject, as I said, MGM bought the Johnny Fair stuff in the 50's which is where a good majority of the vocal/guitar stuff came from. These, of course, were overdubbed and became "Lonesome Sound of Hank Williams" & "Wait For the Light To Shine" in 1960. Polygram/Mercury cried tears in their beer about these takes being lost forever in the original form while they sat with the masters in the vault-they admit in the book that they had this stuff & some of us do have memories! For instance, they expressed joy about "finding" "Fool About You" in the mid-80's while it had been released already in England BY POLYDOR in 1976 in that form! Something smells foul!

Also, Ms. Florita and Mr. Escott told me that more material couldn't've been added without having to have more CD's. Oh, really? CD's have a capacity of 80 minutes, so here are the running times on the CD's: 1-61:12, 2-65:25, 3-64:31, 4-56:01, 5-42:28, 6-44:18, 7-53:28, 8-46:44, 9-72:53, 10-66:04. So, to have added more cuts would've added more CD's? As John Stosell says, "Give me a break". You're leaving 3 hours and 47 minutes of unused disc space here! HELLO!!!

Yeah, the set is essential-no doubts about it. But, it's poorly packaged & produced...Check my facts & I think you'll find I've presented them correct!

How many out there think that by buying this set, you are getting the complete recorded output of Hank? Think again! Even after you buy this set, you are still going to have to do some searching to fill in the gaps left by this set. Number one, you're going to have to buy the CMF label release "Rare Demos First to Last" for alternate takes not presented here such as "A House of Gold" that have completely different lyrics from the better known version. You also will have to purchase the two disc set "Health & Happiness Shows" to get those complete recordings. You are still missing alternate takes of "Jesus Died For Me" (without Audrey) & "The Angel of Death". For these, you'll have to search for "The Collector's Edition". Of course, missing are an untold number of live recordings for which you'll have to find the long out of print "Live At The Grand Ole Opry". We're starting to get into some expense now, huh? Mercury Nashville really needs to get a dictionary and look up the word "complete". If, like me, you love Hank & want the truly complete Hank Williams, bombard Mercury Nashville with letters! Also, write Bear Family Records in Germany & beg them to do a box set on Hank because those German guys really know what they're doing!

Truly no where near being complete. Completely missing are the "Mother's Best" recordings, most of the "Health & Happiness Shows" and several alternate takes that are distinct from better known versions. There are, for instance, in the words of Hank's biographer, Colin Escott, at least three known versions of "The Angel of Death". Only ONE version makes its way on to this box set. The alternate take of "House of Gold" that appeared on "Rare Demos First To Last" is missing as well. Live versions of "Dear John" & "I Can't Escape From You" are missing also. I realize Mercury Nashville is experiencing some legal problems over the "Mother's Best" masters, but there is truly no excuse for the alternate takes to be excluded. This is the same company who gave us "The Original Singles Collection" which excluded all but two of the Luke the Drifter sides as well as all singles with Audrey and instead presented many non-session takes such "The Log Train" & "Alone & Forsaken". I enjoy these songs very much, but I would have opted for the lesser known Luke the Drifter cut "No, No Joe" or "Lost On The River" with Audrey. If Mercury Nashville and/or Polygram cannot do the right thing, then license the masters to Bear Family in Germany and let them do a truly complete Hank Williams set as they have done for both Jim Reeves and Jimmie Rodgers. The worst Mercury Nashville could do is to release the alternate takes on a separate collector's edition. As many Hank fans do, I eagerly await the "Mother's Best" recordings becoming available. I also await the planned September re-release of "Live At The Grand Ole Opry".

As a boy , I hated all country music, because my father hated Rock'n Roll. But I knew that Hank Williams was something special. I bought his 40 greatest several years ago, thinking that this was the ultimate collection. However, for some reason, when this 10 CD collection came out, I bought it. If anyone thinks Hank Williams was one of the greatest preformers ever based on his hits, YOU NEED TO HEAR THESE CD's. His versions of songs such as "Cool Water" "The Old Home" "Rocking Chair Money" and many others make his hits seem tame. These recordings are masterpieces.

Over the period of the last 10 to 15 years, many foreign record labels have started giving many country stars the royal treatment releasing complete retrospectives on the likes of Ernest Tubb, Lefty Frizzell and others. It seemed time that country music's biggest star and it's King, Hank Williams be the subject of such an undertaking. Taking a cue, Universal Music subsidiary Mercury Nashville undertook what should have been a weighty set. But, the finished product looks much different than it was promised.

Before release, everyone's hopes were built up by the trade publications and their reviews saying it was EVERY recording that Hank Williams had produced in his lifetime. Mercury never countered those claims and, indeed, they even touted it as being EVERY recording, but out beside, they had this funny little thing called an asterik. When you went down to look at what was beside the asterik, you saw what their definition of complete was-and this definition

differed from what Mr. Webster would tell us complete was.

Enough of rambling. Fast forward to Sep. 1998 when this was released. No Hank fan could be without it. But, what we got was a sham.

The actual box that houses the CD's & booklets are rather cheaply made-the box tore a few days after getting it. The enclosed booklet fared a similar fate-the pages started tearing out. I also noticed lack of dust covers for the CD's as well- as a matter of fact, the way Mercury produced the booklet that held the CD's makes them more prone to scratching.

Now, to the music. There's really nothing new here. Most of this was available on bootleg for years while Polygram oozed tears about it being "lost forever". The booklet even contradicts claims made by the producers of the set of how that they had to buy everything that was previously unavailable. The booklet tells how that in the 50's MGM bought access to the great majority of Hank's non-session radio recordings from the Johnny Fair shows, but, alas, poor Mercury had to re-buy everything that they already had from MGM's vaults.

After a thorough listen a few times over, I still keep asking myself why & how Mercury can get away it.... One has to bring to mind the words of Jerry Reed, they got the goldmine, we got the shaft!