Amazon.com's Best of 1998
Hank Williams rose to prominence at the exact middle of the 20th century, and this fact helps to explain why he remains such a unique figure in country music. Put simply, he is the thread that connects (however loosely) Jimmie Rodgers and Garth Brooks. This 10-CD mother lode brilliantly captures the essence of the man and his spellbinding music. The official studio takes provide the foundation, while the demos, outtakes, and live recordings are the putty in the gaps.
--Marc Greilsamer
Amazon.com essential recording
After so many years of so many haphazard, oft-overdubbed, slapdash Hank Williams reissues, this lavish package seems truly an embarrassment of riches. Imagine being able to dip in and listen to the unadorned music from the whole of this pioneer's musical career, along with preserved historical spoken words. His career truly represents the major turning point in country music's history, and this box set--music and densely packed attendant memorabilia--is as much a social history of America at mid-20th century as it is a music document. Williams's recording career lasted only six years and he died tragically at age 29, but he left a musical and emotional legacy that grows year by year. To sketch the basics of
The Complete Hank Williams: There are 10 CDs encompassing 225 cuts from all parts of his career--the demos, the radio shows, the Opry debut triumph. Musical revelations abound....
--Chet Flippo
