Still a definitive treasure trove of most of Hank William Sr
Mark B. | Pittsburgh, PA | 04/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's odd that I should mention the word "still" in regards to this majestic release. Back in 1998 this was essentially the complete work of Hank Williams Sr. in one box until more acetates were discovered, carefully remastered and released in 2008.
There's a lot beyond the ten discs which feature most of his work and various appearances. There are even alternative takes in case you thought one version was enough. Add to that a complete book that details the man and his music. Well, not just one book, though. The second book within the case not only serves as the holder of the ten discs but also provides some other details about the individual tracks and some more historic artwork concerning the various album covers, photos and other memorabilia. And the postcards are also a neat treat of various pop art and other interesting pictures based on Hank Williams Sr. printed on glossy cardstock. I doubt you'll be mailing those out, though. They're securely stored away within the box cover's inside envelope.
I mentioned that this is "still" the collection to get. It is for it is a complete retrospective of Hank William Sr.'s career. But then, in 2008, after some legal wrangling as well as a very careful remastering job of some discovered "Mother's Best" acetates, more recordings were found. These extra recordings form the basis for The Unreleased Recordings. What a difference a decade makes!
For anyone who wants to get a great amount of Hank Williams Sr.'s work but is stymied by all of the releases out there both this and The Unreleased Recordings offers up everything and more. That's not to say that the "Complete" collection is incomplete. For 1998 these were considered much of the body of his work.
Who knows? Maybe there are more acetates which were steered away from the dumpster. Even so this "Complete" box set is worth every penny. It is a breathtaking boxset in not just the music but its history as well."