"A more appropriate name is "Complete except for the released versions of 18 of their hits". The collection features alternate takes of many songs, plus multiple obscure recordings by both SoP and Roy Rogers. But for 18 of their hits, such as 'Roving cowboy', 'Ride Ranger ride', 'Melody from the sky', the collection omits the versions that were released on 78. The collection also does not include square dance calls by Roy Rogers, for a total of 25 recordings that are omitted. It can't be called "Complete". There's no explanation for why these songs were omitted from the collection.
Other than that, the collection is up to Bear Family standards: an in-depth collection, including obscure recordings; good sound quality, even after 70 years; a book with bio by Ranger Doug and lots of photos and film posters.
Even if you purchase this, you'll still need to purchase other CDs containing the released versions of many recordings, and you'll have difficulty finding the Roy Rogers square dance calls."
"Way Out There" is way out there!
Robert G | Oregon | 10/26/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"For an item I would have accepted in almost any quality, this is absolutely incredible. Music of the Sons of the Pioneers of their earliest recordings, that are nearly impossible to locate, made available in this deluxe format was beyond my hopes. The songs are great and the remastering is top notch. Sure, some have mild surface noise, but when you have to choose between over-cleaning the source material or giving the greatest fidelity, once again Bear Family takes the high road. The hard-bound book is everything that you expect from Bear family. Fabulous pictures from the Movies and nice early publicity shots plus great info regarding the "Sons" history and session information. Well worth the investment."
Long Awaited Release
Z. Stephen Long | Wichita, KS | 10/08/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As a lifetime fan of the Pioneers, I was waiting with bated breath for the release of this compilation. It was a terrific undertaking I'm sure, and had the Bear Family not committed to it; I feel certain no one else would have. There are many alternate takes of Pioneer favorites, a few songs we've never heard them cover, and of course, the old familiar sides. The audio enhancement that must have been done on these 70 year old sides is top notch; surface noise is at a bare minimum. Still, with all these wonderful attributes, there is still a flaw. This was advertised as the "complete" recordings and it just isn't so. While I respectfully disagree, at least in part, with the previous reviewer that the familiar sides aren't incorporated into this collection; there are some unissued recordings that I was very much hoping would be included that aren't. Bob Nolan's terrific song "I Still Do" was recorded but never issued on March 7, 1935; the Pioneers second recording session. "On A Mountain High" a song never recorded elsewhere, unless on the Transcriptions done in the early '40's is another one not found herein; as well as "Popeyed", possibly an instrumental. "The New Frontier", a Tim Spencer song was recorded at one of the early sessions and never commercially released. So, it's a trifle dishonest to say that these recordings are "complete". In defense of the Bear Family, those recordings may well be lost never to be recovered. I know from the many other Box Sets in my posession that they are very thorough. Perhaps one day the four missing sides will turn up. Not to be a deterrent though. If you are a Pioneers fan, this set is definitely a must. Hats off to the Bear Family for preserving our musical history & heritage!"
Not Quite Complete
Willard Eisenhower | Washington, DC | 10/02/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Typically well-done Bear Family boxed set. However, several unissued alternate takes (e.g. Roving Cowboy, Over the Santa Fe Trail, Cajon Stomp, Melody from the Sky, Empty Saddles, I'm an Old Cowhand, etc.) are used in place of the released takes. When included in addition to released takes, alternates are always interesting for comparison; but if the released takes are omitted, are these really the "complete original recordings" as advertised? The released takes are available elsewhere, but technically this is not quite the "everything in one place" that some might be looking for. Small quibble, perhaps, but a little disappointing after the long wait for these tracks.
Also, since much of the Pioneers' story is contained in the notes for the other SOP Bear Family sets (Wagon Wheels, Transcriptions), the hardcover book for this set consists mostly of color reproductions of posters and one-sheets for the Pioneers' and Roy Rogers movies. Good track-by-track notes by Ranger Doug of Riders in the Sky.
Track Listings (29) - Disc #1
