Hank Williams Album: “Unreleased Recordings”

Unbelievable! This is like finding the end of a rainbow for Hank's fans. Joe Palmaccio (credited with sound restoration and mastering) deserves to have his picture printed on folding money. I have over the years come into the possession of unreleased performances (like a different version of this collection's first mind-blowing cut "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain," which even has another verse); but the sound quality is nothing as good as that of most all of the songs on here; some of it sounds just like a studio record from the period.

And like a studio record, Hank is singing each song 110%. The hair on the back of my neck was up from beginning to end. It's a great day for Hank's fans to be alive! I'm one of the devoted fan who would have walked across Texas in July just for the privilege of paying 10 times what these recordings cost, and still considered myself lucky; this has to be the best buy in music history. Thankfully "The Complete Hank Williams" (which is friggin excellent, by the way) was misnamed. If "On Top of Old Smoky" or "I'll Sail My Ship Alone" don't become current radio hits, then there's little hope for mankind left. The opener on Disc 2, "I Can't Help it if I'm Still in Love With You," again, is worth the cost of this whole collection, as would be just all the banter and talking on them. What a treasure trove.

A heartfelt 'thank you' to all who made this friggin incredible collection possible. It's the best thing to happen to Hank's fans in at least a decade; I feel sorry for all Hank's fans who never got to hear this collection; this must be how winning the lottery feels.

Rabid Shutterbug

Montgomery, Alabama

The first installment of a three year project of what will eventually be a 143 song release of the Mother's Best Radio Programs leaves the listener speechless.

It's that good!

Although a few of these tracks surfaced in bootleg form in the 80s,this is such a great mastering job it's like hearing Hank for the fist time.

Of particular interest is the heartfelt rendering of numerous Gospel standards with full background harmonies not heard in the MGM studio recordings.

In addition,Hank's Martin Guitar is mixed way up front and adds a rich musical depth to the procedings.

Songs like Hank's "Dear John" and his interpretation of "Cherokee Boogie " clearly point the way toward primitive Rockabilly.

The packaging and design are first rate,and appropriately compliment this treasure chest of so much cultural and musical significance.

Colin Escott's in-depth track by track annotation clearly sets the bar at a stratopheric level.It simply doesn't get better than this.

I only hope that the other installments are moved up on the release schedule so we don't have to wait any longer than necessary for the completion of this masterwork.

The liner notes do not include any easy reference section for recording dates. I find that to be an annoying mark of carelessness on TimeLife's part.

But...the music is fantastic and everyone should rush out and buy this despite my trivial complaint.

Hank Williams fans owe a deep debt of gratitude to Jet Williams. By releasing these recordings she has reaffirmed Hank Williams as the gold standard in country music. These "lost" records are resplendent with those elements that Hank always brought to the stage. I can think of no other way to experience Hank Williams performing, short of actually being there, that could surpass this compendium. The production and recording quality is superb. I highly recommend this set to anyone who likes country or gospel music or to any aspiring songwriters. Also, I can't believe how affordable this set is priced. I would easily have paid twice as much for it.

I've owned this set for a week and I've played it every day. It's THAT good. For years, box sets have been the same old hits and misses in new packages. This set contains 54 completely unheard recordings by one of the absolute, uncontested giants of country music...make that AMERICAN music. I bought mine on Amazon for $29.99, and that's cheaper than downloads. Plus you get better sound, a fabulous book, and photos I'd never seen. Personally, I don't understand the carping about wanting more chatter. I've got sets with chatter on them, and sure it's interesting once or twice, but I want the music not the chatter. Five stars? How about ten.