Rating:
Genre: Country
Release Date: 08/23/2005

As far as collections go, this is the only one that rivals Columbia's The Essential Carl Smith (1950-1956). There are 29 cuts here, all of them in mono and recorded during Smith's truly great era from 1950-1954: 20 of them hit the Top Ten and four were chart-toppers. Smith was one of the greats following the death of Hank Williams. His style was deeply influenced by Williams' simplicity of singing style and presentation. The vocal is tight up-front, its hillbilly drawl unaffected or disguised. There are such classics here as the Louvin Brothers' "Are You Teasing Me?," "Mister Moon," "I Won't Be at Home," Leon Payne's moving "More Than Anything Else in This World," and Boudleaux Bryant's "Back Up, Buddy." While it's true that the crooner is what's on offer, that's what Smith did best. The sound is wonderful. Those looking to delve into Smith's magic would be well served by this and the aforementioned Legacy set.

~Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

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Grady Martin - Guitar (Electric)
Bob Foster - Guitar (Steel)
Brian Golbey - Liner Notes
Buddy Harmon - Drums
Ernie Newton - Double Bass
Farris Coursey - Drums
Hugh Gordon Stoker - Piano
Martin Haskell - Audio Restoration
Martin Haskell - Remastering
Ray Crick - Compilation
Poppa John Gordy - Piano
Mark Ranshaw - Cover Art
Johnny Sibert - Guitar (Steel)
Velma E. Williams Smith - Guitar (Rhythm)
Jabbo Arrington - Guitar (Rhythm)
Hal Smith - Double Bass
Jimmy Smith - Guitar (Rhythm)
Junior Huskey - Double Bass
Carl "The Truth" Smith - Guitar
Carl "The Truth" Smith - Vocals
Neill S. Owen - Drums
Billy Robinson - Guitar (Steel)

The Complete Capitol Hits of Faron Young
    Faron Young / CD / 2000
The Definitive Collection 1955-1962
    George Jones / CD / 2004
The Country Gentleman/Hawkshaw Hawkins Sings
    Hawkshaw Hawkins / CD / 2004
Stoney Edwards/She's My Rock
    Stoney Edwards / CD / 2005

Release Date: 08/23/2005
Genre: ctry