Canadian-born Clarence "Hank" Snow was already a star in his homeland when his "I'm Movin' On" became one of 1950's biggest country hits. This 16-track compilation samples nearly a half-century of his recordings for the Na... more »shville division of RCA, including both smashes and entertaining tracks that didn't chart. With a voice that must have been a major influence on the likes of Willie Nelson (who cut a duet album with Snow in 1985) and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Snow excelled at hard country that often carried more than a suggestion of swing. In addition to the likes of "The Golden Rocket," "I've Been Everywhere," and "(Now and Then, There's) A Fool Such As I," the disc offers fine versions of two Jimmie Rodgers tunes ("Mississippi River Blues," "Southern Cannonball"), a Snow-composed Rodgers tribute ("Confused with the Blues"), and a left-field pop-Dixieland track from the late '70s ("A Good Gal Is Hard to Find"). Both an introduction to Snow and a celebration of his versatility, this disc is an excellent bargain for seekers of true country greatness. --Rickey Wright« less
Canadian-born Clarence "Hank" Snow was already a star in his homeland when his "I'm Movin' On" became one of 1950's biggest country hits. This 16-track compilation samples nearly a half-century of his recordings for the Nashville division of RCA, including both smashes and entertaining tracks that didn't chart. With a voice that must have been a major influence on the likes of Willie Nelson (who cut a duet album with Snow in 1985) and Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Snow excelled at hard country that often carried more than a suggestion of swing. In addition to the likes of "The Golden Rocket," "I've Been Everywhere," and "(Now and Then, There's) A Fool Such As I," the disc offers fine versions of two Jimmie Rodgers tunes ("Mississippi River Blues," "Southern Cannonball"), a Snow-composed Rodgers tribute ("Confused with the Blues"), and a left-field pop-Dixieland track from the late '70s ("A Good Gal Is Hard to Find"). Both an introduction to Snow and a celebration of his versatility, this disc is an excellent bargain for seekers of true country greatness. --Rickey Wright
CD Reviews
The Other Hank
Jess | Coal Country, PA | 10/24/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What is the greatest Canadian contribution to Country Music? Well, it sure aint Anne Murray or Shania. Hank Snow was absolute perfection and the most unique artist in Country Music. His voice is like no other, and it is nearly impossible to put a finger on Hank's influences. There is Jimmie Rodgers of course, but that seems to be where it stops......Hank Snow was THAT original. And folks, noone could pick a guitar like Mr Snow....he is (and will no doubt, remain) the greatest flat-picker of all time. This collection of songs is nearly flawless; the recordings are outstanding, and the selection of songs were well thought-out. From the famous "Movin' On" to the late "Hello Love", the sounds recorded here are nearly pristine....and I have no complaints. A+"
Enjoy without any misconceptions
L. A Cirillo | North of the Stars...South of the Sun | 02/12/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"the previous comments by "a music fan" are not accurate at all. Liner notes are very good. this package, in fact, contains a lot on recording dates, supporting musicians/vocalists, producers, chart dates and rank, as well as issue(matrix?) numbers, for each song. Can't understand why "music fan" said what he/she did? quality of audio, very good. The lyrics complement rhythm/melody real well. old-timy feel, but modern in its appeal. ...afterall, everyhting is popular these days.Hank Snow made very enjoyable vocal music. His sound included a slight nasal twang, together with a bit of grit and depth to it. However every word was spoken completely. He had a story-teller quality to his songs and played great acoustic guitar. this collection captures it all. enjoy."
Legend? You Got That Right
Eclectic Revisited | Arizona | 02/22/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"All they needed to do is include "Rhumba Boogie" to complete this nice compilation. Not "country" enough? These are Hank's other best ones though. With the emergence of American rock and roll during the height of Hank's popularity, soon enough other country artists and pop artists would pick up on these songs to enhance their own careers. But Hank did them best. Elvis Presley had a success with Hank's "Now and Then, There's a Fool Such as I". Promising singer Joan Weber as well as the McGuire Sisters had hits with the Singing Ranger's "Let Me Go, Lover" (Ann-Margret succeeded with it also). A few years later, Bobby Bare made a successful cover of "Miller's Cave". "I Don't Hurt Anymore" was also a favorite of other recording artists. It was a testament to the appeal of Hank Snow and his songs. In 1962 "I've Been Everywhere" was a crossover hit. Hank Snow also made a soulful rendition of Floyd Tillman's "I almost Lost My Mind". There is very little filler here and nothing not to like. I recommend it."
Hank....
Leonard Federico | Boston MA USA | 10/16/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listen to Hank's I've Been Everywhere. It is definitely an excellent song. A wonder of song writing skill. Listen to the rhymes. It is amazing !! This is country music before it was too commercial. This was before you had to be a beautiful blonde or look like a model. This is country at its finest..Buy this CD"
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1