Even though some 18 odd years have passed since the original issue of this on LP, it's still worth reviewing as this still crops up on online auctions.
This was the introductory volume of what was to become "The Collector's Edition" and Polygram put forth their best foot on this one. This chronicles the first studio recordings that Hank made; first for Sterling and then his first MGM sessions. This is Hank's studio career in it's infancy as he was still developing his studio style. The studio recordings range from thoroughly secular to quite a bit of gospel (out of 12 studio recordings, 1/3 are gospel). However, it's the non-session recordings that are the meat and potatoes.
Five of the selections are culled from the 1960 LP "Lonesome Sound of Hank Williams". One of these "Roly Poly" was previously released in the late 50's at the height of the rockabilly craze as a single and then made it's way onto the aforementioned LP. Of notable interest on this song is the engineering mistake that was made. After the stinging guitar solo, Hank was brought back in and the verse is slightly cut off at the start leaving Hank saying "Oly Poly" instead of "Roly Poly". "Cool Water" (which the overdubbing absolutely ruins), "Swing Wide Your Gate of Love" and "Tennessee Border" are presented in the overdubbed form while "Rock My Cradle Once Again" is presented in it's original vocal/guitar form for the first time.
Also for the first time on LP/CD, "The Battle of Armageddon" makes it's undubbed appearance. It was released as an undubbed single in the mid-50's, but was re-released in 1960 overdubbed on the "Wait For the Light To Shine" LP.
"The Old Country Church" with Little Jimmy Dickens makes its first commercial appearance anywhere, though a much cleaner version of the song has since surfaced on later Mercury releases.
"I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time" makes it's first undubbed appearance anywhere. It was one of the first Hank non-session recordings to be overdubbed for commercial release.
The authoritative liner notes by Colin Escott are great (see Mr. Escott, I don't hate you as I've been accused!) and so are the pictures and discography info. 1. Calling You
2. Never Again (Will I Knock on Your Door)
3. Wealth Won't Save Your Soul
4. When God Comes and Gathers His Jewels
5. I Don't Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes)
6. My Love for You (Has Turned to Hate)
7. Pan American
8. Honky Tonkin'
9. Move It on Over
10. I Saw the Light
11. (Last Night) I Heard You Crying in Your Sleep
12. Six More Miles (To the Graveyard)
13. Cool Water
14. Swing Wide Your Gate of Love
15. Roly Poly
16. Tennessee Border
17. Old Country Church
18. Alone and Forsaken
19. Rock My Cradle Once Again
20. Battle of Armageddon
21. I Ain't Got Nothin' But Time