I first heard this collection on vinyl in the late 70's when it was originally released, and I didn't understand what the fuss was about. Almost 25 years later I finally get it. Hank Williams was a young genius who was able to compress a much older sensibility into two minute pieces of perfect songwriting. It's no wonder he's had such an influence on folk, country, and alt. country for all these years. Lyrical wit and wisdom, and mostly impeccable musical decisions keep this collection as current as anything being written today. The few selections that sound an awfully lot alike don't mar the impact because even they are a lesson in how a songwriter makes choices. Listen to this cd, and then enjoy a fresh listen to whoever your contemporary favorites may be, and you'll hear where they're coming from. I dare say anyone who picks and grins owes a huge debt to the senior Mr. Williams.