Red Foley

At 25 tracks, this is the most complete package of Foley's Decca hits from 1944-1951; it is also arguably the best overview of his work yet assembled in the CD era. One marvels at how many personalities Foley had -- the patriot of "Smoke on the Water," the Crosby-esque crooner of "Harriet," the humorous talking bluesman of "Never Trust a Woman" -- and how he could pull them all off with inherent, uncontrived ease. "As Far As I'm Concerned" has sadly strayed from the compilers' list, but the original versions of "Old Shep," "Tennessee Saturday Night," and the title track assure this issue a top-shelf standing in any country collection. ~ Jim Smith, All Music Guide