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Although I'm primarily an aficianado of rock and blues (and subgenres such as country rock, rockabilly, etc.), I love Merle Haggard's music.
That having been said, this compilation is something of a letdown. First, as seems to be true with every retrospective, songs that should have made the cut didn't. In particular, "Makeup and Faded Blue Jeans", "Leonard", and "5:01 Blues" should be among the top 43, but they are not represented here.
Even more than the songs selected, the reason I was disappointed with this album is because the songs have all been modified (they are new recordings). I understand how musicians feel the need to update their songs over time, to change the feel, tempo, timing, phrasing, even lyrics, but I think that should be left to live performances. If a person wants to hear the songs exactly as they sound on the radio--listen to the album at home.
But in a "Greatest Hits" or "Best Of" package, such as this one, new wine should not be put into the old wineskins. It's interesting hearing Brooks and Dunn, Alabama, and Jewel (and Willie, of course) mixing it up with Merle, but in many cases it sounds as if Merle is just going through the motions or changing the songs just for the sake of change, rather than because there was a compelling reason to do so. In other words, in my opinion, these "oldies but goodies" are, on the whole, only about 75% as good as the original versions.
If you want an overview of Haggard's work, get "Epic Hits" and "Best Of", not this collection.
Updated 10/18/2013:
Since I wrote my review, I've changed my opinion; I now give it 4.5 stars (okay, 5, since 4.5 is not possible); I've gotten used to these new recordings, and although I don't know if I *prefer* them over the originals, they are certainly stellar representations. Merle's band is in fine fettle - they are really a jazz band playing country soul. Merle himself is far from "mailing it in." The reason I'm not giving this a full five stars is not that any of the songs are duds, but for the omission of certain songs, such as "Makeup and Faded Blue Jeans," "Leonard," and "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again." This CD is in my "rotation" for commute-time listening, and I never tire of it. Country music does not always get the respect it deserves, but I think Haggard is a national treasure, and this recording a fine tribute to his own legacy.
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