AMG Review of Merle Travis Story: 24 Greatest Hits

Thom Owens
All Music Guide

Although The Merle Travis Story -- 24 Greatest Hits consists of re-recordings from the late '70s, it gives a better sense of why Travis was important than Rhino's The Best of Merle Travis. Unlike Rhino's set, CMH concentrates on Travis' guitar playing, which is why he was an important musician. Therefore, it gives a far better sense of why the guitarist was a revered, influential artist than the vocal hits of Rhino's collection, even if the music was recorded late in his career.