AMG Review of Country Music Hall of Fame Series

Stephen Cook
All Music Guide

While MCA's Country Music Hall of Fame Series is usually a good place to check out country stars for the first time, this edition featuring Hank Thompson doesn't quite make the grade. But, if you are impressed with Capitol's Vintage disc, which collects most of his classic work from the '50s ("The Wild Side of Life," "Whoa, Sailor"), it's not such a bad idea to come back to this latter-day collection afterwards. Even with some extra rinky-dink arrangements, Thompson still shines through with a honky tonk-lite mix of drinking sides ("On Tap, in the Can, or in the Bottle"), sentimental gems ("Just an Old Flame"), and life chronicles ("Money, Trouble and Love"). A fine, if nonessential roundup.