Jimmie Rodgers

For fans who want an excellent but not overwhelming selection of Rodgers' music, there are two solid choices: RCA's single-disc Essential Jimmie Rodgers collection or ASV/Living Era's two-part retrospective, of which Train Whistle Blues is the first. Some of Rodgers' best songs are here, among them "Blue Yodel No. 4 (California Blues)," "Hobo Bills' Last Ride," "Waiting for a Train," and "My Rough and Rowdy Ways." Individually, the two discs aren't as brilliant as ASV collectors are accustomed to, but together they paint a more complete picture of Rodgers' art. There is one essential item missing in "Muleskinner Blues," but just about everything else is adequately covered. ~ Jim Smith, All Music Guide