Bob Wills

As is often the case nowadays, not long after Legacy released the definitive Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys four-disc, 105-track box set Legends of Country Music, the label released a single-disc, 18-track summary of that set, Legends of Country Music: The Best of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys. Most of Wills' key recordings are here, like "New San Antonio Rose" and "Bubbles in My Beer," and there's nothing at all of questionable value, as this single-disc summary spans no later than a 1950 recording of "Faded Love." So anyone who wants just the cream of the crop should find all they need on The Best of Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, whereas anyone who wants the full package, including latter-day recordings spanning into the early '70s, should stick with the box set. There are some liner notes here, too, but nothing compared to what's found in the box set. So choose accordingly. You'll get great music either way; it's just a matter of how much Wills you need and how much you're willing to pay. ~ Jason Birchmeier, All Music Guide