Fans looking for more than
ASV/Living Era
's
Wildwood Flower
collection but scared off by
Bear Family
's massive 12-disc box could comfortably pick up this five-disc budget compilation. At 126 songs, it covers all of their
RCA Victor
recordings in chronological order, omitting only alternate takes. The remastering isn't necessarily better than other
Carter Family
issues -- rather than clean up the crackle, the engineers have simply boosted the sound level, and while that does bring out some nuances, the ever-present hiss is louder than usual. That and the scanty liner notes mean that casual fans could probably do perfectly well with
, but this music is going to be an outstanding addition to any collection, especially at a price this low. ~ Jim Smith