Reading about the power inherent in 's music is one thing, but actually experiencing it is another matter entirely. The official 1998 edition of the original 1961 album was certainly worth the wait, remastered off the best quality original 78s available, of far superior quality to any of the source materials used on even the 1991 box set. 's guitar takes on a fullness never heard on previous reissues, and except for a nagging hiss in spots on (the equalization on this disc is extreme, to even sport some minute turntable rumble in the low end), this really brings his music alive. If there is such a thing as a greatest-hits package available on , this landmark album, which jump-started the whole '60s , would certainly be the one. The majority of 's best-known tunes, the ones that made the legend, are all aboard: and the apocalyptic visions contained in are the at its finest, the lyrics sheer poetry. And making its first appearance anywhere is a newly discovered (in 1998) alternate take of that's appended to the original 16-track lineup. If you are starting your collection from the ground up, be sure to make this your very first purchase. ~ Cub Koda