This 20-song collection highlights some rare selections from and the . A few of the probable sources for these tracks are the programs Command Performance, Melody Roundup, or perhaps the stateside broadcast All-Star Western Theatre. In fact, the latter presented and company on a fairly regular basis. An earlier incarnation was founded in the mid-'30s by , who named the group after 's 1912 western novel. took advantage of their increasing personnel turnover, which was largely due to the demands of World War II. After 's incarnation had ended, formed his own version and it was ultimately those in this lineup of the who became multimedia stars, making regular appearances on radio and in the cinema. This CD is an excellent compendium, capturing them at their peak and sporting some of their best-loved material. Among the more familiar tunes are and Their unique up-tempo style features an airtight vocal harmony blend, such as that heard on and most prominently when covering ' classic, which is marked by a striking introduction. The sound quality is excellent throughout and is equally impressive as so few vintage recordings exist circa the early- to mid-'40s. ~ Lindsay Planer