's first solo album after leaving was recorded for , but though (aka ) was a fine record, it wasn't until began recording for the independent label that he really found his feet as a recording artist. leaned towards the swaggering sound of with a tough, lean approach, but from onward, 's songwriting began to more clearly reflect his appetite for , , and a wealth of other American musical styles. While has never forsaken his roots, he's cut a handful of excellent acoustic albums which show he can dial down his amp and still make his message heard, and sometimes with even greater clarity. Now that has bought the rights to the back catalog, they've assembled , an 18-song collection which is a fine and admirably comprehensive overview of 's work for the label. Not all of 's albums for are represented here -- the live discs and don't make the cut -- but there are selections from all his studio sets for along with three unreleased studio tracks, one previously unheard live number, and a duet between from her album (which produced). Songs like show off 's gifts as a rocker, and are sterling examples of his talent for telling a story in a more intimate setting. helped compile this disc and penned a fine liner essay, and while one CD is hardly enough to encompass the full musical vision of this gifted songwriter and troubadour, at least offers a concise and full-bodied thumbnail sketch of his talents. ~ Mark Deming