The Stanley Brothers - Best of the Best of the Stanley Brothers

bluegrass purists may quibble with the redundant album title -- many believe that the brothers' 1948-1951 stint at Columbia Records is the pinnacle, not only of their career, but of traditional bluegrass itself -- but it's impossible to argue with this material. Ten songs taken from The Stanley Brothers' 1958-1964 tenure recording for the King and Starday labels, this album does do an excellent job of pulling the very best material from the brothers' rather spotty later career. Opening with a sterling version of their signature song, the apocalyptic "Rank Strangers to Me," the album then moves through other gems like the standard "I'm a Man of Constant Sorrow," the frisky and sly "How Mountain Girls Can Love," and the chilling "Think of What You've Done." The Stanley Brothers flirted with country and even pop a bit during their King and Starday years, as evinced by the twangy "Love Me Darling, Just Tonight," but their drummerless traditional bluegrass sound remains the focus of this collection. A fine, inexpensive, but unfortunately brief introduction, this set is aimed primarily at those looking for an inexpensive entry point into the world of The Stanley Brothers. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide

Name Credits Al Elliot Bass, Fiddle Bill Napier Mandolin Carter Stanley Guitar Chubby Anthony Fiddle Chuck Young Liner Notes, Liner Note Art, Art Direction Curley Lambert Guitar, Mandolin George Shuffler Vocals, Bass Henry Dockery Vocals, Bass Moe Lytle Compilation Producer, Concept, Design Ralph Mayo Fiddle, Guitar Ralph Stanley Banjo Vernon Derrick Fiddle