Gene Vincent hasn't fared well in terms of best-of albums across the decades, partly because of the neglect of his record label, Capitol -- indeed, domestically, he's been much better represented by Collectables Records under license from Capitol. But in England, where
Vincent achieved a massive following on a series of overseas tours in the late '50s, Capitol's parent company EMI Records has issued all manner of
Gene Vincent collections, including a boxed set done long before such releases were common, representing virtually his complete output. This double-CD set covers all of the highlights of
Vincent's career from 1956 through 1959, though it is still no substitute for the pent-up power of his debut album, which stands in a class by itself -- anyone having that record can hold off on buying this imported double-disc set, but if you must go past those early sides, then this is probably the best assembly of
Vincent's classic Capitol sides that are likely to turn up, with virtually all of his great music, presented in state of the art digital sound that gives all of his music a close-up, in your face presence, almost resembling a live performance. The notes by Dave McAleer are also interesting, in giving a decidedly Anglo-centric look at
Vincent's career (he was far more successful in England than the United States after 1956). ~ Bruce Eder