---

---

Ralph Stanley - The Very Best Of...

(Koch/Audium AUD-CD-8169) 2002

---

A 16 track, 43:41 minute compilation, licensed from Rebel. KOCH would have had much wider (worldwide) distribution, so would have been in a good position to capitalise on the success of the 'Oh Brother Where Art Thou' film soundtrack.

It obviously features versions of the three tracks from the film, which have been associated with Ralph/Carter: Man Of Constant Sorrow, Angel Band and Oh Death. All were previously recorded with The Stanley Brothers, and re-recorded by Ralph in the '70s.

Like a lot of the other compilations, it concentrates on the era when Roy Lee Centers was lead vocalist.

It's a reasonable collection, if you haven't heard any of Ralph's music, but the earlier Classic Bluegrass, Bound To Ride or My Life & Legacy may be a better choice to start with.