Hank! Hank! Hank!

There's something about Hank Williams that sets him apart from all other musicians. The way his songs are delivered exudes the sincerity of a long lost friend who has something that they've been meaning to tell you. There's a certain earnestness in his voice that cannot be imitated or feigned. All of these attributes shine through the recent release of previously unreleased recordings found here. This three disc set prominently features songs originally intended for the ears of farmers, small-town merchants, housewives and shut-in's preparing to start their day across rural America. Thanks to a few miracles, these recordings have been saved, preserved, and returned to the masses almost 60 years after the fact. Hank's ascent to stardom at the age of 25 was thanks in large part to the track "Cold, Cold Heart" (found below, along with some others that I dig on). He lived a short life dying at the age of 29 but he has left an indelible mark on the landscape of music.
On a side note: It really irks me when people refer to certain music as being "old" first and foremost. Granted, this music belongs to a period in time that seems distant, but that fact is far down the totem poll of noteworthy characteristics. Music is the product of raw human emotion (when it's done right). Do we also refer to other forms of personal expression as being 'old'. When we laugh or cry do people say, "man, you're being so prehistoric!". My point is that music floats in a space that exists beyond time. Besides, time is only relative. Our own existence is but a slice from the tip of an eyelash. Rant over.