High Noon
is the second four-disc box set in
Bear Family
's revival of
Tex Ritter
's complete recordings. Picking up where the previous set,
Blood on the Saddle
, left off,
covers the years 1947-1954, and includes every recording
Ritter
made for
Capitol
during that period. The set contains all four versions of the song
"High Noon"
and the hits
"Deck of Cards,"
"Pecos Bill,"
"Rock and Rye,"
and
"Daddy's Last Letter."
Rather than presenting the material in strict chronological order as
often does, the set is organized thematically, with
's
country
, western, and
pop
recordings on the first two discs, patriotic and
religious
songs on the third, and children's songs on the fourth. The children's songs are entertaining for listeners of all ages, since
's charismatic performances are funny and unique. The range of material on
is extremely eclectic and not always western in orientation, but
was a true original who richly deserves the deluxe treatment. ~ Greg Adams