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A much-needed look at the early years of Roger Miller – the chart-topping country star of the mid 60s, best known for a few key hits – but actually a well-traveled journeyman who spent cut many records before hitting the big time! Most of the work here is from the prime years of Starday Records – where Roger was able to step out initially as a bit of a rocker – still country overall, but maybe with a rockabilly edge at times – on material that has a bit less of the jokes of later years, but which could have stood more than strongly enough on its own. There's also a few even-earlier tracks for Decca – other obscure material that has an even younger Miller really sounding great – again with maybe a bit less of the distinction of his hits, but still pretty wonderful and very different than the mainstream pack of the time. Bear Family serves the whole thing up with plenty of notes that get to the heart of these overlooked years – and titles include the great "Jason Fleming", plus "Country Girl", "My Pillow", "Poor Little John", "A Man Like Me", "The Tip Of My Fingers", "Playboy", "Hot Rod Lincoln", "I Wish I Could Fall In Love Today", "I Ain't Never", "Under Your Spell Again", and a nice take on "Who Shot Sam". CD

A great live set from this legendary duo – as great here as on their records for King and Starday! CD