Rick Nelson

Interesting compilation. The first half spotlights 1963 to about '68, which were basically the commercial/artistic doldrums for Nelson. Like Elvis, he wasn't recording strong material -- it was mainly facile pop. But then one of rock 'n' roll's great transformations occurred. Nelson grew up, grew his hair out and became one of country rock's original pioneers. This stuff is exhilarating to listen to, especially bonus tracks like "Easy to Be Free" and "Fadeaway." Nelson sounds totally reborn.