Ace is proud to present a 2008 double CD paying tribute to Theme Time Radio Hour hosted by Bob Dylan. For those that are new to the show, each radio program lasts an hour and has a different theme each week, often something simple like 'Drink', or 'Mother'. On the radio program each track is introduced by Dylan with his dry humor, eclectic interest and vast musical knowledge. On this CD set, though, Dylan himself does not appear; just selected tracks that he played on his shows. It's possible to regard this set as the best introduction to music ever.This is the only officially-authorized release associated with the Theme Time Radio Hour. Its 50 tracks represent the first series of radio shows. The track-listing reflects Dylan's wide taste and ranges from Billie Holiday and George Jones, through Aretha Franklin to the Clash and the White Stripes. Although each track was chosen by Dylan for the radio show, the CD itself was compiled by the show's producer Eddie Gorodetsky and Ace's own Roger Armstrong.
The luxury package contains a 2-CD jewel case with an accompanying 48-page full color book, all in a cardboard slipcase. The sleeve notes include a track-by-track commentary by some of the world's great music writers including Barney Hoskyns, Colin Escott, Billy Vera and Fred Dellar. Each track, no matter how obscure, is illustrated with a sleeve, label shot or photo of the artist.
Other Theme Time Radio Hour compilations have concentrated on the very early material, essentially because that material was in the public domain and thus royalty payments could be avoided. As with all Ace releases, this is a fully legitimate production and royalties are paid on every track.
