Dire dirges from desperate men. Grim tales of jailbirds, cutthroats, cuckolds, executioners, murderers and popcorn escapees. Prison ballads form part of the historic lifeblood of Country Music and saw a distinct resurgence after the May 1960 execution of controversial convict Caryl Chessman. Here we present 28 of the very best, many seldom heard since their original release (often on obscure, microscopic or private-press labels). Running the gamut from smooth balladeers of woe to ramshackle and plaintive backyard rockabillies, The Hangman's Blues features fevered declarations of innocence, profound diatribes on capital punishment and mournful odes to that Last Mile. Years in the making - The Hangman's Blues will chill, thrill and bedevil the dreams of all who hear it. Originally issued on forgotten 45s, some of these sides are indescribably rare and are reissued here for the very first time. •Remastered 2016 from the original master tapes! •20 page full colour booklet with exclusive liner notes by Alvin Lucia and rare photos/lable scans!