Dirty Linen (p.57) - "[A] multi-label collection that basically covers Axton's best known music and displays how proficient he was at tapping into the top-40 market."
Though the public at large may know Hoyt Axton via the hits he wrote for the likes of Ringo Starr, Steppenwolf, and Three Dog Night, casual listeners probably don't have an intimate familiarity with his own recordings. The comprehensive collection FLASHES OF FIRE: HOYT'S VERY BEST does an excellent job of remedying that situation. It runs the gamut from Axton's early folkie days ("Greenback Dollar," a success for the Kingston Trio) through his hippie-era hits ("Joy To the World," a smash for Three Dog Night), all the way through to his later country-flavored tunes ("Della and the Dealer"). Whatever the mode, Axton's rich, deep voice, and unerring craftsmanship are a constant pleasure.