****Excellent ***Good **Fair *Poor : COMPACT DISCS

“Ray Price’s Greatest Hits.” Columbia. Though Price is best known by pop fans for his ever-so-smooth 1970 rendition of Kris Kristofferson’s “For the Good Times,” this 12-song, 33-minute collection (a duplicate of a late ‘60s vinyl release) centers on his earlier, more evocative honky-tonk period. Greatly influenced by Hank Williams and Bob Wills, the Texan offered--in such country classics as “Crazy Arms” and “City Lights”--vocals that were wonderfully bathed in country sentimentality and arrangements that proudly showcased bright steel guitar and fiddle touches. Part of the label’s budget Collector’s Choice series, which retails for under $10 ($8.99 in one local chain). *** 1/2