An exhaustive five-disc survey of Detroit's legendary Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, NOTHING BUT GOOD 1952-62 offers an impressively comprehensive glimpse into the roots of postwar rhythm and blues. Originally led by Houston born guitarist Cal Green, the group began life on the Federal label under the name the Royals, before the national exposure granted them by their first hit, the colossal "Work With Me Annie," forced them to change their name to in deference to the popular vocal group the Five Royales. Green's coruscating lead work can be heard on tracks like "Finger Popping Time" and the frantic "Let `Em Roll" while Hank Ballard's impassioned vocals had an enormous influence on the musical development of James Brown, who initially modeled himself after the singer.