You might be surprised to learn that legendary country singer Slim Whitman has always had a hardy following in the U.K., but this twofer reissue by British label Beat Goes On attests to his English popularity. It includes the albums HAPPY ANNIVERSARY and 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT, which were originally released in 1973 and '74, the former's title track turning into a major single for Whitman. Throughout, he displays his easy blend of pop and country, effortlessly connecting the dots between the old Johnny Mathis hit "The Twelfth of Never" and the classic cowboy tune "Cool Water".