Although my indoctrination into old school country music is far from complete, it's a thrill to discover that older artists can still produce classic LPs (not to mention still go out on tour!), but what we have here isn't classic.  It's a masterpiece.
I picked it up on a whim, and from beginning to end, there isn't a single weak link.  Certainly Willie's drowning in melancholy, but listen to the tunes, and you'll see it's not a hindrance.
The musical interludes of "Matador" (and especially the waltz-like "Mariachi"; my favourite on the album) are not throwaways.  They provide a smooth transition between sides, and even to a lapsed churchgoer like myself, tunes like "I Thought About You, Lord", and "Too Sick To Pray" bring you back to the fold.  The poetic wistfulness of "I'm Waiting Forever" is both beautiful and funny, and from beginning to end, this album ranks up there in the upper echelon of country.
No two ways about it, this is an absolute must-own.  Hank Williams Sr. surely has it on his headphones right now.
Although my indoctrination into old school country music is far from complete, it's a thrill to discover that older artists can still produce classic LPs (not to mention still go out on tour! ), but what we have here isn't classic. It's a masterpiece. I picked it up on a whim, and from beginning to end, there isn't a single weak link. Certainly Willie's drowning in melancholy, but listen to the tunes, and you'll see it's not a hindrance. The musical interludes of "Matador" (and especially the waltz-like "Mariachi"; my favourite on the album) are not throwaways. They provide a smooth transition between sides, and even to a lapsed churchgoer like myself, tunes like "I Thought About You, Lord", and "Too Sick To Pray" bring you back to the fold. The poetic wistfulness of "I'm Waiting Forever" is both beautiful and funny, and from beginning to end, this album ranks up there in the upper echelon of country. No two ways about it, this is an absolute must-own. Hank Williams Sr. surely has it on his headphones right now.