This is Merle's latest album and those of you who've read my blog before knows I'm a fan of his.
What you get on this is a journey back in time till the late 60's and early 70's, the original, pre-Heartworn Highways-era, outlaw country scene. Musically, as well as lyrically, Merle Haggard delivers a record which is totally in style with what you'd expect from him.
This means that, for some, the record will probably be a disapointment. Haggard doesn't deliver any modern stuff. Neither the pop-country faithfuls nor the country purists will like this, it's simply not new enough, not groundbreaking enough.
To me, the music is ok, but nothing more. It's classic Bakersfield stuff merged with Johnny Cash, the sound which made Merle famous in the start. I miss a bit of his guitar handling, though. I miss that raw Bakersfield guitar.
The big thing is the lyrics, though. Merle is still one of the best lyricists in country ever and writes on matter what matter to the little guy. Work, drugs, drinks, love, crime, politics. It's all there. Sure, he's sung about it before, but he still finds new ways to express himself.
If you find no other reason for buying this record, then buy it for the duet with Willie Nelson. Merle and Willie made a fine job at Townes van Zandt's Pancho & Lefty. This time, they take on Merle's classic Working man's blues, together with Ben Haggard and they sure make a fine work at it.
It's impossible to pick the faves, cos this record is all about quality, cept for the last tune, Jackson, which I think Merle and Theresa Haggard butcher. If I must pick one fave though, it'd be Too much boogie woogie, a timely and totally valid attack on today's country scene.
Next year, mr Haggard will be 75 years old and he's still making quality music. You gotta love him!
I did write that Eilen Jewell's release earlier this year was the best album of the year. Merle's is neither better nor worse, so this album also gets 72% in rate of satisfaction.
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