Country Music

It’s funny to think that, of all people, Willie Nelson needs to name an album Country Music to let you know that he’s in full cowboy mode. It’s true though that Nelson has been a master of many genres and this return to the acoustic-based country music with its upright bass, banjos, fiddles and acoustic guitar is as pure as it comes. Nelson begins things with his own “Man With The Blues” before visiting country music’s illustrious catalog for Ernest Tubb’s “Seaman’s Blues,” Merle Travis’ “Dark As A Dungeon,” Doc Watson’s “Freight Train Boogie” and Hank Williams’ “House of Gold.” “Satisfied Mind” has been covered many times but with T-Bone Burnett’s austere production onboard, the song shines with Nelson bringing the song new life. The arrangements are gloriously vintage and allow Nelson to take a heartfelt stroll through the Louvin Brothers’ “My Baby’s Gone” and the old-time classic “Pistol Packin’ Mama.” This is one album that lives up to its title.