For various reasons, I am somewhat unfamiliar with most of Willie Nelson's recorded output. I blame my Austin childhood, and the general Willie Nelson over-exposure common in the state of Texas. For years, I associated him with things like styrofoam cups of Skoal juice, grown men weeping, gutted deer, and drunken fathers. Maybe this isn't a bad thing? I don't know. It certainly was a turn off as a kid.

So where do I start? Any collection with "Hands on the Wheel" is preferable.

Connor

BUMP.

I'm in a similar situation. I have a handful of his songs downloaded from the interweb and would like to (legally) acquire some more of his stuff.

Suggestions for where to start?

"The Red Headed Stranger". Greatest 'concept album' ever.

"Stardust"

"Teatro" - produced by Daniel Lanois. Totally different from the rest of his catalog.

themajormiller wrote:"The Red Headed Stranger". Greatest 'concept album' ever.

"Stardust"

"Teatro" - produced by Daniel Lanois. Totally different from the rest of his catalog.

"Stardust" is a beautiful album (and I love it) but as far as showcasing Willie's songwriting abilities, it may not be the best.

"Phases & Stages" is so loaded with great songwriting - it will make you sick.

I'm also partial to "Waylon & Willie."

Just a little sidebar - I saw Willie Nelson perform a few months ago and I was awestruck. He is such an incredible and truly unique guitarist and vocalist and he's still kicking it at 71 years old. Fucking amazing. If you EVER have the chance to see him live, DO IT and I mean it. You will be so glad that you did.

i second 'phases and stages'

it's my favorite of his records

Fancy Pants wrote:"Phases & Stages" is so loaded with great songwriting - it will make you sick.

I totally forgot about that album.

Thirded.

I also saw Willie about 10 years ago in New Orleans. It was mindblowing.

I've always wanted to get Red Headed Stranger as well as the re-make by Carla Bozulich of the Geraldine Fibbers. Her version of 'Hands on the Wheel' was on a midheaven promo comp I got a couple years ago and is outstanding. Someday I'll get around to it.

http://www.midheaven.com/artists/bozulich.carla.html

khallgren wrote:...the re-make by Carla Bozulich of the Geraldine Fibbers.

It is a wonderful album. And Willie guests on a few tracks.

How often do you hear of an artist guest on a tribute to their own record?

Thanks for the heads up on Carla Bozulich's record. I was unaware of it but look forward to checking it out.

Victoria Williams was a guest vocalist on her tribute album "Sweet Relief" but I wonder if that was technically a 'tribute album'. It was more of a money-raising/benefit/relief album. Does that count? But you're right, TMM, it is rare.

I second "Red Headed Stranger", endlessly listenable