Saturday, September 10, 2005

WILLIE NELSON: THE REGGAE YEARS

Further evidence of the random nature of the universe: Country music legend Willie Nelson has recently released...a reggae album. The entire album, "Countryman," is reggae, complete with dub effects, a guest appearance by the legendary Toots Hibbert (of Maytalls fame) and covers of reggae classics like "The Harder They Come". But Willie's mainly singing his usual heart-breakin' country stuff, complete with traditional instrumentation (like the lonely cry of a steel guitar) alongside the Jamaican sidemen dropping their riddems. It all sounds like some wacky dj's country/reggae mashups - the dichotomy between the two styles is funny and bewildering. But, hey, Willie does partake of the sacred herb. So maybe the two cultures have more in common then we think...

Willie Nelson "How Long Is Forever"

Speaking of the ganja, America's biggest (and most conservative) retailer Wal-Mart didn't appreciate Willie's artworK - an alternate cover had to be created just so the Kansas housewives wouldn't be offended. But Willie's feeling too irie to get upset:
"
"They're covering all the bases," Nelson joked."

2 comments:

The Reverend Menagerie said...

I actually liked the album.

And I couldn't comment without having a blogger account. So, now I have one.

Mr Fab said...

Yeah, can't go wrong with Willie - his voice and songwriting are in good form. The sad songs are a strange contrast to the happy reggae, but it's all quite nicely nice.

Sorry about the registration but I'm getting a shit-storm of spam - doing what I can.