Willie Nelson - Sings Kristofferson (1979/2014) [TR24][OF]

A return to country-rock after the smash success of Stardust the year before, this is one of Willie Nelson's best albums. Admittedly, it doesn't withstand comparisons to Shotgun Willie or any of his earlier triumphs, but it holds up as one of his most enjoyable second-stringers. "Me and Bobby McGee" is given an exciting, thunderous performance and "Why Me" is terrific, but perhaps more memorable are Nelson's renditions of lesser-known Kristofferson treasures, such as the loping "The Pilgrim, Chapter 33" and the beautiful "Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends." As he demonstrated from the beginning, Nelson had one of the best interpretive gifts of any singer, and this album only strengthened that reputation. Review by Jim Smith:

TRACKLIST
1. Me and Bobby McGee 05:40
2. Help Me Make It Through the Night 03:58
3. The Pilgrim: Chapter 33 03:34
4. Why Me 03:52
5. For the Good Times 05:24
6. You Show Me Yours (And I'll Show You Mine) 03:54
7. Loving Her Was Easier (Than Anything I'll Ever Do Again) 05:51
8. Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down 07:03
9. Please Don't Tell Me How the Story Ends 02:48

BAND
Willie Nelson – lead vocals, guitar
Jody Payne – guitar
Bobbie Nelson – piano
Rex Ludwick – drums
Paul English – drums
Bee Spears – bass guitar
Chris Ethridge – bass guitar
Mickey Raphael – harp
Jerry Reed – electric guitar on "You Show Me Yours"
Grady Martin – electric guitar on You Show Me Yours"
Albert Lee – electric guitar on "The Pilgrim"
Booker T. Jones – organ on "Why Me"
Kris Kristofferson – backing vocals