Customer Reviews

The IRS Tapes - Who'll Buy My Memories?

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25 tracks of Willie Nelson penned music... songs that span his entire career. Instead of arrangements with a full band, this album consists of just Willie and his guitar.

Maybe it was because of his IRS woes, or just the mood he was in, but many of the songs he selected for this album are melancholy. And it is my favorite album when that mood strikes me.

This review is for the 1 disc version released in 1991. There is also a 2 disc version, but the track listing appears to be the same. Pick this up if you can find it, but I can't imagine anyone who owns this out-of-print gem would be willing to part with it.

As you can guess by this album's title (as well as the sentiment on Nelson's t-shirt on the disc's cover photo), this program was recorded to aid in the relief of Willie Nelson's tax problems. But instead of merely compiling older tracks or demos, Willie entered the studio to record two dozen fresh solo interpretations of some of his more interesting early compositions.

With his guitar and voice demonstrating equal drama and emotion, he brings back a few obscurities, many genuinely hearbreaking tunes (he no doubt wanted no-one at the I.R.S. to crack anything resembling a grin), and a few tunes made famous by other performers. Thoughout the whole collection, his performances are intimate and intriguing -- the listener feels as though they are in Nelson's tour bus or living room, sharing a true moment.

Rather smartly, this disc was initially sold only through direct marketing. Unfortunately, it remains out of print, deserving a far kinder fate. Still, here's your chance to hear music as its creator intended: raw, often painful, sometimes goofy, and leaving you wanting more.