To Willie

Phosphorescent | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 3, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: DEAD OCEANS
• ASIN: B001NG3PZW
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #42,050 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #95 in Music > Alternative Rock > Indie & Lo-Fi > Lo-Fi

Editorial Reviews

In 1975, Willie Nelson recorded "To Lefty From Willie", ten songs in which Nelson paid homage to Lefty Frizell, reinterpreting his favorites from the Frizzell catalog and stamping them with his unique voice. Now Phosphorescent has done the same for Willie Nelson on this recording of eleven hidden Nelson gems and lost classics. An unabashed musical love letter.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Phosphor-EXCELLENT!!!!!, June 29, 2009

By 

T. Tulaa "true listener" (east coast, Fl.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To Willie (Audio CD)

This is one of the most magnificent albums to behold. A true gift for Willie done by some of the most talented musicians around.....They have not only captured the essence of Nelson's music but have done so by adding the flavor of their own genius sound............Phosphorescent...I commend you....."To Willie" is a true mark of your unfounded talent.....congtats!!!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars solid all the way through, April 19, 2009

By 

Krista Welch (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: To Willie (Audio CD)

Though I wasn't entirely sure of what to expect from a tribute album from Phosphorescent, whose original songs I can't get enough of, I would say that "To Willie" definitely doesn't disappoint. Matthew Houck's sleepy voice lends itself nicely to Willie's often melancholy lyrics, and the arrangements are textural and interesting in an almost effortless, breezy way. On this album, the songs stay true to their original, honest nature, while scintillating with the spaciousness and depth that I love so much about Phosphorescent's style. All in all, a really great listen!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Phosphorescent - Pays homage to Willie Nelson,, October 3, 2010

By 

Red on Black (Cardiff) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: To Willie (Audio CD)

Like Mark Kozelek from Sun Kil Moon, Matthew Houck the guiding light of the alt country wonders Phosphorescent can write a mean tune or two (see the review of their latest "Here's to taking it easy") but he also happens to be one of the great cover artists and interpreters of modern times. This album which is both a tribute and reinterpretation of the songs of the veteran outlaw Willie Nelson confirms that Houck doesn't just understand the basic tenets of country music he could write the book. The fact in addition that he digs deeper into the repertoire of Nelson and resists the obvious covers (no "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain", On the road again or Always on my mind) and instead stresses the "outlaw" themes of drink, drunkenness, despair, downtime and dread make "To Willie" all the more special, and both a fantastic homage and a original contribution to the great canon of alt country.

The highlights arrive faster that Usain Bolt in the Olympic stadium. Starting with "Reasons to Quit" a sad paean to the hopelessness of the demon drink but also the perils of life without it does set the tone. Thus we have those tender lost hope ballads that Nelson's fragile voice seem made for and which Houck doesn't just make his own, in some cases he betters them. Listen to the lovely and sad lament "Permanently Lonely" and try not to be moved, equally the heartache of the break up Tex Mex ballad "It's Not Supposed to Be That Way". Unsurprisingly "I gotta get drunk" picks the pace up and ends with the hilarious observation that -

"There's a lot of doctors tell me
That I'd better start slowing it down
But there's more old drunks than there are old doctors
So I guess we'd better have ourselves another round"

Yes its that kind of album, the world is a mess, the job is hell, your broke but there is always a bar and a bad woman! That said all this comes at a cost and ultimately there is a price to pay with "To sick to pray" charting with a glorious sadness the fate of a man staring into the doors of the next life. "To Willie" is weather beaten country of the heartbreak variety but with some great times along the way. It confirms that Houck is another great singer in this wonderful linage and when old Willie does depart this mortal coil his legacy is in very safe hands.