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39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five stars isn't nearly enough, April 17, 2006
I have found that there are four types of country-minded songwriters. The first two (those who can't write, and those whose artistic success comes sporadically, at best), I won't bother with. The third category of songwriters are those who create elaborate tapestries with words. These are your Dylan's and Kristofferson's; artists who milk language for everything it is worth (I'm not insulting their talent; I personally am a big Kristofferson fan). The fourth type of songwriter uses simple language; they keep it real and honest, and cut straight to the bone. This is where Cindy Walker (and, not-coincidently, Willie Nelson) falls.
This album is a testament to the honesty of country music. Want proof? I saw the video of "You Don't Know Me" and immediately went out and bought the album. Why? Because it summarizes, word for word, what I'm going through in my life right now. How about "Not That I Care," with its subtle blend of sorrow and non-chalance? Or the heartbreaking "Dusty Skies?" Or the witty "Don't Be Ashamed of Your Age?" Or the genuinely romantic "I Don't Care?" These are songs that cut to the quick, that grab your heart and don't let go. This is a 13-track journey through the heart and soul of what makes country music the honest, hard-working music it is.
Aside from a stirring tribute to one of country's greatest songwriters, YOU DON'T KNOW ME: THE SONGS OF CINDY WALKER is a testament to the artistic capabilities of Willie Nelson. His voice has never sounded finer, as he sings straight from the heart. The album also features the return of producer extraordinaire Fred Foster, who introduced the world to such artists as Roy Orbison and the afore-mentioned Kris Kristofferson. Three brilliant minds went into creating this album; and with the help of stellar musicians (including beautiful harmonies by the Jordanaires), they crafted a classic country record. YOU DON'T KNOW ME: THE SONGS OF CINDY WALKER is destined to become one of those records you don't forget. It will tug at your heartstrings, it will make you smile and dance. And, if nothing else, it features stone-cold country music; and, I kid you not, twin fiddling. Willie Nelson, along with some of his good friends and partners in crime, has created yet another country music masterpiece. It's truly a timeless record.
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27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Swingin' Willie, March 19, 2006
This is an excellent CD. The songs are (of course) outstanding, and Willie (for the most part) does a great job. The musicianship is first class, and the production is well-done. My only complaint is that Willie screws up "Bubbles in my beer"! I've heard the original many, many times and also Willie's version on "Shotgun Willie". Listen to both, and you'll see what I mean. He kind of turns the bridge into a chorus. Other than that, this is a good listen all the way through. Standouts include "It's all your fault", "Warm red wine", "Miss molly", and "Sugar moon". Anyone who likes Willie doing swing and jazz (my favorite style of his) will dig this CD
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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Don't Give Up On Willie!, March 14, 2006
Since I've been a fan of Willie Nelson's since the eary '70's I think I'm a pretty good judge of his work. For the last 5 or 6 years Willie has been devoting alot of his career to singing with alot of the newer Country artists who admire Willie's work for many reasons. I mention that because even though I have enjoyed alot of that vein that he was in, I continually was longing for just good 'ole "Willie Nelson" music. During that period Willie's voice often seemed to be weakening, which I guess you can expect from a 73 year-old singer who has been doing 200 plus shows a year for more than 30 years. Then, all of a sudden Willie puts out an album in 2004 titled "It Always Will Be", and knocks my socks off! The voice is sounding better, and the selection of songs was fantastic. If you Willie fans don't have it, buy it and sit back and relax, and enjoy yourself.
Now today, March 14, 2006, Willie releases something that he's wanted to do for years, a tribute to the great Texas songwriter, Cindy Walker called "You Don't Know Me". Well folks, I think with this one and the previous album I mentioned, we finally have Willie back again, doing what he does best.This is one of the best albums Willie has done in the past dozen years. His voice is stronger than it's been in a long time. Every song out of the 13 are winners, not a bad cut on the album. The only thing that I was upset with was when it was over. I wanted more. It's that good. And, what an all-star lineup of musicians Willie has playing with him. To name the ones who really stand out: Buddy Emmons on Steel Guitar, who Willie has played with it seems like his whole career; Gordon More on piano, and as good as he's ever been, the great Johnny Gimble, Willie's old buddy from Bob Wills and His Texas Playboy fame. People, if you love Willie Nelson when he sings ballads, and if you are a fan of Texas Swing, you have to treat yourself to this album. Supposedly Willie did enough Cindy Walker songs to fill three albums. I can't wait for the next one.(Hope you read this Will). Now, if we can just get Willie in the studio with Merle Haggard to do a whole new album again, instead of just a tune here and there, we'll have "real country music" back again! Thanks, Willie! You still got it!
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