So pick up the tempo just a little and take it on home
They say imitation is the highest form of flattery. The cover song is possibly the closest it gets in the music business. From time to time an artist may record an entire album’s worth of cover songs. And once in a blue moon an artist may even record an album of covers of only one other artist. A Tribute record. Willie Nelson did it with To Lefty From Willie, his 1977 Lefty Frisell tribute. Matt Houck, better known by his stage name Phosphorescent, has continued the tradition with his album To Willie, a record of some of the Red Headed Stranger’s hits and rarities. I’ve always told people I didn’t like country music, which given today’s definition of country music is true for the most part, but I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for Willie. Whether it’s the fragile voice, the perfect songwriting, the hippie braids or the beat-up guitar, there’s just something about him you can’t help but love. I don’t even know if Willie knows about the record Houck has made, but he should be flattered. Matt has managed to not merely cover Willie’s songs, but to put a bit of himself in them. The brokenness in his own voice conveyed in “Can I Sleep In Your Arms” (best track on the album by far) and “To Sick To Pray” coupled with the wry humor/cleverness of “I Gotta Get Drunk” is a dynamite combination. If you’re a fan of Willie, or a fan of Phosphorescent, or a fan of MUSIC, pick up this album.
Here’s a digital version and a physical version you can purchase if you’re interested. Support good art!