Product Reviews
Working in Tennessee, Merle Haggard's second album for Vanguard, plays a little slower and softer than 2010 s I Am What I Am, a record where Hag gently dwelled on his mortality. There are times where his age crosses his mind -- particularly on Sometimes I Dream, where he casually lists off things that aren t likely to pass his way again -- but generally, he s ready to Laugh It Off as he gripes about what s playing on the radio, smokes a little dope, and enjoys playing a little bit of blues as he looks back to the past, even cutting a couple of old favorites ( Cocaine Blues, Jackson ) and a new version of Working Man Blues. Hag never rushes things, never turns up the volume, his western swing now bearing a closer resemblance to the gentlemanly amiability of Hank Thompson instead of the wild, woolly Bob Wills. He s proceeding at the pace of a 74-year-old legend with nothing to prove, yet he s not resting on his laurels, he s just doing what he s always done: singing songs so expertly his virtuosity almost goes unnoticed. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi
Product Notes
Haggard's second Vanguard album (his first was 2010's remarkable I Am What I Am ) introduces a set of stellar new originals, revisits some Johnny Cash classics and puts on a new spin on his own Working Man Blues featuring Willie Nelson and Merle's son Ben. That one joins Cocaine Blues; What I Hate; Laugh It Off; Jackson; Under the Bridge , and more from the enduring country icon, available on CD or vinyl LP!