Bottom Line:
There are two things the title of this album say: Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price tells us that it's quality, class, and style. Last of the Breed tells us just how important this disc actually is. Because these amazing men with their still staggeringly superior singing voices are very nearly the last of their breed, the last of the real, solid, traditional country music singers who rely on their skill rather than on studio tricks and post-production "magic." The voices here are the real deal; they have weathered the years and they're still making magic of their own.
Take three of the best singers that have ever been associated with country music, three absolute
legends, and it's really hard to make a mistake. Merle Haggard. The "branded man" himself, a
golden-throated wow of a honky-tonking working man, writer of multitudes of classic country
songs. Then add Willie Nelson, country music's crossover genius, who appeals to music fans of
every walk of life from country to metal to hip hop, who also has a couple hundred classic songs
to his credit. Now, if that's not enough, toss in Ray Price, owner of perhaps the most perfect
voice country music ever turned out - both as a honky-tonker and as a "countrypolitan" crooner
from Nashville's "Golden Age," and the final result is twenty-two amazing tracks, some of the
greatest old classic songs ever laid down on vinyl - for us old folks - or set in bytes. From old
standards like the "Mom and Dad's Waltz" to the Kris Kristofferson plea, "Why Me
Lord," from "Sweet Memories" all the way to "Night Watch," the music is as
timeless and elegant as these three men are together - for all their rough-hewn edges. There are
of course a few songs from Nelson's pen as well as Haggard's; and they're joined by folks like
Kristofferson and Vince Gill on vocals, amazing instrumentalist Aubrey Haynie on mandolin and
fiddle, the great Charlie McCoy on harmonica, and of course there's the always-familiar and
beautiful harmonies from the Jordanaires.
It's impossible to gauge exactly how tremendous an effect these three fellows have had on the
music scene, and not just in country. As though to prove that, there's more than just
straightforward country music on this set - in addition to the obligatory Hank Williams tune
("Lost Highway"), there's plenty of popular appeal with "countrypolitan" numbers such as
"Sweet Memories" and "I Love You Because." The smooth voices here are
perfectly suited to the songs selected, and it's a collection that can't ever get old or worn out,
because as one old song puts it, "The older the violin, the sweeter the music." (Unfortunately,
that one's not featured on this disc.) It seems to be true, though - these three harmonic voices
seem to get a little better every year, their tones mellow and sweet. The choice of songs can't be
beat, the recordings are crisp and clean, the production fabulous (under the nimble hands of Fred
Foster) - in many ways it's a little like having three old and dear friends around for an evening of
music; there's very little to object to on this little two-disc collection, and everything to love.
The threesome have taken it on the road, too, so if the Last of the Breed tour comes to your
town, don't hesitate to go.
Track List:
Disc 1:
- My Life's Been A Pleasure
- My Mary
- Back To Earth
- Heartaches By The Number
- Mom and Dad's Waltz
- Some Other World
- Why Me Lord
- Lost Highway
- I Love You A Thousand Ways
- Please Don't Leave Me Any More Darlin'
- I Gotta Have My Baby Back
Disc 2:
- Goin' Away Party
- If I Ever Get Lucky
- Sweet Memories
- Pick Me Up On Your Way Down
- I Love You Because
- Sweet Jesus
- Still Water Runs The Deepest
- I Love You So Much It Hurts
- That Silver-Haired Daddy Of Mine
- I'll Keep On Loving You
- Night Watch