Understated Gem
3
By MarioIII
In general, Merle's early 90s tenure on Curb Records is regarded as a fallow period, but this CD -- his first for the label after parting with Epic Records -- is an overlooked gem. It's got some terrific Haggard originals (the title cut and the topical "Me and Crippled Soldiers", for example) mixed with some well chosen covers like Jimmie Rodgers' "Never No Mo' Blues", and the arrangements are lean and spare, leaving plenty of room for Merle to stretch out with a fine vocal performance. Haggard's is a voice that truly has improved with time, and here he sounds relaxed and totally in command of the material. Sadly, this one got little to no promotion from Curb, so it's been overlooked in the overall assessment of Merle's catalogue. Key Dowloads: "Blue Jungle", "When It Rains It Pours", "Me and Crippled Soldiers", "Never No Mo' Blues".