Earlier this year, Sony Legacy began the process of digitally restoring and upgrading Willie's catalog with the excellent career spanning boxed set One Hell Of A Ride. This Tuesday, July 1, they will continue to do so with the two-disc, expanded and digitally remastered Stardust (30th Anniversary Legacy Edition).
I don't have to tell you how timeless the music that Willie recorded on this original 1978 classic is. Or at least I shouldn't have to.
Stardust is worth its weight in gold for Willie's timeless takes on both the title track and "Unchained Melody" alone. On the latter, Willie strips down the symphonic blast of the version Phil Spector produced for the Righteous Brothers — classic that it is — to a simple, plaintive sort of plea, anchored by that unremarkable, yet unmistakable voice.
As unique as Willie's lonely voice is, the sound he gets from that beat up old guitar is likewise unmistakably his own. Willie's guitar hero, flamenco jazzman Django Reinhardt, would definitely be proud. And while Ray Charles version of "Georgia On My Mind" may be the definitive blueprint, Willie's take on Stardust comes damned close.
Willie's visits to the Great American Songbook have remained a recurring theme throughout his career, and on the Stardust (30th Anniversary Legacy Edition), the second disc explores those from the years 1976 to 1990. The highlights here include Willie's take on Louis Armstrong's classic "What A Wonderful World," as well as a trio of standards recorded with the great Leon Russell for the 1979 album One For The Road.
The way Willie Nelson wears his inspirations — which, outside of country and bluegrass, range from ragtime to rock to jazz to R&B — on his sleeve, especially on this seminal album, is what makes this American original the true icon that he is. Seriously, when it comes to Americana, this guy's face belongs on Mount Rushmore.
Stardust (30th Anniversary Legacy Edition) will be in stores this Tuesday, just in time for that July 4th barbecue. So if you don't already own it, fire up that grill, and own an iconic piece of American history.
And if you do (already own it that is), it's time for an upgrade.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
Nice job Glen. I absolutely adore this album. I first heard it in college where it was my constant companion during a hard break-up and it has stayed with me in the decade+ since. Willie sings the old standards like they were written just the day before, written specifically for him.
2 - Mark Saleski
oh dang, i am going to buy the hell out of this edition. seriously, people who don't like country should at least have this record plus Red Headed Stranger.
3 - Tom Johnson
Yep, gotta have this, though I'm a little perplexed as to why they left off "Scarlet Ribbons" and "I Can See Clearly Now," which were added to the 1999 edition.
4 - David Bowling
It's hard to believe thiry years have passed. My wife and I saw Willie in concert about 15 years ago. I was afraid he would retire or pass on and we would miss him. Now I feel old and he's still going strong in his seventies and playing the same guitar. His guitar now has a hole in it where he strums. Thanks for the memories. David