Willie Nelson - Tales Out of Luck

Ever since he wrote “Crazy,” a huge hit for Patsy Cline back in 1961, Nelson’s talent as a songwriter has been evident. Unfortunately, that talent has often taken a backseat to recording covers of old pop standards.  His latest, however, is pure Willie:  sturdy country ballads graced by plaintive pedal steel and a voice as dry as the Texas plains. From swing to blues and Tex-Mex, the album even includes one classic country title: “You Wouldn’t Cross the Street to Say Goodbye.”