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Craig Shelburne
The last few weeks at the office have been incredibly hectic so I’ve been mellowing out with Willie Nelson’s American Classic, a brand new album of standards like “The Nearness of You” and “Fly Me to the Moon.” I wish I knew more about the great american songbook but that hasn’t prevented me from thoroughly enjoying this collection, which picks up where 1978’s Stardust left off.
Nelson’s voice always puts me at ease and his duet with Diana Krall, “If I Had You,” should satisfy fans of both stylists. However, my favorite tracks come at the end. “Since I Fell for You” is one of those songs that I’ve known forever and this version is exquisite. So beautiful and romantic.
American Classic ends with a lovely reading of “Always on My Mind.” It makes me say “Awwww” every single time it comes on. I just have to ignore the fact that it’s sung from the perspective of a no-account loser. (Really. She’s always on his mind but he never bothers to act on it.) Yet, with Nelson’s tender delivery, all is forgiven.
Track List:
The Nearness of You Fly Me to the Moon Come Rain or Come Shine If I Had You (with Diana Krall) Ain’t Misbehaving I Miss You So Because of You Baby, It’s Cold Outside (with Norah Jones) Angel Eyes On the Street Where You Live Since I Fell For You You Were Always on My Mind