Pancho & Lefty

 (11 customer reviews)

Willie Nelson presents quite a paradox to me. His is such a distinctive voice, often plaintive and domineering. How is it that he mixes so damned well with others? He and Merle are a wonderful pairing on "Pancho & Lefty". The songs tell Willie's (and Merle's) kind of stories: they are outlaws, boozers, social outcasts, and lovers of women (maybe all this explains how I can identify with them).The title song is a hoot. The pairing of "Reasons to Quit" and "No Reason to Quit" makes me laugh. Of course, being lovers of women, they have to cry the blues a bit, which is done marvelously in "Half a Man" and "Opportunity to Cry".A group of wonderfully written songs, with few gaps. Added to a couple of seasoned legendary voices makes for a can't miss pick. Country music even us urban types can love.

This album will always be best known for the Townes Van Zandt title track, as it should be. That incredible song, perfectly performed by Willie and Merle, tends to overwhelm what is otherwise a very solid album. The remaining songs are not as memorable as "Pancho and Lefty" but all are good and well performed. There are no throwaways here. The entire album is produced in a rather easy going style, as you'll quickly hear with "It's my Lazy Day", which embodies that feeling both musically and lyrically. Willie and Merle's voices also combine better than one would expect.

Despite the fact that SOME uneducated individuals cannot believe that this is a duet by Willie Nelson and MERLE HAGGARD and NOT Waylon Jennings, this is one of the fine works of country music. I grew up listening to this album and sticking it to the old federales just like old Pancho. Merle Haggard at his finest!