Remember Me, Vol. 1

iTunes Review

As one of the premier popular music stylists of the 20th century (and now the 21st), Willie Nelson enjoys himself here as he revisits his favorite songs. His roots are obviously country music, and he knows his way around the contours of the music’s soul like no one else. His relaxed delivery creates an interesting friction for the quicker tunes, such as the George Jones hit “Why Baby Why,” Hank Snow’s “I’m Movin’ On,” and Hank Williams’ “Roly Poly.” He beautifully crafts Webb Pierce’s “Slowly” into something for the modern era. (The bonus track here is a spirited take on Pierce’s “More and More,” also covered with conviction by Van Morrison on his Pay the Devil release.) Timeless tunes such as Porter Wagoner’s “Satisfied Mind,” Ray Price’s “Release Me,” and his buddy Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” show no signs of age in either their sentiments or in Nelson’s delivery. (We all should sound so strong and alive at age 78.) There’s not a false note here.