Twisted Willie CD

TWISTED WILLIE is a compilation of Willie Nelson songs performed by alternative-rock and country performers.

Includes liner notes by The Reverend Horton Heat, Joe Nick Patoski, Randall Jamail, Krist Novoselic, Best Kissers In The World, Johnny Cash, Kim Thayil, Jerry Cantrell, Mark Lanegan, Supersuckers, Tenderloin, Dave Dederer, L7, Waylon Jennings, Jello Biafra, Gas Huffer, Kelley Deal, John Doe, Mike Moraskey and Jesse Dayton.

Looking at Willie Nelson's Bud-&-BBQ pop-culture image, it's easy to forget the man's long and renowned history (a clean-shaven, suit-wearing Willie once had his own TV show), or his affect on all sorts of strong, independent-minded musicians (he was, after all, the original Outlaw). TWISTED WILLIE tips its hat to the Red-Headed Stranger by bringing out a diverse roster of country and rock's best in order to show his influences on both genres.

The appearence of Nelson's country contemporaries, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash, seems obvious, considering the long-standing respect afforded him in the C&W community. More surprising is the musical back-up from such flannel-wearing luminaries as Nirvana's Krist Novoselic and Soundgarden's Kim Thayil, or the participation of former Dead Kennedys singer Jello Biafra. These unexpected twists more ably showcase Nelson's songwriting diversity and grit, and make TWISTED WILLIE a thoroughly worthwhile tribute album.

Like most tribute albums, Twisted Willie is a decidedly uneven covers collection. This time, Willie Nelson is the subject and the musicians paying tribute are alternative rock stars, including Dinosaur Jr., Mudhoney, and members of Nirvana, Alice in Chains, the Breeders, and Soundgarden. At times, they perform duets with country outlaws Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. Perhaps with such a diverse lineup, it makes sense that the album isn't consistently enjoyable, or even listenable, but it does provide some entertaining tracks for fans of the featured artists, even if it doesn't offer a new perspective on Nelson's catalogue. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

All songs written by Willie Nelson.

Producers: Randall Jamail, Johnny Cash (track 1); Randall Jamail, L7 (track 2); Tenderloin, Ed Rose (track 3); Randall Jamail, Supersuckers, Paul Leary (track 4); Randall Jamail, Mark Lanegan (track 5); Randall Jamail, The Presidents Of The United States Of America (track 6); Jerry Cantrell (track 7); Randall Jamail, Best Kissers In The World (track 8); Randall Jamail, Jello Biafra (track 9); Randall Jamail, Waylon Jennings (track 10); Randall Jamail, The Reverend Horton Heat (track 11); Randall Jamail, Gas Huffer (track 12); Randall Jamail, Steel Pole Bath Tub (track 13); Randall Jamail, Jesse Dayton (track 14); Randall Jamail, X (track 15); Randall Jamail, Kelley Deal (track 16).

Engineers: John Dunleavy (tracks 1, 5, 8, 12); Donnell Cameron (tracks 2, 6, 11, 13-16); Ed Rose (track 3); Stuart Sullivan (track 4); Darrell Peters (track 7); Matt Kelley (track 9); Rodney Good (track 10).Entertainment Weekly (2/2/96, p.59) - "...inspired reworkings from the likes of X, Best Kissers In The World, and Jello Biafra, elevate this well above the usual tribute-album fare." - Rating: A-
Melody Maker (4/13/96, p.38) - "What do you want out of a tribute LP? Mark Lanegan or Jerry Cantrell being respectful to the subject? Or do you prefer Jello Biafra being Jello Biafra?....Whatever your criteria, there's something here of interest."