Me and the Drummer Album Reviews

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AMG Review

One of country music's true superstars is back with one of his best collections of tunes ever, coupled with an impressive interactive scrapbook, all on one CD. Originally available only on the Internet, the CD's interactive features include interviews with everyone from Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings to George W. Bush. But it is the music here that takes center stage. The songs on Me and the Drummer are a flashback to a simpler time, reminiscent of the Western-flavored tunes featured on his Red Headed Stranger and Tougher Than Leather releases. The lyrics are compelling, Nelson's vocals are as smooth as ever before, and the music provided by the Offenders is Texas cool. They operate on the "less-is-more" principal, and it is the perfect compliment for Nelson's distinct vocal style. "Rainy Day Blues" is a shuffling country-blues with a lot of Nelson's trademark acoustic lead picking, and "I'd Rather You Didn't Love Me" is pure Nelson at his best. From the swing of "I Guess I've Come to Live Here in Your Eyes" to the waltz of "Me and the Drummer," this is Willie Nelson at his honky tonkin' best. ~ Michael B. Smith, All Music Guide