June 6, 2018

Timeless: Hank Williams Tribute

Lost Highway 088 170 239-2

Format: CD, HDCD, Album
Country: US
Released: 2001
Genre: Rock, Blues, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Country, Rock & Roll
[Tracklist]
01 I Can't Get You off of My Mind: Bob Dylan (2:57)
02 Long Gone Lonesome Blues: Sheryl Crow (2:56)
03 I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry: Keb' Mo' (4:01)
04 Your Cheatin' Heart: Beck (3:41)
05 Lost on the River: Mark Knopfler & His Band with Emmylou Harris (3:03)
06 You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave): Tom Petty (3:11)
07 You Win Again: Keith Richards (4:30)
08 Alone and Forsaken: Emmylou Harris with Mark Knopfler & His Band (3:32)
09 I'm a Long Gone Daddy: Hank Williams III (3:37)
10 Lovesick Blues: Cliff Friend / Irving Mills Ryan Adams (3:23)
11 Cold, Cold Heart: Lucinda Williams (5:08)
12 I Dreamed About Mama Last Night: Johnny Cash (3:13)
[Credits]
Producers: Bonnie Garner, Luke Lewis and Mary Martin, Art Directers: Jim Kemp and Luke Lewis, Designner: Craig Allen, Engneers: Hank Williams and Al Willis
[Notes]
Many tribute albums act as secret promotional tools for the individual labels to push some of their lesser-known artists on the coattails of their heavy hitters. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth on Lost Highway's all-star tribute to Hank Williams, Timeless. Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Emmylou Harris, and Keith Richards are among the seasoned performers who offer their heartfelt interpretations of Williams' songs, as well as inspired choices from younger artists, including Beck, Ryan Adams, and the grandson of the man being celebrated, Hank Williams III. The songs themselves range from Sheryl Crow's faithful re-recording of "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" to Beck's stripped-down and quirky collaboration with producer Jon Brion on "Your Cheatin' Heart." While the more traditional country songs are entertaining and well-done, the real strong points are the looser, more raw contributions. Keith Richards' boozy rip through "You Win Again" is as intimate and stumbling as ole Hank on his last nights, and hard-livin' torchbearer Ryan Adams' living-room recording of "Lovesick Blues" resonates with the singer's own youthful weariness. The album ends with Lucinda Williams' (no relation) sparse and chilling "Cold, Cold Heart" and Johnny Cash's tender recitation of "I Dreamed About Mama Last Night." While many tribute collections seem disjointed and disappointing, Timeless pulls together some of the most interesting artists available, and their performances, while varied, all display a passionate devotion to the music of one of country's true legends. (AllMusic Review by Zac Johnson)

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