Worth the Extra Money
W. F. Staropoli | Essex County, New Jersey, USA | 07/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
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Yes, it's an import and a bit more expensive but it's more than worth it. From an excellent booklet detailing Don's career and some background about Flatlands to a set of thirteen songs which match up with the best that Don's ever done.
A major plus is that Don recorded these tunes with his road band. The result is a tightness and fluidity that's not often found when working with studio musicians. As with any Don Williams recording there are lovely ballads such as "Gulf Shore Line" and "This Side of the Sun" as well as upbeat tunes such as "No Problem". There's even a song with a 1950's feel to it called "I Need You To Want Me".
I've always felt Don was underappreciated as a songwriter. This disc features two songs credited to Don alone - the aforementioned "I Need You To Want Me" and the beautiful "Leaving For the Flatlands". The song "Wash It All Away" was written by Tim Williams, Don's son. Father and son collaborated on "Restless".
And what Don Williams album would be complete without a tune from Bob McDill. McDill's "Shadow Land" opens the album on a high note and it just keeps on getting better. In the thirty years or so I've been a fan of Don Williams, I think it's fair to say that - first song to last - this ranks among the best things he's ever done.
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Track Listings (13) - Disc #1