Tuesday, December 24, 2002
3. "mendocino county line," willie nelson featuring lee ann womack
who knew - who knew?! - that one of 2002's finest country singles would be written by elton's bitch bernie taupin and matchbox 20's bitch matt serletic? nearly every time I spin "mendocino," something else grabs me: the pedal steel and fiddle in the bridge, the swelling string section and owen bradley-esque backing chorus, the magnificent interplay of willie and lee ann's voices. but what it all comes down to are the lyrics, which tell a tremendous tale of the end of a love. it's a classic willie theme, but he hasn't told it like this in at least 20 years. well-chosen duets (i.e. not with julio iglesias), suit willie's craggy-smooth tone well, and lee ann's clear-as-a-bell vocals fit willie like his own shambolic presence. sad yet somehow drenched in uplift, this is an utter triumph for both parties involved, and deservedly won the country music association award for vocal event of the year. that it is.
who knew - who knew?! - that one of 2002's finest country singles would be written by elton's bitch bernie taupin and matchbox 20's bitch matt serletic? nearly every time I spin "mendocino," something else grabs me: the pedal steel and fiddle in the bridge, the swelling string section and owen bradley-esque backing chorus, the magnificent interplay of willie and lee ann's voices. but what it all comes down to are the lyrics, which tell a tremendous tale of the end of a love. it's a classic willie theme, but he hasn't told it like this in at least 20 years. well-chosen duets (i.e. not with julio iglesias), suit willie's craggy-smooth tone well, and lee ann's clear-as-a-bell vocals fit willie like his own shambolic presence. sad yet somehow drenched in uplift, this is an utter triumph for both parties involved, and deservedly won the country music association award for vocal event of the year. that it is.
# posted by Thomas : 9:57 AM
