Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Song of the Week: Willie Nelson - Sad Songs and Waltzes

Sad songs and waltzes aren't selling this year. A simple, yet poignant declaration of a man's depression and frustration. A declaration from a man who wants to sing to the whole world about his cheating, leaving lover. But he has no way to say it other than to put it into a sad little waltz. And they just ain't selling this year.

It's a good thing that I'm not a star/you don't know how lucky you are
Though my record may say it/no one will play it
Because sad songs and waltzes aren't selling this year

This is the type of song that has no noticeable artifact of its recording that would clue the listener in on the recording date. This could have been recorded in the late 50s or the 60s and I would have believed it. But this song was actually recorded in New York in 1973 with Doug Sahm of the Sir Douglas Quintet (a two time SotW spotlighter for A Nice Song and I Don't Want) providing the band for Willie.  Leon Russel was apparently kicking around the studio as well. Enjoy. 

1 comment:

  1. I should add...Cake covered this on their album, Fashion Nugget. Cake has previously gotten some love from us. That article can be found here: http://ontheflip-side.blogspot.com/2011/06/song-of-week-friend-is-four-letter-word.html

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