Willie Nelson is now in his 7th decade as a songwriter, performer, and recording artist, but one of his most underrated talents is interpreting songs. Throughout his career, he has taken on songs from around the world, making each one his own. Today, for his 76th studio album and 153rd album overall, as he celebrates his 91st birthday, Willie turns his gaze toward a collection of songs from rock legends, idiosyncratic singer-songwriters, alternative rock heroes, and indie folk artists. The result is a beautifully cohesive reflection on loss, love, and world-weary hope, perfectly complemented by sparse, haunting musical production. Produced and lovingly curated by his son Micah Nelson, "Last Leaf On the Tree" sees Willie covering songs ranging from melancholic indie rock (Beck), psychedelic alt-pop (The Flaming Lips), and punk-tinged folk (Sunny War, Micah's Particle Kid) to stirring soul-jazz (Nina Simone) and lesser-known gems from legends like Tom Waits, Neil Young, Keith Richards, and Warren Zevon. Additionally, the album features new versions of one of Willie's oldest songs ("The Ghost" from 1962) as well as a new song written with Micah ("The Color of Sound") that joins Willie's collection of zen-infused classics. In addition to producing, Micah Nelson plays numerous instruments and even designed the album cover. He is joined by a host of famous musicians as well as guests from legendary producer and musician Daniel Lanois, John Densmore of the Doors, and harmonica master Mickey Raphael, who has played alongside Willie for over 50 years.
Amazon
eBay
Rare Vinyl
