Willie Nelson - Phases and Stages

This 1974 album was actually Willie Nelson's second concept effort. He'd chronicled a man's life from cradle to grave on the brilliantly conceived but barely noticed 1972 RCA album Yesterday's Wine. Recorded in Muscle Shoals, Phases and Stages was an album he'd had in his mind since leaving RCA (where he'd first recorded several of the songs). It applied Willie's compositional insights to the emotional roller coaster that accompanies the breakup of a marriage. To achieve this, he melded new original compositions and older ones into a compelling, seamless exploration of emotions ranging from shock to anger to anguish and, finally, healing and acceptance. The first five numbers chronicle the woman's viewpoint. Nelson explores the male perspective on songs 6 through 11 with sympathetic accompaniment throughout from a rhythm section, Johnny Gimble's fiddle, and John Hughey's pedal steel. Despite being his final Atlantic album (the label soon folded its country division), Phases and Stages continued the upward trend in Willie's fortunes, culminating in his definitive concept album, 1975's Red Headed Stranger. --Rich Kienzle Amazon.com essential recording

One of Willie's best efforts. Simply amazing!

Willie Nelson's records have so much meaning to them. Even his compilations have meaning. I rarely see a bad Willie collection. But, his record 'Phases and Stages' is probably one of the best.

Released on Atlantic way back in 1974, the record evolves around Willie's crumbling marriage. There is something about this record that just is really charming. I don't know what it is, but it's one of my favorites.

I like the opening song, 'Washing The Dishes' a whole lot. It's got powerful country vocals as only Willie can sing.

The real highlight for me is either 'Bloody Mary Morning' or 'No Love Around.' This is sort of the pre-'Red Headed Stranger' record. This and 'Shotgun Willie' were among the few releases he made for the Atlantic label. He swapped labels a year later and cut 'Red Headed Stranger' that same year, 1975.

This will take you back awhile. It's like a trip down memory lane. Highly recommended. Truly one of his best records. February 23, 2008

My Phases........

First heard this album when it was released. I thought it struck a great chord, having just exited a disastrous relationship. It helped me get over some of the problems at that time. Must have played it on vinyl everyday for a month. It was a great help.
Good album! March 25, 2006

How About It Willie?

Many feel that Willie wrote the definitive country theme album in Red Headed Stranger. While it is as near a perfect gunslinger saga, ala Marty Robbins, still, Phases & Stages is a seamless story of love and breakup. Willie weaves his tale and juxtaposes the narrative through both partners in the relationship. In addition to being one of the most flawlessly crafted theme album, P&S brings together the deft session man of Muscle Soals famed "FAME STUDIOS" along with long time favorite Johnny Gimble on Fiddle.

True, Willie's tenure at Atlantic Records was somewhat uneven, however P&S stands tall alongside his best works. Remember this was at a crucial stage in Willie's career. He would soon put aside the industry tag of great song writer / good singer and hit the charts with Bloody Mary Morning and Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain, etc. I do long for Willie to revist the Muscle Soals Swampers. I would imagine they'd have a whole lot to say together. I'll be seeing Willie in a few short weeks at the Beacon Theatre in New York (May 17th). Maybe I'll ask him about it then. February 29, 2004

Vintage Willie

"I Still Can't Believe That You're Gone" from this album is a killer and you should own this album just for that one song alone. Apart from the lyrics, which are brief and believable (a Willie trademark), there's the music which never fails to blow me away. I've seem many TABs for this song on the Web, but none captures what Willie does musically after the chorus, to get back to the verse. Willie spent many years as a sideman for some of the greats (and listening to jazz), and it all comes together in those fabulous passing tones he uses at that point. (If you like slow sad songs beautifully arranged, see also Mickey Newbury.) December 14, 2003

25 stars is more like it - Willie's best album ever

This IS Willie's best album ever, period.

It's everything a concept album should be, and it really and truly shows you what a lyrical genius Willie is.

Phases and Stages is an album that I've listened to for over twenty years now, and it is the album that consistently evokes the strongest emotions in me. From tears to joy, aching loneliness to hope for a better tomorrow, this album never fails to move me.

I love Red Headed Stranger, Shotgun Willie, San Antonio Rose, but man oh man oh man, Phases and Stages is his best - and BY FAR.

Get it, listen with your eyes closed, and prepare to be moved. It's simply THAT good. August 4, 2003

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