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

Gift

I bought this as a gift for my father-in-law as he is fairly interested in the early years of Willie Nelson and he loves the CD!! September 14, 2008

Willie Nelson...The Storyteller.

I think this is my favorite album of Willie's. It's a choice between this and Red Headed Stranger, depending on my mood.
The album is just beautiful. A story of heartbreak,regret,loss,love...of being a human being.
Each song weaves into the next fluidly.
Willie picks,plucks and strums his guitar like it's an extension of his arms. Great playing by the band steel guitar,fiddle,piano,drums all right there with Willie. For those who don't take to C&W music. Give it a listen, you may be pleasantly surprised.
This is the kind of music that makes you think back and reflect on one's life.
This is music from a man rooted in the earth. Rich,true and genuine. A man who's been there, done it and lived to tell the story.
And hey...it's also Merle Haggard's favorite album of Willie's. So that should tell you something. If you don't want my advice than take Merle's.I think you'll be glad you did. September 14, 2008

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 24, 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

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