2006 is a year that has, so far, seen no fewer than 25 officially released Willie Nelson compilations and reissues, but of all of them the handsomely packaged The Complete Altantic Sessions is arguably the best of the bunch. Covering Nelson’s two year stint at Atlantic, this boxed set includes a pair of his most enduring and influential works, as well as a previously unreleased live record.
One thing there is no arguing about is Nelson’s influence in bringing rock into country music and vice versa. After a decade of songwriting, Nelson left the slick environs of Nashville for the much freer atmosphere of Austin, Texas in the late 60’s and — continuing a tradition started by Hank Williams — fostered an outlaw movement that left an indelible mark on both genres and made Willie a star. His Atlantic recordings represent the very best of this work.
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