You Don't Know Me: The Songs Of Cindy Walker

Country legend Willie Nelson was remarkably prolific in thefirst years of the 21st century, releasing numerous studio and concert albums, which featured intriguing stylistic departures (the reggae-tinged COUNTRYMAN) and a wide array of guest stars (the live OUTLAWS & ANGELS). On 2006's YOU DON'T KNOW ME, Nelson gets back to his roots with an amiable set ofWestern swing tunes all penned (at least in part) by underrated songwriter Cindy Walker, both an old friend of the famously mellow artist and a fellow Texan. Many of Walker's songs were first performed in the 1940s and '50s by the great Bob Wills, and Nelson stays true to that vintage vibe by including weepy pedal-steel lines and prominent background vocals. "Bubbles in My Beer" gently percolates with melancholy, while the lighthearted "Don't Be Ashamed of Your Age" is especially ideal for Nelson, as he was in his early seventies at the time of this record's release. Easily one of Willie's best post-millennium albums, YOU DON'T KNOW M