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.