Merle Haggard - Roots Volume 1

At the end of the millennium, Merle Haggard abandoned his attempts at radio-ready recordings and instead began producing intimate albums from his home studio. The result was nothing less than a full renaissance for Haggard.

Roots Volume 1 is an unabashed celebration of the music Haggard has carried with him his whole life. Lefty Frizzell, Haggard's first childhood hero and the obvious model for Haggard's singing style, is honored here with stunning covers of five hits.

Haggard dips into the back catalogue of Hank Williams and Hank Thompson for a pair of heartbreakers from each, and rounds out the collection with three originals.

The close-miked, effects-free recording style employed here is a refreshing tonic to the over-processed modern country sound that dominates the airwaves.

• Always Late (With Your Kisses)
• More Than My Old Guitar
• If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time)
• Look What Thoughts Will Do
• My Baby's Just Like Money
• Honky Tonkin'
• Runaway Mama
• I'll Sign My Heart Away
• I've Got A Tender Heart
• The Wild Side Of Life
• Take These Chains From My Heart
• I Want To Be With You Always