New Light Through Old Windows

• Artist: Merle Haggard
• Rating:
• Release Date: October 10, 2000
• Type: Compilation (best of)
• Genre: Country

Review

Colin Escott's essay in the eight-page booklet accompanying New Light Through Old Windows explains that after Merle Haggard sold his publishing to Sony/ATV/Tree Music, the artist re-recorded "his greatest hits for Tree and over the course of several sessions in 1993, 1994, and 1995, put a new spin on some of the most timeless songs in country music." For those not familiar with the originals, these are smooth and flawless renditions released with the care that compilation producer Paul Williams of House of Hits Productions and Digital Sound and Picture's Bill Lacey are known for. Artists from Skeeter Davis to the Grass Roots and girl group faves the Crystals and the Chiffons have updated their repertoire in this fashion, and no matter where a fan falls in the argument for or against, it's as good a thing to have multiple versions as it is to have multiple formats. Who knows how this will pan out hundreds of years into the future, but to have Merle Haggard actually producing the new versions and singing them with an older and wiser voice and perspective is as essential as any random live recording of a vital artist. Nine originals, one co-write -- the classic "Okie From Muskogee" -- and five cover songs, including a wonderful update of Snuff Garrett and John Durrill's "Misery and Gin," make for an important and enjoyable journey through Haggard's past. ~ Joe Viglione, Rovi

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