Love and Pain (1996)

Not sure what to make of this compilation album. I can’t believe it contains only the second version of “Let My Mind Wander” that I own (the other is on “Me and the Drummer”). The very thin liner notes state only that these nine songs were recorded in Texas in the mid to late 1960s. Not real helpful. This first song is spare and uncluttered, though. “December Day” appears to be the same version that appears on The Ghost (which also has very unhelpful liner notes). The mix is totally different, though, and I think I prefer the mixing on this one. Pretty much solo acoustic. A great example of Willie’s early vocals. I guess this would be the earliest version of this song, several years before the one on “Yesterday’s Wine.” This version of “I Can’t Find the Time” also appears on “The Ghost.” Willie’s theme of time features prominently. “They tell me in time I’ll forget you, but somehow, I can’t find the time.” Sounds like Willie’s Remembrance of Things Past. “You always end up on my mind.” Hmmm. Sounds like “Always on My Mind.” Here’s another song where Willie wants to forget her, but he can’t shake her memory, can’t outrun it or give it the slip. Half the time time slips away from him, and half the time he’s trying to give time the slip. Neither ever works. Very enjoyably spare recording. I’m not sure this is really Willie singing on “I Didn’t Sleep a Wink.” If it is, it is the most unusual vocal performance. Sounds nothing like any of his other recordings. It’s a blues tune, and he must be trying to sound like someone else. Same version is on The Ghost. “You Wouldn’t Cross the Street” also appears on The Ghost. Same with “Suffering in Silence.” I’m seeing a pattern here. I think I’ll just review these tunes when I review The Ghost parts 1, 2, and 3. That is obviously the set people should order, not this one. And yet, the mix for these nine songs may be better on this compilation. “I Feel Sorry for Him” and “You’ll Always Have Someone” and “I Just Don’t Understand” are all on The Ghost. I could swear I’ve listened to and reviewed “I Just Don’t Understand,” but it doesn’t show up in ITUNES or in my archive of blogs. I know I’ve heard the line “Would you mind too much if I don’t understand.” Or something very close to it. After 80+ albums, my memory may be breaking down. I’ll get to the bottom of it eventually. The short of it is, don’t buy this album. Get The Ghost parts 1, 2, and 3.