Boxing Willie

Did somone really wait until 2008 to do an all-encompassing box set of Willie Nelson? Sure, there was a previous box, but it only covered his Columbia Years. So, we finally get One Hell Of A Ride, and at 4 CD's, it surely is. No, not every Willie album gets a nod. You say you're a fan of forgotten Willie like Healing Hands of Time or Tougher than Leather? Sorry, but when you think of all the album's he's done you could put out a 6 or 7 CD box. But 4 CD's covers it pretty good. The first 3 disc's hit the "hit" years, when Willie was still charting on the Country singles charts. By disc 4 the hit's are disappearing, and all that's left for Willie to do is follow his heart: you got your Reggae Willie, Blues Willie, Jazz Instrumental album Willie and Daniel Lanois produced Willie. Oh, and Children's album Willie. In fact disc 4, which will infuriate Willie purists who only like his hard Country, might be the most cohesive disc in the set. As I'm writing this, Willie has no doubt just cut 2 more albums. He's a recording machine, but this Box slows him down just enough for everyone to enjoy him one more time, before he pops out another CD.