In February of 2009, Phosphorescent released To Willie, an eleven track album of Willie Nelson covers. Personally, the album came as a surprise, a spectacular surprise. Previously, Phosphorescent was most recognizable to me as the artist delivering eerily, woeful songs such as "Cocaine Lights" and "Wolves," both from 2007's Pride. On To Willie, Matthew Houck, who prefers to record under his pseudonym, teamed up with a terrific cast of musicians to deliver his rendition of classic Nelson tales of heartache and carousing with a melodic vocals and genuine spirit. The album serves both as an enthusiastic tribute to Nelson and as a showcase for Houck's talents.
Here's To Taking It Easy, released earlier this year, again illustrates the profound impact that artists such as Nelson had upon Phosphorescent and his backing band. It is the perfect sequel in that Phosphorescent exhibits, fortified by lasting these influences, tremendous adeptness at crafting tracks that drip with the tradition of artists like Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings. "It's Hard to be Humble (When You're From Alabama)" demonstrates a laid back, boastful appreciation for southern life, while tempestuous trials of love are detailed in "Tell Me Baby (Have You Had Enough)" and the tragic "Mermaid Parade."
The album as a whole is endowed with a mellow atmosphere, through guitar licks that are neither sloppy nor pretentious, but sing out smoothly, almost casually. Phosphorescent's backing band reinforces these tones, and it is testament to this group of musicians who perform so tightly, yet manage such a laid-back style. I may have left Here's To Taking It Easy off my top albums of the year, part one. However, that is because I felt I had not listened to enough, until the past week or so. I regret that I let so much time pass before I gave this album the listening attention it deserves.
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