Merle Haggard: What has Rick Rubin wrought? Of late, all good. The metal and rap visionary resuscitated Johnny
Cash's career with a trio of dark, acoustic album's culminating in last year's Solitary Man.
Now, as if inspired by his contemporary's artistic success, Bakersfield's own Merle Haggard has
produced his first inspired set of songwriting in years with If I Could Only Fly. Rubin has nothing to do with this record, of course, other than to prove that
some of the century's best songwriters still have the juice. Haggard takes his turn by crafting
such immediate classics as the yearning title track destined to be covered by more mortal
interpreters for years, and the unexpected jump and swing of "Honky Tonky Mama." Musically, If
I Could Fly is diverse -- with the sprinkling of organ or horns, moving from twang to stripped
down folk to western swing. The variety in style demonstrates the strength of Haggard as a melody maker. Lyrically, the songs find inspiration the simple wisdom of a parent, in
"I'm Still Your Daddy" and the aching "Proud To Be Your Old Man." There's regret scattered among
the feelings of pride, too, especially on "Wishing All These Old Things Were New." Okay, count me among the bandwagon jumpers, but this album proves that an old
dog can teach new listeners old tricks.
Rating: 8 --Burton Glass
If I Could Only Fly (Anti-)
your
shot
Think you can do better? Email us your pithy comments on the
CDs and shows we
review, and the lists and essays we write.
We'll publish excerpts in future editions...