Recorded live October 30, 1985 and features the song's 'Mama Tried', 'Take Me Back To Tulsa' and 'Okie From Muskogee's Comin Home'. New West. 2006.

Though the perpetually touring Haggard has been known to deliver some perfunctory performances, this 1985 Austin City Limits taping was plainly a delight for artist and audience alike. The recording (also available on DVD) presents Haggard not as a living legend, delivering rote renditions of all the hits that have made him one, but as a vital, creative artist keeping it fresh for himself as well as the faithful. Sure, there are signature hits here, including the early "Mama Tried" (introduced with a lovely verse from "Tulare Dust") and the shimmering "Silver Wings." But performances such as the tender vocal on "Thank You for Keeping My House" and the bittersweet sophistication of "What Am I Gonna Do (With the Rest of My Life)" give even better indication of his expressive depth and subtle mastery. George Jones may be the most emotive country singer alive, but Merle Haggard could well be the most influential, with the conversational phrasing and plainspoken conviction that have made him the gold standard for younger generations of artists. He pays ample tribute to Bob Wills with four selections from the Texas Playboys' songbook, while additionally showcasing his jazzier side with the Dixieland brass that punctuates the opening "Okie from Muskogee's Comin' Home." From the boozy ruminations of "Misery and Gin" through the romantic regret of "Place to Fall Apart," few singers can make feeling bad sound as good as Haggard. Yet the raucous closer of "I Think I'll Just Sit Here and Drink" finds his honky-tonk as raucous as ever. --Don McLeese