Hank Williams' continuing legacy
Sunday, September 23, 2001
Various Artists, "Timeless," (Lost Highway/Universal). 3 1/2 stars.

He had experienced barely five years of fame when he died on Jan. 1, 1953 at the age of 29, in the back seat of his Cadillac.

But Hank Williams left a legacy that changed the shape of country, folk, rock and nearly every other style of music that's been heard since his passing.

Still revered in songwriting circles, Williams is the subject of a new tribute album, featuring an A-list cast of contributors.

The disc is highlighted by Bob Dylan's honky-tonk take of "I Can't Get You Off Of My Mind." Dylan, who's just released a new album of his own, seems to be everywhere of late. But this is a standout companion piece that fits nicely alongside his contribution to an upcoming tribute to Sun Records, which is due out in October.

Keith Richards, Dylan's choirboy partner from his infamous appearance at Live Aid, is here as well, warbling his whiskey-ravaged voice through "You Win Again." It's raw and ragged, but it's also got an undeniable charm that Rolling Stones' fans will love.

Emmylou Harris and Mark Knopfler combine on two lesser-known Williams' songs, "Lost on the River," and "Alone and Forsaken," while Sheryl Crow turns in a wonderfully-sung, steel-edged "Long Gone Lonesome Blues." The album also offers a twangin' take of "You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)," by Tom Petty, and Lucinda Williams' creaky but captivating "Cold, Cold Heart."

While dominated by veterans, "Timeless" also features a few relative newcomers in Beck ("Your Cheatin' Heart"), Ryan Adams ("Lovesick Blues") and Keb' Mo' who adds an appropriately bluesy flavor to "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry." Williams' grandson, Hank Williams III is here as well, with a retro-country hillbilly run through "I'm a Long Gone Daddy."

The disc closes with a poignant, primarily spoken-word version of "I Dreamed About Mama Last Night," by the obviously aging, but ever charismatic Johnny Cash.