Pancho & Lefty
Duets are tricky, especially when the two people in question are headliners not used to subverting to another. But these two country veterans put together this collection with a love for the music and let their egos get checked at the door. Haggard has always had strong presence, but here he tones down his authority a tad to allow for Nelson's reedy croon to penetrate. Townes Van Zandt's title track became a hit; the sad sack outlaw tale is perfect for two performers who have spent their careers living outside the law. The production by Haggard, Nelson, and Chips Moman is fairly restrained for 1982 country music productions. --Rob O'Connor