3. Lee HazlewoodThe N.S.V.I.P.’s

I guess in many ways I feel I know America and country music from Lee Hazlewood (in a slightly warped Lee Hazlewood version, of course). I love the small monologues that begin some of the songs on this album. I think this one is my favourite of his albums, though I feel a bit funny about not mentioning Friday’s Child, Trouble Is A Lonesome Town and Nancy And Lee. The songs are so good. The blend of being grave and earnest and then funny is unique, together with these great cinematic productions and arrangements.