This compilation collects tracks from Willie Nelson's groundbreaking early-1970s albums, including SHOTGUN WILLIE and PHASES AND STAGES, the latter of which recounts the breakup of a relationship from the points of view of both partners. "Whiskey River" finds Nelson with his outlaw flag flying high, and "Stay All Night" is a relaxed version of the Bob Wills Western swing classic, while PHASES' "Pretend I Never Happened" and "I Still Can't Believe You're Gone" display the artist's songwriting at its most sympathetic and finely nuanced.