Vinyl plays nicely (play-graded). Cover looks great, a few creases near edges on back; light scuffing and some surface "bubbles" (front/back); discoloration with darker spots on back. Inner-sleeve is original (generic white). Spine is easy-to-read with mild wear. Little shelf-wear along top/bottom-edge and corners. Opening is crisp with signs of light use and divots. 80s pressing with blue label and barcode on back. (Not a cut-out.)
Arriving after the superb Bob Wills salute Tribute to the Best Damn Fiddle Player in the World, 1971's Hag was Merle Haggard's first collection of largely original songs in two years, since 1969's Portrait. Since that album, Haggard experienced great success with Okie from Muskogee, which launched two quick live albums, plus an instrumental album by the Strangers, before the labor of love of the Wills album. Perhaps Haggard had a great stock of songs saved up during those two years, because Hag is one of his absolute best albums -- which means a lot, because he recorded no shortage of great records. It became his fifth album to top the Billboard country album charts. It also reached No. 66 on the pop albums chart. Three Singles each reached No. 3 on the country chart: Jesus, Take a Hold, Soldier's Last Letter, I Can't Be Myself.