He just might be the nicest man in the worlds of music and literature...

The multi-talented Willy Vlautin was this week's Back to Mine guest.

He popped in to studio to talk about his newest and fourth novel 'The Free' and what inspired him to write it.  He told us about life in Portland, Oregon and played some of the best Back to Mine music we've had yet.  

You can read about and listen to his musical choices below.

Listen to the full interview with Willy here.

Willy's new novel The Free is available in all good book stores now.

Willy's first track was Candi Staton's Mr & Mrs Untrue.  Candi Staton is probably best known for hits like Stand By Your Man and Young Hearts Run Free, but Willy talked about how much he loves her first two albums I'm Just a Prisoner (1970) and Stand By Your Man (1971)

Next up, Willy chose a magical track by Jack Teagarden, Don't Smoke in Bed.  Willy said that when his life is falling apart he'll always goes back to three musicians; Willy Nelson, Tom Waits or Jack Teagarden.  

We love this track. See what you think.

Next Willy played Opening Act by The Drive By Truckers. Willy spoke about his friendship with Patterson Hood of the band, and explained why he thinks The Drive By Truckers are the best storytellers in rock music.

Willy's final piece of music was The Oil Rigs at Night by his new project The Delines.  It's a beautiful track but unfortunately we can't share it here - you'll have to wait for the album in May.  The Delines features Willy on guitar and songwriting duties, along with Amy Boone (Damnations), Sean Oldham (Richmond Fontaine), Jenny Conlee (Decemberists) and friends.  

You can keep up to speed on what the Delines are up to by following them on Facebook here.

Have a listen to another track from the album called I Won't Slip Up.

Back To Mine - every Tuesday from 10pm on The Tom Dunne Show on Newstalk