109. Neil Gust Discusses Nigeria 70, Vol. 1 (Funky Lagos)

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Neil Gust, guitarist, songwriter and vocalist for Portland rock trio No. 2 (and previously of Heatmiser) becomes the first YMAAA guest to discuss a compilation. He introduces Al to Nigeria 70, Vol. 1 (Funky Lagos), and in the process, sparks a discussion about several key Afrobeat artists. Neil also talks about No. 2’s recent touring behind their 2022 album, First Love — his first live performances in more than 20 years.

There are three, three, three! places to follow Neil on Instagram: @neilgust, @___numberdeux___, @heatmiser_archv

Check out No. 2’s Bandcamp page…https://no2music.bandcamp.com/

…and YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@No-oe3yq

1:09 Neil joins the show

2:12 Neil explains why he chose to discuss this compilation

6:24 Al has yet to learn about the featured artists in depth

7:35 Neil’s listening experience for this album was different from his usual album-listening experience

10:33 Neil talks about the importance of Fela Kuti and Tony Allen to Afrobeat

Discussion of other Afrobeat artists

11:55 Blo

13:45 The Funkees/Osibisa

15:16 William Onyeabor

16:03 Neil talks about the Nigerian Civil War and the Lagos music scene that emerged in its aftermath

19:25 Al and Neil talk about the artists who introduced Western audiences to Afrobeat

20:54 The compilation spans a variety of genres

22:02 Neil and Al talk about the brutal misogyny reflected in “Woman Made The Devil”

24:56 Al talks about artists on the album he wants to learn more about

28:30 Segun Bucknor & His Revolution’s “La La La” is a highlight for Neil

31:01“Jeun Ko Ku” was a springboard into Fela Kuti’s music for Neil

33:25 Neil talks about some of Tony Allen’s various projects

37:22 There are a couple of tracks that Neil doesn’t like as much as the others

39:45 It took Al some time to more fully appreciate the compilation

42:39 Neil expects Al will make more connections between Afrobeat and Western rock over time

44:44 Neil talks about the albums he considered discussing but didn’t

46:44 Neil talks about playing live with No. 2 for the first time in more than 20 years

51:52 Will Neil tour again?

53:55 What was Neil’s favorite part of playing live again?

Outro is from “Model of the Universe” by No. 2.

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