130. Willie Heath Neal and Kira Annalise of The Waymores Discuss Willie Nelson, Red Headed Stranger (see show notes for TW)

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The Atlanta-based country music duo The Waymores makes a return appearance on YMAAA, and this time, Willie Heath Neal and Kira Annalise introduce Al to Willie Nelson’s 1975 breakthrough album, Red Headed Stranger. Willie and Kira talk about the album’s importance to them musically and personally, the concept behind the album and the aspects of the performance and production that they particularly enjoy. They also discuss their just-released album, Greener Pastures, which was produced by the legendary Shel Talmy (The Who, The Kinks).

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1:21 Kira and Willie join the show

2:45 Kira has had to overcome some health challenges recently

9:31 Willie and Kira talk about the things that make Red Headed Stranger special

13:57 This album was the first one for which Willie Nelson had complete artistic control

16:56 Al learned a lot about Willie Nelson’s life and career in preparing for the episode

19:20 Willie cites a Willie Nelson cover he actually doesn’t like

21:12 Why was Red Headed Stranger such a big hit?

27:03 Willie, Kira and Al discuss how reprises enhance the storytelling

31:22 Does the story’s action move fast or slow?

33:25 Red Headed Stranger opened Willie up to concept albums (TW // reference to suicide)

39:00 Kira and Willie appreciate Willie Nelson’s choice of covers for the album

42:44 Al found the album surprisingly relaxing

44:49 Kira and Willie talk about working with Shel Talmy on their new album

53:00 Kira and Willie highlight some of the things they did differently for Greener Pastures

1:02:51 One track was particularly tough for Willie to record

1:05:50 Kira and Willie discuss their tour plans

Outro is from “But I Don’t” by The Waymores.

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