84. Levi Weaver Discusses David Bazan, Curse Your Branches

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Levi Weaver, who covers the Texas Rangers for The Athletic, joins Al on this episode to introduce him to the David Bazan (of Pedro the Lion) solo album, Curse Your Branches.  Levi discusses how this album has helped him to navigate the uncertainty that has come with questioning his religious faith, as well as what he loves about the album musically. He also talks about his career as a recording and touring musician, including a period when he was touring as a member of Imogen Heap's band, and how he transitioned into a sportswriting career.

Al mentioned a video in which Imogen Heap talks about gloves she invented that help her to perform live music. It's part of an NPR Tiny Desk Concert performance and very much worth watching. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QtklTXbKUQ

Levi is on Twitter at @ThreeTwoEephus.

Follow Levi’s great Rangers coverage on The Athletic here: https://theathletic.com/author/levi-weaver/

Al is on Twitter at @almelchiorBB, and this show has accounts on Twitter and Instagram at @youmealbum. Be sure to follow @youmealbum to find out in advance about upcoming guests and featured albums for this podcast.

1:11 Levi joins the show

3:19 Levi talks about playing in Imogen Heap’s band

9:06 Levi explains what about Curse Your Branches appeals to him

12:35 Al and Levi were both impressed by the intro to “Hard to Be”

15:09 Levi recounts the first time he listened to Curse Your Branches

19:13 Levi talks about the role the album has played in his “wrestling match” with his faith

25:21 Levi explains how Bazan is making an analogy between addiction and religious faith

27:26 Levi talks about some lyrics that were especially resonant

31:19 Levi helps Al to clarify the meaning of “In Stitches”

37:06 Al and Levi appreciate how well Bazan can perform music at a slow tempo

40:13 Levi picks out some of the musical moments from the album he loves the most

42:01 Levi points out a few more notable moments from the album

47:12 Levi explains why he left music and how he began his sportswriting career

48:56 Levis talks about his life as a touring musician

The outro is from "Apostate" by Levi Weaver.

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