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

Send us Fan MailThe 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).Be sure to give The Waymores a follow!@thewaymores on Instagram and Threads@TWaymores on Twitter/XWebsite: thewaymores.comAl is on Twitter/X at @almelchiorBB and on Bluesky at @almelchior.bsky.social. This show has accounts on Twitter/X, Threads and Instagram at @youmealbum. Be sure to follow @youmealbum to find out in advance about upcoming guests and featured albums for this podcast.Subscribe for free to You, Me and An Album: The Newsletter and participate in weekly chats about this podcast’s featured albums! https://youmealbum.substack.com/1:21 Kira and Willie join the show2:45 Kira has had to overcome some health challenges recently9:31 Willie and Kira talk about the things that make Red Headed Stranger special13:57 This album was the first one for which Willie Nelson had complete artistic control16:56 Al learned a lot about Willie Nelson’s life and career in preparing for the episode19:20 Willie cites a Willie Nelson cover he actually doesn’t like21:12 Why was Red Headed Stranger such a big hit?27:03 Willie, Kira and Al discuss how reprises enhance the storytelling31:22 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 album42:44 Al found the album surprisingly relaxing44:49 Kira and Willie talk about working with Shel Talmy on their new album53:00 Kira and Willie highlight some of the things they did differently for Greener Pastures1:02:51 One track was particularly tough for Willie to record1:05:50 Kira and Willie discuss their tour plansOutro is from “But I Don’t” by The Waymores.Support the show