James Petralli (White Denim) Discusses Stevie Wonder, Music of My Mind

Send us Fan MailL.A.-based singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer James Petralli of White Denim joins Al for this episode to introduce him to Stevie Wonder’s 1972 album Music of My Mind. James talks about the album’s “value system,” and why it appealed to him so much when he first started listening to the record. He also discusses the ways in which Music of My Mind was a departure from Wonder’s previous work and how it foreshadowed his run of critically- and commercially-successful albums in the ‘70s. James talks about White Denim’s new album 13 and explains how the band’s songwriting process works.You can follow James and White Denim in all of the following places:Instagram and Facebook: @whitedenimmusicYouTube: @whitedenimhttps://whitedenimmusic.com/whitedenim.substack.comBe sure to sign up for the YMAAA Newsletter at youmealbum.ghost.io. To keep up with You, Me and An Album, please give the show a follow on Instagram at @youmealbum.1:20 James’ introduction2:00 There will be a second episode where Music of My Mind will be discussed2:44 James explains why he likes the “value system” of Music of My Mind5:38 James and Al talk about how Music of My Mind was a pivotal album for Wonder6:48 James recalls his initial experiences with the album8:53 James appreciates the album’s combination of virtuosity and emotional feel10:23 Al shares what he learned about Bernard Purdie’s involvement with the album, and why he doesn’t appear on it12:16 James talks about some of the album’s great imperfect moments15:59 James discusses similarities he hears with other artists’ work (and a disclaimer)20:13 James explains why Music of My Mind is nostalgic for him23:30 The songs on Music of My Mind were a precursor to Wonder's future hits26:04 James recommends one of Wonder’s albums from the ‘80s30:28 James talks about White Denim’s songwriting processOutro music is from "(God Created) Lock and Key" by White Denim.Support the show