EPYSODE 58: "Willie Nile", by Willie Nile.
Guest: Willie Nile.
Additional commentary by Uncle Herff.
This week we spotlight the electric, poetic debut of Willie Nile, whose 1980 self-titled album emerged straight from the streets of New York’s post-punk underground and instantly drew comparisons to Dylan, Springsteen, and Lou Reed.
With exclusive commentary from Willie himself, we revisit the making of this cult classic, recorded in the heart of Manhattan during a time when punk grit met folk wisdom. From the raw energy of “Vagabond Moon” to the street-lit soul of “That’s the Reason,” Nile reflects on the scenes and sounds that shaped his early songs.
Discovered by Clive Davis and praised by The Who, this album remains a landmark for fans of literate rock 'n' roll. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or dropping the needle again, this epysode captures the urgency and charm of an artist who’s never stopped chasing truth through song. Spoiler alert: he's still going strong. His newest album may be his best...
I hope you dig "Willie Nile" as much as I do.
- Farmer John
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===LINKS===
Check Willie's website for merch, tour info, newsletters and more:
https://www.willienile.com
===THE MUSIC===
Songs used in this Epysode, in order of appearance. Here's a link to a Spotify playlist for all the tracks featured :
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2sQoDlLmDaWVwdl09nL5k4?si=cb13ab47c0ee49f1
QUILL "Thumbnail Screwdriver"
WILLIE NILE "God Laughs"
WILLIE NILE "Life On Bleecker Street"
BUDDY HOLLY & THE CRICKETS “Peggy Sue”
THE BEATLES “I Want To Hold Your Hand”
THE WHO “Can’t Explain”
TELEVISION “Marquee Moon”
TALKING HEADS “Psycho Killer”
ROBERT PALMER “Addicted To Love”
WILLIE NILE "Vagabond Moon"
WILLIE NILE "Dear Lord"
WILLIE NILE "It's All Over"
WILLIE NILE "Across The River"
THE ROLLING STONES “Shattered”
THE ROLLING STONES “She’s So Cold”
WILLIE NILE "She's So Cold"
PATTI SMITH GROUP “Because The Night”
WILLIE NILE "I'm Not Waiting"
WILLIE NILE "That's The Reason"
WILLIE NILE "They'll Build A Statue Of You"
WILLIE NILE "Old Men Sleeping On The Bowery"
WILLIE NILE "Behind The Cathedral"
WILLIE NILE "Sing Me A Song"
WILLIE NILE “I Like The Way”
WILLIE NILE “Rite Of Spring”
WILLIE NILE “Heaven Help The Lonely”
WILLIE NILE “Streets Of New York”
WILLIE NILE “Children Of Paradise”
WILLIE NILE “An Irish Goodbye”
WILLIE NILE “One Guitar”
??MYSTERY ARTIST?? Tune in next week to find out...
NEWPORT ELECTRIC "Bad Idea"
^^ That's my band. This is shameless self-promotion!!
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