Willie's 'Red Headed Stranger'

[AustinBadger]

What is the significance of Willie's 'Red Headed Stranger' album?

I am a big Willie fan, have a lot of albums, seen him over 10 times, etc........but I often read that his album 'Red Headed Stranger' is one of the most significant albums in the history of music and I just don't understand why.

I realize it is a concept album and I assume it was revolutionary at the time he put it out but I just don't understand why folks put it on this pedestal. For example, I was reading a review of a 550+ page Bio of Willie coming out this month in TX Monthly and the reviewer bemoaned the fact the author didn't spend more time to discussing this 'historic' album.

Thoughts?

 

[Mr.Wizard]

This album broke him out over the top.

At the time, the era of country music was an antiseptic mess, no creativity.

With his voice, guitar, and songs written by him, the blew the doors off the industry.

 

[MilkmanDan]

Thanks for helping me decide what to listen to this morning.

 

[Hornius Emeritus]

First off, it lit the fuse on the whole "redneck rock" movement that stood as a rebuttal of all that Nashville/Porter Waggoner/The Grand Old Opry stood for.

Second, it was the first "concept" country album.

Third, it ignited Willie's career, which had stagnated during the 1960's.

 

[jmatt]

One of my great disappointments in life.

I turned down free tickets to see him do a live premier performance of that album at the Paramount because I didn't know who Willie Nelson was...

 

[Djibouti, Djibouti]

yeah...as alluded to, C&W was so cheesy with the orchestral arrangements and unnecessary huge group choir vocals and over-polish, etc. RHS is completely devoid of this. it is bare bones...see the single "Blue Eyes Cryin."

I kinda see where you're going with this, but I can't think of another Willie record that I like more. with RHS, I actually prefer the B side with 'remember me,' 'bandera' and the others.

"shotgun willie" is also a bona fide record. I love "song for you" and the early 70's take on "stay all night." "bubbles in my beer" with J Gimble and the chilled out "whiskey river" sure don't suck either. I love the uber chill vibe that is present -- particularly the steel work. wish he wouldn't have gotten away from that.

 

[bluto]

remember me is a damn fine song. might have to dig up that cd and pop it in.

is bonaparte's retreat on that cd as well?

 

[Jakes on Fifth]

It's always been my favorite

 

[Djibouti, Djibouti]

Stardust is a great record...not my fave, but certainly could understand why one could feel that way. it's a unique record -- especially given the time/place of its release. the version of "blue eyes" is excellent.

really...so many great records from the 70's. "the troublemaker" brings it strong in terms of musical presentation. it's been awhile since I've listened to it, but it seems like that record was rather foundational in terms of how Willie was going to bring his live show for the next 30 years. specifically in terms of instrumentation and overall vibe. despite all the religious songs, it really rocks.

"phases and stages" also has some epic tunes and is really packaged well musically. absolutely love "bloody mary morning" -- just some epic lyrics there. "pick up the tempo" is also a classic. but the thing that I really love about this record (and shotgun willie for that matter) is that even the non-hits are great songs. just vintage Willie.

finally, I also love Pretty Paper. while I'm not crazy about every track, the title track, "blue christmas" and "white christmas" are really enjoyable. and I think I really mean that in the context of all the records he put out in that decade -- not just because almost every other x-mas album sucks out loud (Elvis x-mas album not withstanding...). even "christmas blues" has a classic relaxing Willie vibe.