Music Monday: Willie Nile.
I discovered Buffalo, NY's Willie Nile when a track of his called "Best Friends Money can Buy" appeared on a Paste Magazine compilation a few years ago. I liked the jangle, the crisp, singalong chorus, the falling-water harmonies backed by a scruffed-boot guitar. He reminded me very much of Marshall Crenshaw, another singer/songwriter I like a great deal. Both seem heavily influenced by the Byrds (choral harmonies, crystalline melodies) but have also spent some time with music by black people. The vocals here are a shouty gospel instead of technical perfect college a capella band.
Nile (real name Robert Anthony Noonan) is a slow but consistant musican, releasing seven studio albums since his debut in 1980. That self-titled debut is apparently caught up in some record label shenanigans since its both the most highly regarded of Nile's work and not available digitally anywhere.
Since I already own it on vinyl, I just torrented the thing. I give you permission to do the same.
In the meantime (or before your conscience kicks in) I'd go to YouTube and give the leadoff track "Vagabond Moon" a listen. It'll give you a sense of what the man can do and if you can flow with it. If so, I'd jump straight to his 2004 album "Beautiful Wreck of the World," which is available just about anywhere your mouse will take you.