Streets of New York (album) explained
Streets of New York (2006) is the fifth studio album by New York City based singer/songwriter Willie Nile. This is Nile's tribute to the city that gave him international exposure to the music world through the critical eyes and ears of the New York Times.
Background
The album is a tour book of City images; The tourists, the subway, the West Side, Rivington Street, a circus at Washington Square where one meets Bo Diddley, a Broadway night out with Annie, where we encounter a saddened aging actress whose best years are far behind her. A protest and a chilling reminder of the modern dangers we all face in today's world. The album is a portrait of the maze of iron, stone, and people that makes New York so unique, while mocking its opulence; still Nile always finds his way back home to the "Streets of New York".
Critical reception
- Luke Torn of Uncut magazine wrote: "Streets of New York is the New-Normal, post-9/11 album no-one else dared write - epic and prophetic."
- Chosen "Classic American Album" by David Jarman of Americana-UK. Jarman writes; "One of those albums which keeps calling you back – a true classic".[1]
Track listing
- "Welcome to My Head" – 3:22 (W. Nile)
- "Asking Annie Out" – 3:11 (W. Nile, F. Lee)
- "Game of Fools" – 4:10 (W. Nile, F. Lee)
- "Back Home" – 6:24 (W. Nile)
- "The Day I Saw Bo Diddley In Washington Square" – 4:46 (W. Nile, F. Lee)
- "Best Friends Money Can Buy" – 3:17 (W. Nile)
- "Faded Flower of Broadway" – 5:12 (W. Nile, F. Lee)
- "When One Stands" – 4:46 (W. Nile, F. Lee)
- "Whole World With You" – 4:10 (W. Nile)
- "On Some Rainy Day" – 5:10 (W. Nile, F. Lee)
- "Cell Phones Ringing (In The Pockets Of The Dead" – 5:13 (W. Nile)
- "Lonesome Dark-Eyed Beauty" – 5:47 (W. Nile)
- "Police On My Back" – 3:33 (E. Grant)
- "Streets Of New York" – 5:20 (W. Nile)
Personnel
- Willie Nile – guitar, vocals, piano, organ, rhodes
- Andy York – Guitar, Piano, Organ, Mellotron, Tambourine, Backing vocals
- Brad Albetta – Electric & Acoustic Bass
- Rich Pagano – Drums, Percussion, Backing vocals
- Frankie Lee – Drums, Percussion, Congas, Backing vocals
Guest musicians
- Bruce Brody – Hammond B3
- Andy Burton – String box, Organ, Piano
- Larry Campbell – Mandolin, Fiddle, Citttern
- Jakob Dylan – Backing vocals
- Rob Hyman – Hammond B3, Toy piano, Keyboards
- Rami Jaffee – Hammond B3
- Stewart Lerman – Electric Guitar
- Brian Mitchell - Wurlitzer
- Eddy Nystrom – Acoustic Guitar
- Fred Parcels – Tin Whistle, Trombone
- Jeff Tuel - Backing Vocals
Production
- Executive Producer: George Hecksher
- Producers: Willie Nile, Rich Pagano, Andy York, Brad Albetta, Frankie Lee
- Engineering: Brian Fulk, Brad Albetta, Rich Lamb, Rich Pagano, Stewart Lerman, Michael Golub
- Remixing: Rich Pagano, Jamey Staub, Stewart Lerman
- Mastering: Fred Kevorkian
- Cover photo: Jeff Fasano
- Photography: Godis, Jeff Fasano, Luke Noonan, Bourdeau Brothers, Judy Finelly,
- Art Direction: Victoria Collier, Deborah Maniaci
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: Jarman . David . Classic Americana Albums: Willie Nile “Streets of New York” . Americana-UK.com . 25 August 2022.