WILLIE NELSON - RED HEADED STRANGER (180g LP)

Willie Nelson Red Headed Stranger on 180g LP from Impex

Cut from the Original Analog Master Tapes by George Marino at Sterling Sound: Best-Sounding Version You'll Hear

1975 Conceptual Outlaw Country Record Made Nelson a Mainstream Star and Folk Hero

Nelson's Columbia Records Debut Ranks #184 on Rolling Stone List of 500 Greatest Albums of All-Time

In 1975, Willie Nelson just signed to Columbia Records and was granted an artistic freedom he'd never before enjoyed in his career. Feeling empowered, Nelson began writing, and soon developed what would become the storyline for his breakthrough record, Red Headed Stranger. A story of murder and infidelity, spun amidst stripped-down arrangements that highly contrasted with the slick, puffed-up music being churned out on Nashville's increasingly plastic assembly line, the LP helped launch the outlaw country music and Nelson's mainstream star, crossing over country boundaries into popular tastes. There's no wonder why it ranks as one of Nelson's most successful efforts and is named by Rolling Stone as the 184th Greatest Album of All-Time.

Sure, dark images are nothing new in country music, but concept albums were extremely uncommon until Willie Nelson made them seem natural. Following his brilliant Phases And Stages and extremely popular Stardust, The Red Headed Stranger, remains a startlingly original concept album. Although the title tune had already been recorded by Eddy Arnold and released on the RCA LP There Hangs A Tale, it was Nelson who would take the song to a much higher level by recording an entire album of songs around the tragic story of the Red Headed Stranger. The album is a stunning mix of original and classic songs. Highlights include heartfelt interpretations of “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain,” “Time Of The Preacher,” and Hank Cochran’s “Can I Sleep In Your Arms.” 

Musically, The Red Headed Stranger also features Nelson's band, Family, featuring his sister Bobbie on piano, Jody Payne on guitar and mandolin, the impeccable harmonica of Mickey Raphael, and the ever-flawless Billy English on drums. 

Cut from the original analog master tapes by George Marino at Sterling Sound, the sound of the new Impex 180g LP is the the new reference for clarity, realism, and above all, the sound of Willie Nelson’s incredible voice. You've got to get this one. The music, the sound, the presentation: It's all here.

Willie Nelson Red Headed Stranger Track Listing:

1.  Time of the Preacher
2.  I Couldn't Believe It Was True
3.  Time of the Preacher (Theme)
4.  Medley: Blue Rock Montana/Red Headed Stranger
5.  Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
6.  Red Headed Stranger
7.  Time of the Preacher (Theme)
8.  Just As I Am
9.  Denver
10. O'er the Waves
11. Down Yonder
12. Can I Sleep in Your Arms?
13. Remember Me (When the Candlelights Are Gleaming)
14. Hands on the Wheel
15. Bandera