Influential Albums - Ain't Living Long Like This - Rodney Crowell

In this episode of Ask Zac, we take a deep dive into an absolute masterclass of a record and one of my all-time favorite albums: Rodney Crowell’s 1978 debut, Ain't Livin' Long Like This.

While it wasn't a commercial smash upon its release, this album became a goldmine for the rest of Nashville, yielding huge hits for Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, The Oak Ridge Boys, Alan Jackson, and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

Beyond the world-class songwriting, the record features an incredible all-star lineup of musicians putting their egos aside to serve the song: James Burton, Albert Lee, Ry Cooder, Dr. John (Mac Rebennack), Willie Nelson, Mickey Raphael, Ricky Skaggs, Hal Blaine, Amos Garrett, and Nicolette Larson, all produced by Brian Ahern.

In this video breakdown, I cover:
• Rodney Crowell's early days, Guy Clark mentorship, and time with Emmylou Harris & The Hot Band

• Why Rodney’s dark, sensual original version of "Elvira" is my fave

• James Burton’s legendary Fender Telecaster tone, phase/chorus effects, double-string bends, behind-the-nut bends, and drop-tuning techniques

• The friendly Telecaster guitar duel between James Burton and Albert Lee on "Baby Better Start Burning Them Down"

• Albert Lee’s unique "guitaristic" approach to playing the mandolin

• How tracks like "Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight," "Voila, An American Dream," "Song for the Life," and the title track defined 1970s Outlaw Country and Country Rock


www.truetone.com

To Support the Channel:
Patreon  https://www.patreon.com/AskZac
https://ask-zac-shop.fourthwall.com
Tip jar:  https://paypal.me/AskZac
Venmo @AskZac

#RodneyCrowell #Telecaster #AskZac #CountryGuitar #JamesBurton #OutlawCountry #GuitarTone #AlbertLee #EmmylouHarris

Support the show