The Western New York area has sent many performers to the national spotlight. From Howard Arlen to the Goo Goo Dolls, many have achieved recognition and critical acclaim the world over. Often overlooked is one truly amazing performer and songwriter. His work has been heralded by Bono of U2 ,Lucinda Williams, Lou Reed and Little Steven. His music has always been embraced by critics and loved by a hardcore group of fans. In person, he is humble, unassuming and a true Buffalonian at heart. The man I speak of is our own Prodigal Son, Willie Nile.
    Now after a seven- year wait he has returned with a new CD titled Beautiful Wreck Of The World. The 13-song collection is simply superb.  Each song becomes a mini-masterpiece as Nile and the band (Andy York on guitars, Brad Albetta on bass and Rich Pagano on drums) go from rockers to reflective moods flawlessly.  As did his show at Lafayette Square, the CD opens with “You Gotta be a Buddha (in a place like this) a driving rocker with a cynical view of our blissful  world. Other times he can be introspective on cuts such as “The Man Who Used To Be.” He lends a fine tribute to the late Jeff Buckley a singer-songwriter who was just coming into his own when he died in a drowning accident. The song titled “ On The Road To Calvary (for Jeff Buckley)” is a beautiful song that deserves lots of radio play. Other lyrical treats on the CD are “Bread Alone,” “Every Time The World Turns  Around” and the title cut, “Beautiful Wreck Of The World” as Nile manages to mention everyone from the Queen of England, MTV, Jennifer Lopez and Madonna.
     The CD closes with the song “Tiorunda Surprise.” Tiorunda is a housing project in Cheektowaga, NY and can be seen from the 33 Expressway between Harlem Road and the Thruway exchange. The song is about a girl living in the projects who dreams of a better life. Having lived near Tiorunda growing up and knowing what an ugly, depressing place it is, Nile is able to convey both the hope and desperation of many who live there. This achingly beautiful song is a tour de force piece and a great conclusion to the disc.
     The next time you’re in a record store skip the Top 40 hits and treat yourself to a truly remarkable CD from one of Buffalo’s very best, Willie Nile. The CD can also be obtained at http://www.willienile.com