In February 1980, “Arista” label released the debut, self-titled Willie Nile album. It was recorded in 1979, at ”Record Plant” in New York City, and was produced by Roy Halee. “Stereo Review” magazine voted it (together with The Clash “London Calling”) “Record of the Year” for 1980.

Personnel:

• Willie Nile– vocals, acoustic and electric guitar, piano
• Clay Barnes – electric guitar, backing vocals
• Peter Hoffman – electric guitar
• Tom Ethridge – bass
• Jay Dee Daugherty– drums, percussion
• Mark Johnson – backing vocals
• Roy Halee – engineer
• Phil Jamtaas – remix
• Greg Calbi – mastering
• Ron Kellum – art direction
• Christine Olympia Rodin – cover photo
• John Noonan, Ron Kellum – photography

Track listing:

All tracks by Willie Nile.

1. Vagabond Moon
2. Dear Lord
3. It’s All Over
4. Across the River
5. She’s So Cold
6. I’m Not Waiting
7. That’s the Reason
8. They’ll Build a Statue of You
9. Old Men Sleeping on the Bowery
10. Behind the Cathedral
11. Sing Me a Song