While he's doubtless grown tired of the comparison by now, as a songwriter James McMurtry's dominant themes often mirror those of his father, novelist Larry McMurtry. Both father and son are fascinated with the shifting character of the American West (though James rarely invokes the name "Texas," while Larry's obsession with the Lone Star State is well documented), the near constant battle between healthy discipline and Earthly temptations, and the various ways in which greed and bad judgment often win out in the end. ...
Read More
While he's doubtless grown tired of the comparison by now, as a songwriter James McMurtry's dominant themes often mirror those of his father, novelist Larry McMurtry. Both father and son are fascinated with the shifting character of the American West (though James rarely invokes the name "Texas," while Larry's obsession with the Lone Star State is well documented), the near constant battle between healthy discipline and Earthly temptations, and the various ways in which greed and bad judgment often win out in the end. However, unlike his dad, James can write a solid tune along with his strong, pithy words, and he knows how to lay a tough, sinewy guitar line through his songs. While James McMurtry is best known for his first three albums, recorded for Columbia Records between 1989 and 1995, they document an artist who was still finding his feet in the recording studio. In 1997, McMurtry signed a deal with the independent roots music label Sugar Hill, and in many respects the three albums he cut for them -- It Had to Happen, Walk Between the Raindrops, and Saint Mary of the Woods -- are the work of a more seasoned and confident artist (not to mention a more accomplished vocalist), and represent McMurtry's most consistently satisfying work. Best of the Sugar Hill Years skims the cream of his work for the label, pulling a baker's dozen tunes from the three discs, and it's a top-shelf introduction to his work, full of superb tales of people wrestling with their darker angels ("Every Little Bit Counts," "Broken Bed") and callously embracing the failure of their moral compass ("Sixty Acres," "Tired of Walking," "Lobo Town"), concluding with the epochal "Choctaw Bingo," an eight-minute marathon concerning a twisted family reunion dotted with most of the seven deadly sins. Anyone wondering what happened to James McMurtry after his 15 minutes of MTV exposure with "Too Long in the Wasteland" should give this collection a listen, as should anyone who hasn't been exposed to his work so far; it's smart, gutsy, and compelling stuff from a true American voice. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Americana Master Series: Bes to cart. $2.37, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Sugar Hill.
Add this copy of Americana Master Series: Best of the Sugar Hill Years to cart. $3.37, good condition, Sold by GW Spokane Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Spokane, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Sugar Hill.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Condition: GOOD-Disc(s) used with some wear from use. May include minor surface scratches on disc(s), wear to case which could include cracks, scratches, or stickers. Hub and case locks may be broken. Digital codes NOT guaranteed/may be redeemed. All orders ship via UPS Mail Innovations-MAY TAKE UP TO 10 BUSINESS DAYS from first scan to be delivered.
Add this copy of Americana Master Series: Bes to cart. $3.39, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brooklyn Park, MN, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Sugar Hill.
Add this copy of Americana Master Series: Bes to cart. $3.46, fair condition, Sold by Seattle Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Sugar Hill.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fair. All our items include the original disc(s) in the original case. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
Add this copy of Americana Master Series: Best of the Sugar Hill Years to cart. $5.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Sugar Hill.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Americana Master Series: Best of the Sugar Hill Years to cart. $5.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Sugar Hill.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of James McMurtry Americana Master Series: Best of the to cart. $16.38, new condition, Sold by Importcds rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Sunrise, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Sugar Hill.
Add this copy of Americana Master Series: Best of the Sugar Hill Years to cart. $19.14, new condition, Sold by newtownvideo rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from huntingdon valley, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Sugarhill.
