James McMurtry gets quite a bit of the storytelling gene from his father Larry (of "Lonesome Dove" fame), and it shows through on each of his albums. From the John Mellencamp-produced "Too Long in the Wasteland" to the most recent "St. Mary of the Woods," McMurtry fills his albums with drifters, drinkers, lovers, and ne'er-do-wells.
And "Live in Aught-Three" is as good a chance to get a taste of McMurtry's various albums as you're going to get. Pure Texas rock 'n' blues with a Telecaster twang. Think Robert Earl Keen with a little less country and a whole lot more attitude.
Several songs are from McMurtry's last studio album, including "St. Mary of the Woods," "In the Middle," "Red Dress" and "Choctaw Bingo." These songs give a hint at McMurtry's versatility.
"St. Mary" is a paean to a fading rock star, whose "half-sold shows" drive him to drink and retreat to his youth in the title's namesake town (school?).
"In the Middle," on the other hand, is a semi-sarcastic celebration of suburbia, or the semi-rural existence of what passes for suburbia these days.
We got tractor pulls and Red Man chew Corporate relo refugees that need love too
we ain't seen Elvis in a year or two
we got justification for wealth and greed~
Amber waves of grain and bathtub speed
We even got Starbucks
what else you need?
"Red Dress" smolders with the jealousy of a drunken lover who asks "Where'd you get that red dress?"
And "Choctaw Bingo" shows McMurtry pulling out all the tricks in his storytelling bag.
Explaining to his audience that the song is about "the north Texas, Southern Oklahoma Crystal Methamphetamine Industry," McMurtry spins a yarn about a family that heads up to Oklahoma for a family reunion. Along the way, we learn about Uncle Slayton, who was forced to leave Texas under suspicious reasons. And Bob and Mae, who
stopped off in Tushka at that "Pop's Knife and Gun" place
Bought a SKS rifle and a couple a full cases of that steel core ammo
With the berdan primers from some East bloc nation that no longer needs 'em
And a Desert Eagle that's one great big ol' pistol
Article comments
1 - Shark
Bryan, Nice review.
Sadly, McMurtry remains a bit obscure to many people, so I think you're providing an important service here.
(You left out "Where'd You Hide the Body" CD -- which is a special favorite of mine!)
I had the luck & pleasure of seeing J. a few years ago in a tiny little club; he was just what you'd imagine; guitar, bass, drums, tiny little amp, no chit-chat w/the audience: just one great, moving song after another.
I want to reiterate: anyone not familiar w/McMurtry is missing out on a true American music treasure.
2 - Brian
James Mcmurtry is my favorite by far singer/songwriter. I was lucky enough to see both shows in salt lake city, at the zepher club. and was blown away. the band kicked but,and Rocked the roof off the joint.I recomend all of his work,you won't be disapointed.
Brian.