James McMurtry Thread

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jimmyjack
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by jimmyjack »

Is it my laptop or do yall also have the photos smack in the middle of the text? I tried refreshing, no luck. Frustrating!

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Smitty
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Smitty »

jimmyjack wrote:Is it my laptop or do yall also have the photos smack in the middle of the text? I tried refreshing, no luck. Frustrating!
Same for me; I just copied and pasted the text onto Word.
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LBRod
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by LBRod »

The first few lines of each section were blocked by the pictures.
There was plenty of good reading in the rest.
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Clams
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Clams »

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3milelake
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by 3milelake »

James performs Screen Door for Adam Carroll tribute album.

http://www.rollingstone.com/country/new ... um-w435608

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Smitty
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Smitty »

Has anyone else noticed that in almost every interview he's done recently he's basically disowned "Complicated Game", particularly CC Adcock's production? I've read in different pieces him refer to the "shitty fake strings" on Copper Canteen, the"dumb doo wop shit" on She Loves Me and something about the bro country production on Where Am I Gonna Find You Now. Sounds like he might not be working with Adcock anymore.

I also saw where it didn't sell enough to renew the contract with his label (Complicated Game?). There was also a lot of hitching about how vinyl sucks and never should have made a comeback, and about how as an artist it's a birch to deal with because of the lack of pressing plants.

I love James McMurtry.
E quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle.

jr29
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by jr29 »

Smitty wrote:Has anyone else noticed that in almost every interview he's done recently he's basically disowned "Complicated Game", particularly CC Adcock's production? I've read in different pieces him refer to the "shitty fake strings" on Copper Canteen, the"dumb doo wop shit" on She Loves Me and something about the bro country production on Where Am I Gonna Find You Now. Sounds like he might not be working with Adcock anymore.

I also saw where it didn't sell enough to renew the contract with his label (Complicated Game?). There was also a lot of hitching about how vinyl sucks and never should have made a comeback, and about how as an artist it's a birch to deal with because of the lack of pressing plants.

I love James McMurtry.
I've read interviews where he's said that he made this record to sell more tickets at live shows.

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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Iowan »

Smitty wrote:Has anyone else noticed that in almost every interview he's done recently he's basically disowned "Complicated Game", particularly CC Adcock's production? I've read in different pieces him refer to the "shitty fake strings" on Copper Canteen, the"dumb doo wop shit" on She Loves Me and something about the bro country production on Where Am I Gonna Find You Now. Sounds like he might not be working with Adcock anymore.

I also saw where it didn't sell enough to renew the contract with his label (Complicated Game?). There was also a lot of hitching about how vinyl sucks and never should have made a comeback, and about how as an artist it's a birch to deal with because of the lack of pressing plants.

I love James McMurtry.
Seriously? I thought Complicated Game was incredible.

It's not like he had to release it. James gon' James.

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Smitty
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Smitty »

Iowan wrote: Seriously? I thought Complicated Game was incredible.

It's not like he had to release it. James gon' James.
I don't know, an artist of his limited stature investing in making a record kinda does have to release it I guess.

He's made it clear that aside from writing the songs, he had little or nothing to do with the record; he left it to up to Adcock and was disappointed in the results. He's also been very adamant that he only made the record because his crowd numbers started falling off so he needed something to promote.

I adore the record but I do wonder how it would've turned out if he had produced it himself. I wasn't too enamored by the doo-wop flourishes on SLM, although his other grievances don't bother me and overall I think the production was fine, if a bit inconsistent. Some of the songs sound like they came off different albums if that makes sense, but that doesn't seem to be one of his gripes so take it as you will.
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Beebs
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Beebs »

Smitty wrote:He's also been very adamant that he only made the record because his crowd numbers started falling off so he needed something to promote.
I've wondered (worried) about the long hiatus between Just Us Kids and Complicated Game (skipping over Live in Europe for obvious reasons). He was putting out solid albums every two to three years, each with a handful of serious standouts. Then Childish Things in 2005 and Just Us Kids in 2008 were really (IMO) at another level.

Then lots of touring, which is great as I've been able to catch him live 4 or 5 times in the last 5 or so years. Then a live album in '09, which is fine but it was hard to follow up Live in Aught Three. Then six years later a new studio album which was a bit of a departure for him and, as has been noted, seems a bit pieced together. It was a slow grower on me but I've been enjoying it recently.

It's made me worry that he's having trouble artistically or personally and having a tough time making music. Kills me to think of a brilliant guy working so hard for so long and not being able to collect on it.
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StormandStatic
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by StormandStatic »

I do remember the doo wop annoying me, but the rest struck me as great.

Iowan
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Iowan »

I chalked the difference in production feel from one song to the next as a result of an album that came 7 years after it's predecessor and assumed the songs had been recorded over time in various places and pieced together.

"She Loves Me" is probably my least favorite song on the album, and the oooh-wahh vocals never seemed to work, but "fake strings" is about the last thing that I think about when I think of "Copper Canteen"

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Re: James McMurtry Thread

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0BhwLamL_8

I like this song and video but it is about my local beach, so...

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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by jr29 »

blackwll wrote:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0BhwLamL_8

I like this song and video but it is about my local beach, so...
They really turn the boogie level up on that tune when they play it live.

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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Tequila Cowboy »

Here's a great piece juxtaposing the election with McMurtry's songs

Want to Understand Trump's America? Listen to the Songs of James McMurtry
We call him Scooby Do, but Scooby doesn’t do. Scooby, is not involved

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Smitty
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Smitty »

If you haven't grabbed the new McMurtry single "Remembrance", you're missing out.

I guess cocaine and Cuervo and Jesus go together like peas in a pod


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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by blackwll »

Smitty wrote:If you haven't grabbed the new McMurtry single "Remembrance", you're missing out.

I guess cocaine and Cuervo and Jesus go together like peas in a pod


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Clams
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Clams »

The latest acoustic set direct from the McMurtry household

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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by pearlbeer »

I think this is likely the longest time in 10+ yrs since I've seen Mr. McMurtry live. Sigh.
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pearlbeer
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by pearlbeer »

James McMurtry just released a new live EP to benefit the Continental Club.

...funny...just last night I was talking with a few buddies about when we would consider the quarantine over, and my mark is being able to see a show at the Continental Club.


https://continentalclub.bandcamp.com/releases
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Clams
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Clams »

New track:



And new record coming in August. 8-)
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pearlbeer
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by pearlbeer »

I've heard he is returning to his residency at the Continental Club in July, but nothing has been posted yet. Looking forward to some new material.
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Clams
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Clams »

This is a terribly written article but it's got a lot of info about the new record

https://americana-uk.com/interview-jame ... VqHe5uT7fU
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Iowan
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Iowan »

The songs he's dropped so far are fucking excellent. On par with his best work.

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Clams
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Clams »

This is a really excellent piece. Really looking fwd to this record tomorrow.

https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/jam ... Yfv8koZ2B8
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Iowan
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Iowan »

I can't believe we're getting this on the same day as Sturgill.

2021 has been a low-key top shelf music year for my wheel house.

Belk
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Belk »

My copy of this album was delivered yesterday. Threw it on the turntable last night, cracked a few beers and WOW!
It is an incredible album. Big fan of James. He is a true storyteller. Very impressed.

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cortez the killer
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by cortez the killer »

"Canola Fields" is an immediate classic. Top-shelf McMurtry song.

Really digging The Horses and the Hounds after a handful of release-day listens.
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Iowan »

I've worn out "Canola Fields" and "If It Don't Bleed" since their early releases. As I said upthread, as good as anything he's ever done.

"Decent Man", "The Horses & The Hounds", and "Blackberry Winter" have all floored me. I really like "Jackie", "Vaquero", and "Operation Never Mind". "Ft. Walton Wake-Up Call" is fine, and "What's the Matter" doesn't do much for me.

Looking forward to learning every line over the next few months. This will get a lot of play in the grain cart.

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Clams
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Re: James McMurtry Thread

Post by Clams »

cortez the killer wrote:
Fri Aug 20, 2021 3:02 pm
"Canola Fields" is an immediate classic. Top-shelf McMurtry song.

Really digging The Horses and the Hounds after a handful of release-day listens.
Always nice when the old Cortez drops in for a visit!
Everyone needs a friend, everyone needs a fuck

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