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Michael Hurley
Weatherhole (Field)
$16.99

More snock, complete with a band and, as always, some great, quirky songs.

Tracks:
1. Your Old Gear Box (Michael Hurley)
2. Extra Love (Michael Hurley)
3. Beggar's Terms (Michael Hurley)
4. National Weed Grower's Association. (Michael Hurley)
5. Me and Red (Michael Hurley)
6. Rue of Ruby Whores (Michael Hurley)
7. Vanessa (Michael Hurley)
8. Mr. Man in the Moon (W. Wilson & M. Henderson)
9. Lean on Me (W. E. Chappell)
10. Dust off This Old Guitar (Michael Hurley)
11. Rider's Lament (trad., arr. by M. Hurley)
12. Don't Call Me Sam (Michael Hurley)
13. Wildegeeses (Michael Hurley)

How many singer/songwriters have been making records since the 60s that combine quirky, original guitar work, highly effective vocals, and an immediately recognizable writing style? That Michael Hurley has done this while remaining a marginal figure underlines the fact that even folkies are suspicious of real non-conformity. Hurley is certainly a law unto himself. You will never hear him adopt the self-righteous tone of the folksinger pointing out the evils of society, or the self-pity of the modern love songster, for example. Not that he doesn't write love songs, and I suppose "National Weed Growers Association" could be said to contain social commentary, though that's hardly the point. The one quality that is always present, whether the subject is love, pot, the blues, or humorous nonsense, is whimsy. Hurley's penchant for making even sad songs whimsical is as interesting as his ability to make sympathetic characters out of werewolves. The present collection features recordings made in Virginia, Ohio, and New York City, with a revolving cast of supporting musicians. One familiar name is bassist Dave Reisch, who has aided and abetted The Holy Modal Rounders (as well as Hurley) for years. All involved do a good job of fitting in with this slightly off-center music, which moves from blues to country to folk flavorings, to things that can't be described but must be experienced, like the mouth-trumpet choir on "The Rue of Ruby Whores." Hurley is actually a better singer than he was on his early records, and more consistent as a writer. His own inimitable artwork and appropriately tortured notes from writer Nick Tosches grace this new release, which will be sought eagerly by Hurley's fanatic following. - Duck Baker, Dirty Linen