a r t i s t : Michael Hurley
t i t l e : Weatherhole
d a t e : 1999
l a b e l : Field Recording
g e n r e : Folk
r l s. d a t e : Jun/2006
t r a c k s : 13
b i t r a t e : VBRkbps
s i z e : 60,5 MB
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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
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01-Your Old Gearbox [03:42]
02-Extra Love [03:13]
03-The Beggar's Terms [03:32]
04-Nat'l Weed Grower's Assoc. [03:08]
05-Me and Red [04:24]
06-The Rue Of Ruby Whores [04:21]
07-Vanessa [02:25]
08-Mr. Man In The Moon [03:31]
09-Lean On Me [03:59]
10-Dust Off This Old Guitar [05:20]
11-Rider's Lament [03:45]
12-Don't Call Me Sam [03:43]
13-Wildegeeses [03:59]
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49:02 min