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Cowboy Songs

Michael Martin Murphey

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Album Review

The first of three albums of cowboy material by Michael Martin Murphey, and one of the better modern collections. Murphey approaches his material with both reverence and humor, which makes this disc less serious than many more grimly authentic efforts. For repertory he draws on the songs of Bob Nolan ("Tumbling Tumbleweeds"), Dale Evans ("Happy Trails"), and Ian Tyson ("Cowboy Pride"); traditional songs that were recorded by the likes of Tex Ritter ("I Ride an Old Paint," "Jack o' Diamonds"), Carl T. Sprague ("When the Work's All Done This Fall"), and Powder River Jack and Kitty Lee ("Tying Knots in the Devil's Tail"); a few of a more general nature, such as the gorgeous "Wild Ripplin' Waters"; and a handful of originals, of which the best is "What Am I Doing Here," which acknowledges the spiritual side of cowboy songs. Murphey doesn't imitate any of the singers associated with earlier versions of these songs in terms of delivery or arrangements, but he does try for a rough-hewn authenticity in his singing, laced with a certain amount of humor, which makes it all the more effective. The backing vocals are provided by Sons of the San Joaquin, and by Tammy Wynette, Red Steagall, Suzy Bogguss, Jim Bob Tinsley, Paulette Carson, Cactus Moser, and others. It was this record that led to the founding of the Warner Western label.

Customer Reviews

Gather 'round, Western music fans.

How can I be the first one to write a review about this album? I believe it went gold for MMM about a decade ago and by all rights should be double or triple platinum by now at LEAST. This album represents one of the high water marks in Murphey's ebb-and-flow career. This is the album where he declared his undying love for traditional Western music. He is the champion of this music today and most likely will be until old age forces him to retire from recording and touring. His concerts are religious experiences. I'm going to give you two tracks from this album to listen to if you are open to being converted: First, "The Streets of Laredo". Listening to MMM's version of that song here is the emotional equivalent of watching "No Country for Old Men" on the biggest movie screen in America. It's a dark and amazingly moving story of a song as it's sung by Mr. Murphey here. Second, "Spanish is the Loving Tongue". The most unbelievable thing is that both of these songs are in the public domain. One has to wonder why other more popular artists failed to see the potential of these classics before MMM did. Nevertheless, his rendition of this old, old tune absolutely kills. I've seen him perform it live many times and it never fails to rip me apart. Sometimes, late at night after my kids are in bed, I'll drink wine and listen to this song and cry. It's just so good. GOOD - that's the only word to describe the experience of listening to this recording. There's no other way to put it. The lyric, "She was black, and I was white, like as not it's better so" is so relevant and moving at this point in history it never fails to send teardrops dropping out of the corners of my eyes. And that's just two of the great songs on this album. Buy it - you won't be disappointed.

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!

I agree that this is one of the finest albums you could ever own. No matter your musical taste, if you don't get emotional listening to Spanish Is the Loving Tongue, you must be a stoic. There are so many great songs on this first effort of several that MMM has done. He tells such a wonderful story, keeps the music authentic. His crystal clear tenor voice reminds you of a brisk early autumn Rocky Mountain morning. Truly, when it seems that these troubled days of our economy, the war and bipartisan politics can really drag your soul down into a deep well of blues, give MMM's music a listen. What a shot of fresh air. Bless you MMM for the gift that you provide for so many of us. Young, old, no matter your race, background, etc. this man has soul and depth. We all need a shot of that from time to time.

Cowboy Songs

Michael Martin Murphey's talent, heart and soul is right here for all to experience......don't miss it.......I'm addicted!

Biography

Born: March 14, 1945 in Dallas, TX

Genre: Country

Years Active: '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s, '10s

In many ways, Michael Martin Murphey has the career that Michael Nesmith of the Monkees — with whom Murphey performed early in both of their careers — might have had if he had never been picked for the NBC series. A guitarist/songwriter, Murphey led the country-rock group the Lewis & Clarke Expedition in the mid- to late '60s and had some pop success, and even got one song, "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?," recorded by the Monkees (with Nesmith singing lead, natch). His songs were...
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