McMurtry lives in Austin. His daddy is Larry McMurtry, the great novelist. He wrote a bunch of stuff that you have probably never read. Illiterate bastards. The most well known was probably Lonesome Dove. The book is a lot better than the movie. Why am I going on and on about Larry McMurtry when this review is supposed to be about James? Well if you'll shut up for a minute, I'll tell you. 

I told you all of that to tell you all of this. James McMurtry inherited his daddy's awesome storytelling ability. His voice ain't for everybody, but his playing and songwriting more than make up for whatever perceived vocal weaknesses there are. "Fast As I Can" has the best line I have heard in a song in a long, long time.. "He was a drinking man with a guitar problem." Damn, I know a lot of people like that. In fact I look at one in the mirror ever morning. That's the appeal of McMurtry, his ability to chronicle small town life and to get inside your head.

I have no idea how to describe his "sound". Basic roots is the closest I can come. It's kind of countryish. It's kind of rockish. he has lots of soul, but it's not a soul record. It's real funky in places. It's stories set to music. "Airline Agent" is a country blues/rap that documents the fact that a '52 Tele and long hair will get you mistaken for a terrorist in some circles. "Racing To The Red Light" is a funky number about a guitar and a little bit of hope being a dangerous thing.

This disc is Sugar Hills best selling album of the year. It's been grabbed up by radio, and the word is out on the street. Get it. And remember to walk between the raindrops and stay alive inside.