James McMurtry
(Lightning Rod)
Last year, James McMurtry released his devastating indictment of life in the Bush years of America, Just Us Kids. Now, with a new administration in office, he's taken six of the less directly political songs from that record, added two other older cuts, and brought out Live in Europe. It's another chance to notice how in and around the anger about macroscopic events, McMurtry is capable of extraordinary nuance in describing the lives of ordinary people on a microscopic level.
"Hurricane Party" takes place at the intersection of the political and the personal, as McMurtry tells of a man whose life has been blown hard by winds of lost loves and lack of opportunity as much as by the devastating effects of Katrina. "Just Us Kids" itself is the story of men going through a lifetime of fooling themselves about their chances of success, although its also the story of men surviving and staying true to their old friends. And "Ruby and Carlos" is an overwhelming look at two people whose lives have been intertwined but who remain apart for a variety of reasons.
Apart from refocusing songs away from the glare of diatribes against Dick Cheney, Live in Europe offers the distinctive pleasures of a typical James McMurtry show, with his thousand and one guitars of perfect tone, and that impeccable rhythm section of bassist Ronnie Johnson and drummer Darren Hess. More than that, for this European tour, the band is augmented by fellow Austin, TX resident Ian McLagan, former keyboardist of the Faces. As Mac has done time and time again for musicians ranging from Bob Dylan to Billy Bragg, his piano and organ blends deliciously with the rhythm guitar and pumps furiously and inventively when soloing or playing counterpoint to another lead. His presence makes this an essential live recording, as it's something only a lucky few were ever able to hear in person.
The accompanying DVD lets us watch the band on two of the eight songs on the CD, as well as throwing in such McMurtry classics as "Choctaw Bingo," "We Can't Make It Here," and "Too Long in the Wasteland." There's also a sloppy guest appearance by Jon Dee Graham, which makes up in enthusiasm what it lacks in cohesion.
Standout tracks: "Just Us Kids," "Ruby and Carlos" and on DVD, "Choctaw Bingo," "We Can't Make It Here." STEVE PICK
