Search - James Mcmurtry :: Too Long in the Wasteland

Brought to the attention of Columbia Records by a fluke--John Mellencamp was friends with the artist's father, noted author Larry McMurtry--James McMurtry proved himself more than worthy of a record deal, despite such family and industry connections, with his debut album. He backed up his keen sense for lyrical detail with deft, sturdy musicianship, whether picking through delicate numbers such as "Crazy Wind" and "Song for a Deck Hand's Daughter" or delivering anthemic roots rockers such as "Painting by Numbers" and "I'm Not from Here." With an appropriately desolate, deadpan vocal delivery, McMurtry tells tales of desperate small-town characters, painting a vivid picture of an America that lurks far from the bright lights and big cities. --Peter Blackstock