Album Review // James McMurtry // The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy

New West Records

4.5 out of 5 stars

By his own doing, James McMurtry's latest album title and backstory rests in the shadow of his celebrated father, yet the mastery of songwriting found on this release is not eclipsed. With a tremendous gift, the younger McMurtry has evolved into the role of mystic. His lyrical characters develop from paper scraps to tell our stories like prophetic tea leaves. He gazes into our minds and souls as easily as a crystal ball. His own lyrical progeny are molded from mud, dope, and memories with McMurtry being both accepting and unforgiving of his disenchanted John and Jane Does. Those familiar with James McMurtry know he unapologetically shares his political views, which wind openly throughout many if not all tracks. McMurtry vocally blends the best of all The Highwaymen (Cash, Jennings, Kristofferson, and Nelson) with rich, smooth hesitation even when sometimes straining just above a whisper. Revisiting producer Don Dixon (R.E.M) maneuvers throttles and brakes, which allows McMurtry's longtime band to rumble along with a Texan-bred roadhouse sound, never letting us forget his skill as a life-long guitarist. Notable tracks: "Pinocchio in Vegas," "Sons of the Second Sons," "Sailing Away," and "Laredo (Small Dark Something)."