James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards - Live in Aught-Three

As fine a live album as you'll find anywhere.

James McMurtry growls out his passionate songs with an emotional power that comes across like an iron-fisted punch to the gut. It's real, it's raw, and it's terse, but oh, man, is it good. McMurtry's intelligent, stark lyrics have been compared to Robert Earl Keen's poetry -- to the point where, at the end of the song "Levelland," McMurtry comments to his audience, "contrary to popular opinion, Robert Earl Keen did NOT write that song, I did" but he says it with good humor. His name may not be a household one, but he's got what it takes and what counts when it comes to making music.

Invoking crisp, clear melodies to bring substance to his extraordinarily visual songs, McMurtry and his band smoke the stage live. Their appreciative audience is very much in evidence, enjoying the sounds with whoops and applause which are not produced out nor muted away, although there are places where it's clear some of the show was cut and we've jumped a few songs ahead in the set. The 7755 running time on the CD is practically all the space a standard disc can hold, but in true showman fashion, McMurtry does leave you wanting more.

There're no weak tracks. There's no wasted space. This is a disc you can listen to, think about, and enjoy endlessly. It's amazing. Do yourself a favor and find James McMurtry. You'll be glad you did.