Listening to James McMurtry on Radio Paradise

I like it. I think this album and his debut were produced by John Mellencamp.

Posted 7 months ago by SchoepTone [ Reply ]

Love me some James McMurtry. I have seen him live 2 times in the same small venue, The Handlebar, in Greenville, SC that unfortunately closed. What a great songwriter and guitarist. He definitely got some talent from his parents. See him if you can. He always has a very tight band.

Posted 7 months ago by tripp1 [ Reply ]

tfioreze wrote:

His Spanish sucks!!!

Maybe, but imo his songwriting excels.

Posted 3 years ago by kingart [ Reply ]

His Spanish sucks!!!

Posted 8 years ago by tfioreze [ Reply ]

When I want Race In My Face I listen to Garland Jeffreys. He wasn't just a visitor. Surprised there's none of him in the rotation. There should be.

Posted 8 years ago by wgsu_1978 [ Reply ]

To no one in particular: perfect pitch and perky lyrics can be found anywhere. This is a real-time telling of a scene by an ARTIST. Please act accordingly. You don't have to like it, but please do respect the ART. That is all.

Posted 8 years ago by toterola [ Reply ]

Does he believe he's the new Lou Reed? :)

Posted 8 years ago by CoYoT51 [ Reply ]

wpost wrote:

"No me gusta nada, yo no quiero ver"... ni oír.

I'm with you on that. I really dislike this song; I think it's because McMurtry sings flat.

Posted 9 years ago by AliGator [ Reply ]

"No me gusta nada, yo no quiero ver"... ni oír.

Posted 9 years ago by wpost [ Reply ]

xkolibuul wrote:

Listen to enough McMurtry, and you will realize this song is dripping with irony. Brilliant artist.

Yeah, except the song is so musically boring. Who cares about the irony if the song sucks?

Posted 9 years ago by leafmold [ Reply ]

James McMurty is very talented and quite brilliant too. Don't let the superficial good ole boy persona fool you. Very underrated by the listeners here.

Posted 9 years ago by luv4music [ Reply ]

ladybinnath wrote:

James McMurtry is about as far as you can get from redneck in the Americana genre. Listen to the lyrics and tell me you can't detect the literacy he surely inherited from dad Larry (you might have heard of *him*), particularly when he switches perspective midway through the song (I'm sure you noticed this). McMurtry writes about heartland America from a particularly ambivalent POV. No songs about red plastic cups for him.

Me, I'm always thrilled to hear James here (or anywhere).

Who?

Posted 9 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

Otomi wrote:

Creo que McMurtry estaba haciendo uso de su fino sentido de ironía en esta canción, como dijo aquí Xkolibuul hace unos tres años, mi estimado amigo.

Thank you!
Since I'm a gringo I had to use the googlator.

I think it's testament to Mr. McMurtry's talent that he raises such ire. I think he is basically an angry person, angry about the racists, the idiots, the cruel. But he keeps it under his hat for fear of ending up in jail. I haven't seen him perform, but many folks say he is, uh, less than friendly. I think he channels his anger into his music, which shows up in the strong reactions it provokes.

Posted 9 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

juanos wrote:

Redneck song! I know RP plays a few of songs I don't like, but this one has touched a nerve... I don't think I will donate, nor listen, again to RP with this kind of song on the playlist!!! my mexican pesos converted in dollars can probably go somewhere SAFER, where no redneck songs are played!
what's next? some Rush Limbaugh?

You don't know much about James McMurtry, do you?

Posted 9 years ago by Imkirok [ Reply ]

juanos wrote:

Redneck song! I know RP plays a few of songs I don't like, but this one has touched a nerve... I don't think I will donate, nor listen, again to RP with this kind of song on the playlist!!! my mexican pesos converted in dollars can probably go somewhere SAFER, where no redneck songs are played!
what's next? some Rush Limbaugh?

Creo que McMurtry estaba haciendo uso de su fino sentido de ironía en esta canción, como dijo aquí Xkolibuul hace unos tres años, mi estimado amigo.

Posted 9 years ago by Otomi [ Reply ]

juanos wrote:

Redneck song! I know RP plays a few of songs I don't like, but this one has touched a nerve... I don't think I will donate, nor listen, again to RP with this kind of song on the playlist!!! my mexican pesos converted in dollars can probably go somewhere SAFER, where no redneck songs are played!
what's next? some Rush Limbaugh?

And today, May 12th, Bill followed with another Los Lobos song--Malaque. No redneck here, imo...if you think about it.

Posted 9 years ago by ScottN [ Reply ]

juanos wrote:

Redneck song! I know RP plays a few of songs I don't like, but this one has touched a nerve... I don't think I will donate, nor listen, again to RP with this kind of song on the playlist!!! my mexican pesos converted in dollars can probably go somewhere SAFER, where no redneck songs are played!
what's next? some Rush Limbaugh?

Guess you have never spent time in Texas. Too laid back to be haters of their southern neighbors. Besides, Texas practically is Mexico. RP will survive without your support.

Posted 9 years ago by flyboy50 [ Reply ]

juanos wrote:

Redneck song! I know RP plays a few of songs I don't like, but this one has touched a nerve... I don't think I will donate, nor listen, again to RP with this kind of song on the playlist!!! my mexican pesos converted in dollars can probably go somewhere SAFER, where no redneck songs are played!
what's next? some Rush Limbaugh?

James McMurtry is about as far as you can get from redneck in the Americana genre. Listen to the lyrics and tell me you can't detect the literacy he surely inherited from dad Larry (you might have heard of *him*), particularly when he switches perspective midway through the song (I'm sure you noticed this). McMurtry writes about heartland America from a particularly ambivalent POV. No songs about red plastic cups for him.

Me, I'm always thrilled to hear James here (or anywhere).

Posted 10 years ago by ladybinnath [ Reply ]

juanos wrote:

Redneck song! I know RP plays a few of songs I don't like, but this one has touched a nerve... I don't think I will donate, nor listen, again to RP with this kind of song on the playlist!!! my mexican pesos converted in dollars can probably go somewhere SAFER, where no redneck songs are played!
what's next? some Rush Limbaugh?

I think you should listen carefully to the lyrics. I don't think the border "rednecks" turn out all that well. Yes, the song is nuanced, but that's McMurtry's gift: making you think about the issue instead of jumping to a rash conclusion. Besides, if Bill were truly endorsing border jingoism, do you really think he'd follow this with Los Lobos' "Good Morning Aztlan?"

Posted 10 years ago by WonderLizard [ Reply ]

juanos wrote:

Redneck song! I know RP plays a few of songs I don't like, but this one has touched a nerve... I don't think I will donate, nor listen, again to RP with this kind of song on the playlist!!! my mexican pesos converted in dollars can probably go somewhere SAFER, where no redneck songs are played!
what's next? some Rush Limbaugh?

I suspect you have missed the point. Not everything should be taken as a literal prescription. Any familiarity with this singers' work should lead you to see that your interpretation is incorrect.

Posted 10 years ago by bam23 [ Reply ]

Redneck song! I know RP plays a few of songs I don't like, but this one has touched a nerve... I don't think I will donate, nor listen, again to RP with this kind of song on the playlist!!! my mexican pesos converted in dollars can probably go somewhere SAFER, where no redneck songs are played!
what's next? some Rush Limbaugh?

Posted 10 years ago by juanos [ Reply ]

Going to see him in a couple weeks, hope this tune is part of the show.

Posted 10 years ago by ColdMiser [ Reply ]

The guitar work is really tasty.

Posted 10 years ago by ziakut [ Reply ]

I love this guy. Thanks, Bill, for introducing him to me. Keep 'em coming.

Posted 10 years ago by timmywilson [ Reply ]

BrightonGuy wrote:

Erm, did Lou Reed and David Byrne have a baby?

My sentiments exactly, lyrics aside.

Posted 10 years ago by merrickw [ Reply ]

cc_rider wrote:

Yes, I am. Sorry I was not more direct.
As mentioned below, this song is really about the bigoted racists who actually believe those stereotypes. I've heard this song many times, and never considered it any other way.

Consider another of his more famous works, 'Choctaw Bingo'. Or 'Levelland'. He writes songs about the people he grew up around: bigoted, small-minded, intolerant racists. People who bled the land dry and ruined it. People who cook meth, go to cockfights, screw their cousins, shoot guns for fun (okay, he got me on that one). He writes songs about people he cannot STAND. This one is no different.

Mr. McMurtry has a regular Wednesday night gig at the Continental Club on South Congress. If he was actually racist he'd've been booted years ago.

Excellent. Well said. Please see my comments at the top of the stream

Posted 10 years ago by claya [ Reply ]

kayakingclark wrote:

Have you ever lived in a third world country or learned another language? I have and do and this song reminds me of some of them. Great tune. The only shocking ignorance is yours.

twrl33 wrote:

Cutting to the chase, this song is shockingly racist. If it's irony in the context of the singers body of work, then play the whole body of work. I know of far too many people who like nothing better than to have these prejudices confirmed.
In a time when the nation is struggling to resolve massive issues of immigration, drug wars, elections, there is nothing funny, clever or entertaining in the insensitivity displayed here.

I strongly urge Radio Paradise to stop playing this "song" or any other similarly questionable in taste or discouraging to "the better angels of our natures."

Satire is a form of comedy anyway, so if it's satire, let Comedy Pandora or whatever play this creep.

As a person born and raised in San Antonio, Texas (the city that the song is referring to). There is no racism in this song. Its stating the facts. Those who can afford it, wealthy Mexicans included buy their homes in the Dominion, Almos Park and Alamo Heights. Poverty "is what it is" regardless of the color of those in poverty. The song is much more about class and poverty than race. And as a Texan, let me assure you, Texans love our Mexican heritage and the people that come north to share our state. Do we devide up into those who have and have not...oh yes. Same as your community. I think James' "tone" and treatment of the subject is a pretty accurate reflection of the culture down here. But please dont take to be that the Texas culture is rasict, that is far form the truth...
twrl33: I do appreciate your sentiment.

Posted 10 years ago by claya [ Reply ]

Erm, did Lou Reed and David Byrne have a baby?

Posted 10 years ago by BrightonGuy [ Reply ]

Have you ever lived in a third world country or learned another language? I have and do and this song reminds me of some of them. Great tune. The only shocking ignorance is yours.

twrl33 wrote:

Cutting to the chase, this song is shockingly racist. If it's irony in the context of the singers body of work, then play the whole body of work. I know of far too many people who like nothing better than to have these prejudices confirmed.
In a time when the nation is struggling to resolve massive issues of immigration, drug wars, elections, there is nothing funny, clever or entertaining in the insensitivity displayed here.

I strongly urge Radio Paradise to stop playing this "song" or any other similarly questionable in taste or discouraging to "the better angels of our natures."

Satire is a form of comedy anyway, so if it's satire, let Comedy Pandora or whatever play this creep.

Posted 10 years ago by kayakingclark [ Reply ]

Ugh.

Posted 10 years ago by leafmold [ Reply ]

Would love to hear "We can't make it here anymore" by Mr. McMurtry

...even if the message is not the most uplifting, sometimes the truth hurts.

Posted 10 years ago by LPCity [ Reply ]

Sorry, Radio Paradise. You can't make me like James McMurtry.

Posted 11 years ago by maryann [ Reply ]

Oh, he sounds so tough. Rubbish.

Posted 11 years ago by goozer321 [ Reply ]

Come on Jimmy, put some feeling into it! Sounds like you're singing karaoke!

Posted 11 years ago by richlister [ Reply ]

twrl33 wrote:

Cutting to the chase, this song is shockingly racist. If it's irony in the context of the singers body of work, then play the whole body of work. I know of far too many people who like nothing better than to have these prejudices confirmed.
In a time when the nation is struggling to resolve massive issues of immigration, drug wars, elections, there is nothing funny, clever or entertaining in the insensitivity displayed here.

I strongly urge Radio Paradise to stop playing this "song" or any other similarly questionable in taste or discouraging to "the better angels of our natures."

Satire is a form of comedy anyway, so if it's satire, let Comedy Pandora or whatever play this creep.

This song exposes cutting racism. It exposes the grit that the American dream is covered in. It hurts, because it's far too real. It isn't comedy, it's a look in the mirror of America.

Posted 11 years ago by oldsaxon [ Reply ]

He brings out the PSD in me.

Posted 11 years ago by dwlangham [ Reply ]

i sure don't see this as racist....... more of a grim reality actually.....now then, where's that bingo parlor?

Posted 11 years ago by DD rabbi_phil [ Reply ]

James McMurtry has written some great lyrics.

Posted 11 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo [ Reply ]

twrl33 wrote:

Cutting to the chase, this song is shockingly racist. If it's irony in the context of the singers body of work, then play the whole body of work. I know of far too many people who like nothing better than to have these prejudices confirmed.
In a time when the nation is struggling to resolve massive issues of immigration, drug wars, elections, there is nothing funny, clever or entertaining in the insensitivity displayed here.

I strongly urge Radio Paradise to stop playing this "song" or any other similarly questionable in taste or discouraging to "the better angels of our natures."

Satire is a form of comedy anyway, so if it's satire, let Comedy Pandora or whatever play this creep.

In comedy and satire, not everybody gets the joke. Sorry you didn't.

And Bill does play other songs by him. Most are equally offensive to someone. See my other post(s) for details.

Posted 11 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

Byronape wrote:

Are you being sarcastic cc_rider? I hope so, otherwise you need to get out more.

Yes, I am. Sorry I was not more direct.
As mentioned below, this song is really about the bigoted racists who actually believe those stereotypes. I've heard this song many times, and never considered it any other way.

Consider another of his more famous works, 'Choctaw Bingo'. Or 'Levelland'. He writes songs about the people he grew up around: bigoted, small-minded, intolerant racists. People who bled the land dry and ruined it. People who cook meth, go to cockfights, screw their cousins, shoot guns for fun (okay, he got me on that one). He writes songs about people he cannot STAND. This one is no different.

Mr. McMurtry has a regular Wednesday night gig at the Continental Club on South Congress. If he was actually racist he'd've been booted years ago.

Posted 11 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

impressive lyrics

Posted 11 years ago by kingart [ Reply ]

I think that this guy can do no wrong..and as a lyricist he was one of the few where I listen intentally as he is such a good story teller.

Posted 11 years ago by Toke [ Reply ]

twrl33 wrote:

Cutting to the chase, this song is shockingly racist. If it's irony in the context of the singers body of work, then play the whole body of work. I know of far too many people who like nothing better than to have these prejudices confirmed.
In a time when the nation is struggling to resolve massive issues of immigration, drug wars, elections, there is nothing funny, clever or entertaining in the insensitivity displayed here.

I strongly urge Radio Paradise to stop playing this "song" or any other similarly questionable in taste or discouraging to "the better angels of our natures."

Satire is a form of comedy anyway, so if it's satire, let Comedy Pandora or whatever play this creep.

The lyrics are describing the fear that one culture has of another and visa-versa. Each side is said to have a fear of the other propagating their own urban myths about the other and that they each deal with that fear in a similar way, by arming themselves or hiring private police if you are the side 'where black gold flows.' Most importantly not venturing out of one's own perceived "Safe Side" perpetuating the misinformation and lack of community. You can insist that things that frighten you should be banned, but that isn't going to help anyone's awareness of such problems or contribute to the dialogue of solving them. I would encourage you to concentrate on the real message of the song, but there is a problem.

I didn't say this in order to elevate this song to the status of a prayer wheel. McMurtry's somewhat passionless arrangement is more of a curse than a blessing, and if this platter is spun too often, fire and brim stone shall surely result. That's enough of a reason not to play it. It has its merits, does anyone know of a good cover version?

Posted 11 years ago by Cleavose [ Reply ]

Cutting to the chase, this song is shockingly racist. If it's irony in the context of the singers body of work, then play the whole body of work. I know of far too many people who like nothing better than to have these prejudices confirmed.
In a time when the nation is struggling to resolve massive issues of immigration, drug wars, elections, there is nothing funny, clever or entertaining in the insensitivity displayed here.

I strongly urge Radio Paradise to stop playing this "song" or any other similarly questionable in taste or discouraging to "the better angels of our natures."

Satire is a form of comedy anyway, so if it's satire, let Comedy Pandora or whatever play this creep.

Posted 11 years ago by twrl33 [ Reply ]

Byronape wrote:

Are you being sarcastic cc_rider? I hope so, otherwise you need to get out more.

Yes, apparently cc_rider has never spent anytime along the border in Texas, New Mexico,
or Arizona.

Posted 11 years ago by drife [ Reply ]

Bobert_ParkCity wrote:

Media loves to dump on Mexico - but for real this song could be about any number of places in the States - virtually any population area, really. Which is what I think he is getting at...

cc_rider wrote:

That's crazy talk.

Are you being sarcastic cc_rider? I hope so, otherwise you need to get out more.

Posted 12 years ago by Byronape [ Reply ]

Bobert_ParkCity wrote:

Media loves to dump on Mexico - but for real this song could be about any number of places in the States - virtually any population area, really. Which is what I think he is getting at...

That's crazy talk.

Posted 12 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

meh. after the clash, this is very ho hum.

Posted 12 years ago by lily34 [ Reply ]

Media loves to dump on Mexico - but for real this song could be about any number of places in the States - virtually any population area, really. Which is what I think he is getting at...

Posted 12 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity [ Reply ]

Just read an article where McMurtry explains that this song is actually ridiculing the anglo (gringo) narrator singing the song. I was surprised at first that a Texan would say anything negative about Mexicans until I read that article. As a former Texan, I love Mexicans and would love to some day live in Mexico.

Posted 12 years ago by terrapin52 [ Reply ]

This is a great song.

Posted 12 years ago by gemtag [ Reply ]

OK, I guess I'd better stay away, 'cause I have no idea what that hole in the floor is for.

Posted 12 years ago by Dgradeworkunit [ Reply ]

I saw James at the Austin airport not too long ago. He and that hat of his don't stray too far from one another, apparently.

Posted 12 years ago by Hannio [ Reply ]

Wasn't it James McMurtry who starred as the father in "My three sons?"

Posted 12 years ago by NatureDeficit [ Reply ]

mauflex wrote:

His voice is very similar to Lou Reed...but his music...PUAH!

Just like he says...NO ME GUSTA NADA!

Ahhh the beauty of music and its total subjectivity! I love this and Lou Reed!

Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph [ Reply ]

Rooney wrote:

Bleh. Even going through my folkie phase, it was bleh....his voice is highly annoying .

I hope you'll get past the voice and actually LISTEN to the damned song (I promise, you won't be compelled to drive ice-picks into your ears.

) Google the lyrics. If all you want is ear-candy, listen to the Go-Go's. Sometimes I love to just listen to a song for the beat, or the melody, or the way it makes me feel when I'm driving or working, and that's cool, I think - as long as it's not the total focus.

It's been a long week today, and I'm really knackered (but I'm tanned and have muscles and my hair is a couple of shades lighter, so it all balances out, right?)

Gotta go - this song just seguéd into "Jessica" by the Allman Brothers. I hate to miss a good set...

Posted 12 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

What a great Song! (TEN)

Posted 13 years ago by frank-peter [ Reply ]

diddelit wrote:

I really love Radio Paradise - but I really don't understand why you insist on playing this song?? I don't know if this guy has made some good songs, but this just plains sucks. If your not able to sing in spanish without an accent, don't!

He is singing in Spanish with a TEXAS accent. That's how it sounds around here. I can understand how his voice might grate though.

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

xkolibuul wrote:

Listen to enough McMurtry, and you will realize this song is dripping with irony. Brilliant artist.

Oh come on. Mr. McMurtry is the original feel-good singalong artist...

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider [ Reply ]

Listen to enough McMurtry, and you will realize this song is dripping with irony. Brilliant artist.

Posted 13 years ago by xkolibuul [ Reply ]

Always thought this song was a great companion to J.J. Cale's "Tijuana".

Posted 13 years ago by drife [ Reply ]

Bleh. Even going through my folkie phase, it was bleh....his voice is highly annoying .

Posted 13 years ago by Rooney [ Reply ]

His voice is very similar to Lou Reed...but his music...PUAH!

Just like he says...NO ME GUSTA NADA!

Posted 13 years ago by mauflex [ Reply ]

Posted 13 years ago by Dahlia_Gumbo [ Reply ]

Businessgypsy wrote:

Me. I can blame them. This is the same logic that says rape victims were "asking for it".

This guy is an amazing song writer, and a great chronicler of our times. Fair guitarist as well. Plenty of people in Texas (and not just in border towns) speak a little remedial Spanish without an accent as a matter of utility - or at least they did when I lived there. Also here in Florida. It's how you conduct everyday business at the grocery and hardware. Seems like the lyric is being sung in character.

Damn straight. I don't care how poor you are, and I don't care what awful things white people assume, there's no reason to prove them right.

Posted 13 years ago by nerakdon [ Reply ]

Businessgypsy wrote:

Me. I can blame them. This is the same logic that says rape victims were "asking for it".

There's a clear distinction between "asking for it" (which no one does) and "carelessly putting oneself in a very dangerous situation". That certainly does not excuse the behavior of criminals, but if you poke a hornets' nest with a stick, don't expect tons of sympathy when you get stung.

Posted 13 years ago by ziggytrix [ Reply ]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I like McMurtry's music! It always seems to conjure images of high desert country, a long, straight stretch of two-lane highway, and a convertible land-yacht with bench seats and an A.M. radio.

Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

As previous posters have mentioned, he sounds a bit like Lou Reed on this one. Fair tune.

Posted 13 years ago by peter_james_bond [ Reply ]

Stop with this crap.

Posted 13 years ago by bugz2020 [ Reply ]

lawman wrote:

Yep - that's what it's about. Who could blame them, when wealth beyond their dreams is constantly flaunted in their faces by our consumer-driven society? And by tourists "just passing through".

Me. I can blame them. This is the same logic that says rape victims were "asking for it".

This guy is an amazing song writer, and a great chronicler of our times. Fair guitarist as well. Plenty of people in Texas (and not just in border towns) speak a little remedial Spanish without an accent as a matter of utility - or at least they did when I lived there. Also here in Florida. It's how you conduct everyday business at the grocery and hardware. Seems like the lyric is being sung in character.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy [ Reply ]

I really love Radio Paradise - but I really don't understand why you insist on playing this song?? I don't know if this guy has made some good songs, but this just plains sucks. If your not able to sing in spanish without an accent, don't!

Posted 14 years ago by diddelit [ Reply ]

Well... I don´t really know what to say... This is just a really really bad song. And why, why!, the spanish??

Posted 14 years ago by diddelit [ Reply ]

The critics like him too, according to his web site; Stephen King cited McMurtry as “the truest, fiercest songwriter of his generation.”

Posted 14 years ago by PFM [ Reply ]

Like this guy's voice. Kinda Zevon-esque.

Posted 14 years ago by CamLwalk [ Reply ]

Aye carumba! This just plain sucks. He may have succeeded in ruining his dad's books for me as well. 1.

Posted 14 years ago by iscoot4peace [ Reply ]

paulmack wrote:

Thanks for sharing - I feel so uplifted. Can I run my musical collection by you so that I know what to keep and what to throw away?

peeness iss soo harddd 2 sp ellll....doo wee shear hour sheep with others are weeeee tone deaf...are we just rear ended....well??/are we?...hmm! I wonder.....nice tune though................. oh!!! this is fer jlind.......by the way? How many Cds have You released since ur conception??...drool base alpha

Posted 14 years ago by cattail321 [ Reply ]

paulmack wrote:

Thanks for sharing - I feel so uplifted. Can I run my musical collection by you so that I know what to keep and what to throw away?

Posted 14 years ago by toterola [ Reply ]

jlind wrote:

I think I could go the rest of my life without hearing this song again, and it would be too soon.

Thanks for sharing - I feel so uplifted. Can I run my musical collection by you so that I know what to keep and what to throw away?

Posted 14 years ago by paulmack [ Reply ]

I think I could go the rest of my life without hearing this song again, and it would be too soon.

Posted 14 years ago by jlind [ Reply ]

tonypf wrote:

Yes, I hear that. However, McMurtry's got his own kind of literate slant to writing that I like.

My favorite in terms of lyrics is "Childish Things" — worth a listen.

Posted 14 years ago by WayUpNorth [ Reply ]

Agree with references to Lou Reed...on uppers, that is. ;) Not bad 6/10.

Posted 14 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL [ Reply ]

toterola wrote:

What he talks about is just a fact of life in a border town. When you live around people that are desperately poor, some S.O.B. is gonna want what you have, and he will hurt/kill you to get it.

Yep - that's what it's about. Who could blame them, when wealth beyond their dreams is constantly flaunted in their faces by our consumer-driven society? And by tourists "just passing through".

Posted 14 years ago by lawman [ Reply ]

You people need to relax. Listen to the music.

Posted 15 years ago by rivermantengo [ Reply ]

Who DOESN'T know this?

bitbanger wrote:

jjbix wrote:

a guy like him goes to mexico for prostitutes and cheap pharma . . .

How do you happen to know this?

Posted 15 years ago by jjbix [ Reply ]

drews wrote:

Is this guy inspired by Lou Reed, by any chance?

I, too, thought it was Lou... albeit an uplifted kind of Lou.

Posted 15 years ago by jammin621 [ Reply ]

jjbix wrote:

a guy like him goes to mexico for prostitutes and cheap pharma . . .

How do you happen to know this?

Posted 15 years ago by bitbanger [ Reply ]

Pyro wrote:

Que es "mota"? choose one, mexican prostitutes, cheap pharma , mary jane . .that's why this dull singer goes to mexico and then bashes it in his songs

Posted 15 years ago by jjbix [ Reply ]

Posted 15 years ago by Excelsior [ Reply ]

marcucho wrote:

Did he said "yo no fumo mota"...haha i bet he does

Que es "mota"?

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro [ Reply ]

toterola wrote:

I really like listening to this old boy.
He and his band play a Hell of a live show, if you get the chance.
And as for James being "xenophobic": his politics are approximately the same as Steve Earle's, which is to say VERY Liberal. What he talks about is just a fact of life in a border town. When you live around people that are desparately poor, some S.O.B. is gonna want what you have, and he will hurt/kill you to get it.

I'm hoping to see him tonight!

Posted 15 years ago by Pyro [ Reply ]

jjbix wrote:

the song is as boring as this guy's delivery . . . .

You just described his entire music catalog.

Posted 15 years ago by Excelsior [ Reply ]

the song is as boring as this guy's delivery . . . .

a guy like him goes to mexico for prostitutes and cheap pharma . . .

Posted 15 years ago by jjbix [ Reply ]

I love his lyrics...his Dad Larry wrote the Brokeback screenplay, last Picture show, Lonesome Dove, Terms of Endearment....genius

Posted 15 years ago by EssexTex [ Reply ]

xviti wrote:

yo no busco nada... nacÃ en San Antonio no me importa nadie. no me gusta nada.

So many people in what's now the United States are comfortably bilingual. That's a GOOD thing! I love the mix of inglÃ©s y espaÃ±ol in this song.

Posted 15 years ago by justin_thyme [ Reply ]

Well said. toterola wrote:

I really like listening to this old boy. He and his band play a Hell of a live show, if you get the chance. And as for James being "xenophobic": his politics are approximately the same as Steve Earle's, which is to say VERY Liberal. What he talks about is just a fact of life in a border town. When you live around people that are desparately poor, some S.O.B. is gonna want what you have, and he will hurt/kill you to get it.

Posted 15 years ago by moonyblue [ Reply ]

yo no busco nada... nacÃ en San Antonio no me importa nadie. no me gusta nada.

Posted 15 years ago by xviti [ Reply ]

Is this guy inspired by Lou Reed, by any chance?

Posted 16 years ago by drews [ Reply ]

Did he said "yo no fumo mota"...haha i bet he does

Posted 16 years ago by marcucho [ Reply ]

I really like listening to this old boy. He and his band play a Hell of a live show, if you get the chance. And as for James being "xenophobic": his politics are approximately the same as Steve Earle's, which is to say VERY Liberal. What he talks about is just a fact of life in a border town. When you live around people that are desparately poor, some S.O.B. is gonna want what you have, and he will hurt/kill you to get it.

Posted 16 years ago by toterola [ Reply ]

Cynaera wrote:

As far as I'm concerned, James McMurtry eclipses his writer-brother by miles.

I don't know if James has a writer-brother, but he does have a writer-father named Larry.

Posted 16 years ago by Hannio [ Reply ]

He's a great writer, but a droning singer

Posted 16 years ago by MCKY [ Reply ]

steeler wrote:

Because of his vocal stylings, all of his songs sounds the same to me.

They do, don't they? I get tired of him real quick.

Posted 16 years ago by Hannio [ Reply ]

jjbix wrote:

don't like it, trying to be too cute with his crappy spanish

mexico bound in two weeks, myself. mazatlan. will probably come back. how's that fence comin' along?lol. hmmmm. is it to keep people in or out?

Posted 16 years ago by ilibjorn [ Reply ]

don't like it, trying to be too cute with his crappy spanish

Posted 16 years ago by jjbix [ Reply ]

Thistle wrote:

No, not at all offensive. Simply singing from a perspective. All good. Catchy too.

Excellent, tell it like it is!

Posted 16 years ago by nigelr [ Reply ]

Having grown up in far S. Texas I can remember everything he sings about in songs like this. Only he's downplaying some of the seedier aspects of P. Negras, Reynosa, and the Boy's Town's that every little city on the "other side" has.

Posted 16 years ago by lwilkinson [ Reply ]

jeff303 wrote:

Xenophobic or tongue-in-cheek... hmm...

you forgot "or Reality"

Posted 16 years ago by crockydile [ Reply ]

wookie wrote:

Lou Reed lite.

Yes, I hear that. However, McMurtry's got his own kind of literate slant to writing that I like.

Posted 16 years ago by tonypf [ Reply ]

Xenophobic or tongue-in-cheek... hmm...

Posted 16 years ago by jeff303 [ Reply ]

biggeorge wrote:

Makes me want to pop the top on a cool tall one.

Makes me want to dance with a cool tall one

Posted 16 years ago by pannaramma [ Reply ]

Lou Reed lite.

Posted 16 years ago by wookie [ Reply ]

I've always loved this song... never really knew who did it.... No me gusta nada! ha!

Posted 16 years ago by Kite_Flyer [ Reply ]

mikedill wrote:

funny... i thought choctaw bingo was his only song!

you just prompted me to click on the "more by this artist link" and i had no idea how many songs of his were on this station.

Posted 16 years ago by ziggytrix [ Reply ]

Because of his vocal stylings, all of his songs sounds the same to me.

Posted 16 years ago by steeler [ Reply ]

Is this the sweet sound of liberal indoctrination I hear or is 2008 just getting closer?

Posted 16 years ago by eclectek [ Reply ]

cool!

Posted 16 years ago by ulibcn [ Reply ]

That one caught my ear too. Sort of had an Allman Brothers flavour to it.

Posted 16 years ago by Nick_Danger [ Reply ]

Welly wrote:

Sounds like a southern David Byrne.

I was thinking maybe a Southern Bruce Cockburn myself.

Posted 16 years ago by slugore [ Reply ]

Sounds like a southern David Byrne.

Posted 16 years ago by Welly [ Reply ]

no likey.

Posted 17 years ago by TimeWaster [ Reply ]