Michael Hurley

Hurley's been on a long journey ever since his two Raccoon solo albums, traveling along
the Canadian-American border in and out of the company of a loose aggregate of musicians
and bands. The collective state of mind of these musicians is best expressed by Hurley's
bittersweet mindscapes, and the hypnotic, richly melodic songs have an appeal that has
won him a small but enthusiastic following. Several songs on this record refer to... More >

Fingers trembling, the oft-cynical critic opened the new LP by the playful, sardonic folkie recluse. Without the Rounders or Jeffrey Fredericks to change paces, there was no way it could be another Have Moicy! (Aw.) But it might be woozy and charming, like Armchair Boogie. (Hey!) Or cute and dull, like Hi-Fi Snock Uptown. (Duh.) Also, the critic might fall asleep before finding out. Four months and many snoozes later, he arrived at a verdict: sardonic, charming, playful, cute, woozy, and only rarely dull. Highly recommended to Have Moicy! cultists. Hitbound: "Hog of the Forsaken." Whoopee. (Grade: B+)