Digitally remastered edition of this 1971 album from the singer/songwriter. Recorded with Jesse Colin Young, Armchair Boogie was Hurley's debut album proper, and the one in which he set out his stall as purveyor of charming, homely, folksy songs. It is, essentially, 14 songs about love and strange things: werewolves ('Werewolf'), institutionalized English gentry ('English Nobleman') and aquatic birds ('Penguin') all appear. Credited to Michael Hurley and pals, Young is among the friends who appear. Largely acoustic, it features little more than the sound of Hurley's guitar and voice and the occasional mouth trumpet. This is the highly sought-after album sounding better than it ever has. It comes with a 36 page facsimile reproduction of the cartoon book drawn by Hurley, who does all his own artwork, this time following the exploits of two hick wolves named Jocko and Boone. It's housed in a deluxe, gatefold, tip-on jacket.
Z**H
sounds great
amazing album, exactly what you would expect from a vinyl. good stuff.
A**Z
Dark and somber to Jovial and fun.
This is by far my favorite album in my collection. There is only one song on it that I don't absolutely love, and it could be enjoyed by people who normally wouldn't like rural blues music. The lo-fi sound and "mock trumpet" are perfect for vinyl and it sounds stunning. I suggest this album to people who like either Folk, Blues, Country, or maybe even Indie. BUY THIS.
S**N
like a quiet visit with an old friend
something so comforting in these sparse songs, like a quiet visit with an old friend. I think this is a love it or hate it album.
D**N
We had the 8 track of this and always enjoyed it. We were thrilled to be able to ...
We had the 8 track of this and always enjoyed it. We were thrilled to be able to get this on CD!
B**L
Michael Hurley underrated American master
One of the best albums ever back in the day. Still holds up today as a folk classic. Every song a gem. Long live the Snockman!!!
J**.
This is an under appreciated classic! "Wash the clothes ...
This is an under appreciated classic! "Wash the clothes Sweedeedee, hang 'em on the line; I can tell by the way you wash those clothes your cooking must be fineā¦" Wow!
L**A
Michael Hurley
Hurley is a brilliant, virtually unknown, artist who should be heard more and more. His music is very unique and very HIM!
J**O
Love
This is one of the greatest albums. Just found out about Michael Hurley by fluke and bought this. Won't disappoint.
A**H
THE GREAT Michael Hurley.
Armchair Boogie is probably the best album by Michael Hurley, which is saying a great deal considering a catalogue of fantastic albums spanning more than 40 years. This album was recorded about 1971, so it has taken since roughly 1985 when CDs were launched to be able to aquire this masterpiece on CD. That is to exclude a few copies that were made available from South Korea. Hurley is unique in vocal style, and guitar style and the thought process he uses in his lyrics and song topics is also unique. All his album sleeves are adorned with his own artwork in a cartoon style, depicting animal and human figures interacting with cars and submarine type vehicles, watertowers etc. Anyone liking pretty raw folk/country blues with humour and surreal imagery should check him out. Although Hurley has always been fairly well connected and has had his champions over the years from the oddball left field artistry of the American music industry, he still remains one of the great undiscovered artists of the last 50years. He is now about 72 now and still tours the US and Europe with occasional dates int he UK, and is a great live experience. Also similarly made available for the first time on CD is the wonderfully titled "Hi Fi Snock Uptown" which was the next release after Armchair Boogie, why not give yourself a double treat. (formeraps)
S**R
Werewolf lives on
The album that introduced the Werewolf song; a classic piece of Americana that belongs in anyone's collection. Worth the price of admission for the Werewolf alone. And it sounds even better on vinyl, of course. Get one if you can!
K**B
Four Stars
Weird and mellow. Look for Jeffrey and the Clamtones, too.
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