Geronimo's Cadillac [Original recording remastered]

Michael Martin Murphey | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 1, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 1972
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Hip-O Select
• ASIN: B000BQOSEM
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #55,096 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Murphey, who is best-known today for his deep-rooted boosterism of cowboy culture, started his recording career with the short-lived Lewis And Clarke Expedition, which cut one album for the Colgems label back in the mid-60s. It was there that his songwriting talent was brought to the attention of labelmate Mike Nesmith, who picked up his "What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?" and cut a version with the Monkees. After Lewis and Clarke folded their tents, Murphey moved from Los Angeles back to his native Texas, at which time he was signed as a solo artist by A&M Records. His first album for the label, Geronimo's Cadillac, wasn't a giant smash (it grazed the lower reaches of the Billboard album chart), but it gained him the notice of his peers. The title track has since been recorded by the likes of Hoyt Axton and Johnny Rivers, and the Kinks' Ray Davies even produced a version of it with Brit singer Claire Hamill. Murphey only recorded a pair of albums for A&M before moving to Epic for his commercial breakout (the song "Wildfire"), but all the elements were in place, even at this early stage, for the singer-songwriter's stardom. The album was produced by Bob Johnston, who gained fame for his work with Simon & Garfunkel, Dylan and Johnny Cash, among others. Select Direct Releases feature original LP artwork reconfigured to an oversized heavy board minijacket wrapped with an iridescent stock, includes a translucent sleeve to protect the CD. Each jacket is gold foil stamped with a limited edition sequential number.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great beginning for Murphey, July 10, 2007

By 

William M. Feagin "music dealer/geek" (Upstate New York, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Geronimo's Cadillac (Audio CD)

I honestly did not know "Geronimo's Cadillac" was his song; I first heard it from Bill Miller on his Spirit Songs: The Best of anthology CD. Now I feel like I want to hear every version I can find to see how they compare to MMM's original. This song earned him an honorary membership in the Sioux Nation for its pointed commentary on the treatment of the Indian.

The album, 12 tracks, is a true classic of country-rock, but unfortunately was ignored in the face of higher-visibility records like the Flying Burrito Brothers' Gilded Palace of Sin, the first two Eagles albums, and Poco's output for Epic (those records eclipsed themselves by other bands and their records). It's a limited edition, just 5000 copies, from Hip-O Select, and the packaging is lovely; a miniature gatefold LP jacket, all of the credits and artwork from the original, and even the CD itself gets an inner sleeve, as well as A&M's label design from the mid '70s. There's really not a bad track on this one, and I highly recommend you pick it up before it goes out of print. (Hip-O Select is Universal's answer to Rhino Handmade, reissuing all sorts of neat recordings that may no longer be available once the limited run is sold out.)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Geronimo's Cadillac is Back!, February 13, 2008

By 

Kathlyn M. Edds (Green Valley, AZ United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Geronimo's Cadillac (Audio CD)

I listened to this "album" practically non-stop in the 70's when I lived in Colorado, spent a lot of time travelling around the State and camping. I knew every song by heart. I searched for many years for this album and was told it was out of print. Undaunted, I continued my search and WOW! I found it! Since I got this music back, my heart sings again. It is early Michael Murphy and just really fun, sweet and a blast to listen to! Favorites are "Geronimo's Cadillac," "Calico Silver," "Michaelangelo," "Crack-Up In Las Cruces," who am I kidding - every song is my favorite. Anyone who things Michael Murphy is just a country western singer, should listen! Especially those of you who love a good folk art tale.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Almost perfect, November 1, 2009

By 

Ink-stained wretch (CO) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Geronimo's Cadillac (Audio CD)

Truly an outstanding collection of tunes from a real wordsmith. The title cut is a ripping, but not bludgeoning, critique of the treatment of American Indians. Natchez Trace quickly lets you know that if you're in a hurry, or have to be somewhere, this album is not for you. This is not good background music, though it would probably work for a party. No, this stuff is "good for the soul" music with evocative lyrics and images and enough good and greasy playing to keep you wanting more throughout.

This guy had something to say, and if this and "Blue Sky Night Thunder" were all he ever did, he could live out his days knowing he filled a hole in the world that wouldn't have been filled without him.

In no particular order, a few morsels:

"They took their land and they won't give it back and they sent Geronimo a Cadillac ... "

"You can hear old Hickory's spirit call ... "

"Being recognized when you're dead might be nice ... "

"He loved to call the Earth his mother ... "

"As the rain ruins my alibi ... "

And my personal favorite:

"You may never see your Wanda Lee again ... "

Hint for the reader: I'm a Lyle Lovett fan. I'd be surprised if this album isn't in Lyle's collection.