Walk Between the Raindrops

James McMurtry | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 18, 1998)
• Original Release Date: August 18, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sugarhill
• ASIN: B000009Q04
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #84,612 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #64 in Music > Indie Music > Pop > Singer-Songwriters
  • #76 in Music > Indie Music > Folk > Folk Rock

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The son of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Larry McMurtry and the musical brethren of Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt (whose "Rex's Blues" is suitably covered here), James McMurtry spits out curt one-liners in a flat deadpan that dissolves in uneasy silence. Produced by Lloyd Maines, who contributes Dobro, pedal steel, and mandolin, Walk Through the Raindrops is quieter in tone than McMurtry's major label releases. The rustic arrangements make the lyrics just that much more folksy. "Tired of Walking" and "Airline Agent" are as close to topical songwriting as he's come, while a verse like "Every little bit counts/Though it may not count for much /They could be long forgotten /By the time you add ‘em up" is a fine example of the existentialist frontier McMurtry's so fond of probing. --Rob O'Connor

No Depression

In a welcome move, McMurtry varies his mood and shakes up the pacing some on this new album. The title track, for example, is a simple, heartfelt song of advice from a father to a teenager, which reveals a warmer, less cynical side of the artist.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad -- but not among McMurty's best., April 22, 2000

By 

Brian D. Rubendall (Oakton, VA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Walk Between the Raindrops (Audio CD)

After the twin classics "Where'd You Hide the Body," and "It Had to Happen," (his two best albums), his fifth album is a bit of a letdown. In fact, the best song, "Rex's Blues," is a cover of a old Townes Van Zant tune. Songs like "I Only Want to Talk to You," and "Every Little Bit Counts," are good, but only hint at the lyrical power of which McMurtry is capable. If you are looking to introduce yourself to his music, start with the previous two albums I mentioned and hear this fine artist at his best.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Snapshots of Life, May 30, 2002

By 

J. R. Smith (Merigold, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Walk Between the Raindrops (Audio CD)

This is one excellent album. McMurtry's lyrics show us a number of different takes on life, some funny, some sad. You will relate to some or all of them. If you've ever had a knock-down drag-out with a significant other, then the lines: "tire marks on the pavement where you spun out of the drive, hound dog in the corner looking glad to be alive" will certainly ring true.

Social commentaries "Tired of Walking" and "Racing to the Red Light" also will hit a nerve with you. And, to me, "Soda & Salt" and "Airline Agent" are hilarious.

So, McMurtry can write some lyrics. He backs them up with great music. I don't know bats about music, but like the Supreme Court I know it when I see it. Two things:

1. I painted the entire inside of my house to this CD and two others of his (Wasteland, Where'd you Hide the Body) - you really can put this one and the others on and just leave them on.

2. Friends of mine come over and I have this over the outdoor speakers. Next thing I know I'm having to order anywhere from one to all five of McMurtry's CD's for them. I'm doing it again tonight. That should tell you something. I don't know if we can get him to come play a town of 600 but it would be a big turnout.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Listened to it 20 times the 1st week I owned it, September 3, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Walk Between the Raindrops (Audio CD)

Something about this CD just captivates me. I heard it playing in a music store the day it came out. The volume was cranked up loud, and I got sucked in to the frustration and resolution of "Every Little Bit Counts." I've been a fan of McMurtry's for several years, but this is my favorite album of his. Check out the title track, "Soda and Salt," for a glimpse into the teenage mind. Listen to the longing in "I Only Want to Talk to You." You won't be disappointed.