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Candyland | 
 enlarge | Artist: James Mcmurtry
Label: Sbme Special Mkts.
Category: Music
Buy New: $6.99
New (18) Used (6) from $2.84
Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 36088
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 5 x 0.5
MPN: 724501
UPC: 886972450124
EAN: 0886972450124
ASIN: B0012GN07G
Release Date: March 1, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Tracks:
| • | Where's Johnny | | • | Vague Directions | | • | Hands Like Rain | | • | Safeside | | • | Candyland | | • | Don't Waste Away | | • | Good Life | | • | Save Yourself | | • | Storekeeper | | • | Dusty Pages |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 8 more reviews...
 Candy that's not so sweet September 8, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
James McMurtry is one of those rare artists who have been getting progressively better with each album. His stellar debut, Too Long in the Wasteland, was a classic piece of American agitation rock. McMurtry, son of Larry McMurtry, is a literate lyricist with a keen eye for detail and a downbeat look at the inconsistencies of life. But like many superb debut artists, the sophomore album was not quite as good as the debut.
"Candyland" was guided towards a heartland rock sound (likely due to John Mellencamp's production and members of his band on board as players) and in later years, McMurtry has become a terrific folk-singer. The opener, "Where's Johnny" is kind of the anti-"Jack and Diane," so it is easy to see Mellencamp's attraction. (Think of Mellencamp's jaded take on the American Dream that was The Lonesome Jubilee.) McMurtry's laconic drawl helps to drive the irony into "Vague Destination" or "Dusty Pages."
These wry and detailed observations (I love the line about "a quarter tank of Fire Chief") that infiltrate McMurtry's work. The story songs "Storekeeper" and "Good Life" also merit repeat listening. The musicianship is crisp and clean throughout, but again, the songs just aren't quite as good as the debut. As McMurtry moved into independent labels, he maintained his integrity and has some great albums in the last few years. I still recommend "Candyland," but I'd also direct you towards both Just Us Kids and Childish Things (which contains the scathing "We Can't Make It Here Anymore").
Can't go wrong with McMurtry August 29, 2007
You can't go wrong if you like James McMurty. His albums never disappoint. I have gone back and made sure I have all of his stuff, he is an excellent song writer with a haunting voice that is like no other. If you are familar with James McMurtry, you will like this album.
 Right up there with "Wasteland"--you gotta have it July 14, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Together with "Too Long in the Wasteland" this album "Candyland" is just too good to miss.
Fine low key descriptive story telling done by an interesting voice backed by great music. I suppose you could, possibly, maybe, get tired of some of these great songs. In the 17 years since "Wasteland" was released I never have, it remains among my all time music favorites with "Candyland" beside it.
Listen to "Storekeeper" for an example.......it is on a par with "Bullet Holes in the Mailbox".
Music for thinking folks, video that needs no screen!
 Candyland November 13, 2004
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Okay all you out there reviewing this CD, not his best, but it has some songs that resonate. I am shocked that no one mentioned Safe Side. Maybe no one reviewing the CD has lived in San Antonio. He nailed it in a big way. This CD is a little softer than his others, (with the exception of Safe Side), there are ballads, kind of sweet ones. It would not be the first of his CDs in my collection, but to round out all the others it is not at all bad.
The man is a Southwestern Bruce Springsteen. His lyrics are evocative of a part of this country that few artists have written about. Okay, his voice is not what one would call great, but like Springsteen, Dylan, Neil Young and to take it back farther, Woody Guthrie, his unique sound echoes the songs he is singing/writing. Face it, if Celine Dion were singing these songs we would all be hanging our heads over the toilet.
I would strongly recommend his live CD. It gives a bit of insight to the man as well as his music.
A great album - not as good as his first but very good. August 15, 2004
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
It would have been nearly impossible for McMurtry to have topped his album 'Too Long in the Wasteland' but this is a strong follow-up. I listened to the Cassette so many times that it refuses to play any longer - I literally wore it out!
Strong lyrics. Strong music. Makes me get all philosophical as I sing along.
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