Staff Picks Blog

I get a particular pleasure from hearing an old, familiar song given new life, so I was completely charmed when I took a listen to Cowboy Songs, a collection of contemporary and traditional cowboy songs sung by Michael Martin Murphey. His honest, easygoing approach is perfectly suited to the material. I don’t listen to much country music, but Murphey’s heartfelt interpretations of old standards like Home on the Range, Tumbling Tumbleweeds, The Streets of Laredo, and The Red River Valley soon had me channeling my inner cowboy. His rendition of the mournful O Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie is especially touching. Backup vocals are provided by the likes of  the Sons of the San Joaquin, Tammy Wynette, Red Steagall, and Suzy Boggus. This winning collection closes fittingly with the classic Roy Rogers/Dale Evans sunny farewell:  “Happy trails to you . . .”