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James McMurtryJust Us Kids(Lightning Rod) US release date: 15 April 2008 UK release date: 26 May 2008 by Dan MacIntoshAccording to James McMurtry, the kids aren't alrightJames McMurtry is nothing like a glass half-full guy—just listen to his voice. Better yet, pay close attention to his words. This disc’s title track describes the dead-end fate of parking lot stoners, whereas “Cheney’s Toy” crowns our vice president an evil king. Cheney is the target of McMurtry’s vitriol, but the woman who turns to drugs in “Fireline Road”, just to get by, earns the singer/songwriter’s tender empathy. But McMurtry is back to his old pessimistic tricks on “Ruins of the Realm”, which bemoans the American South’s sad future. It’s doubtful anyone will feel particularly good after listening to Just Us Kids, but you’ll likely be better informed when all is said and done. McMurtry cuts through all the crap when describing the state of America these days. Call McMurtry’s music what you will, just don’t call it kids’ stuff.
— 15 April 2008Related articles
The Best Americana Music of 2008Andrew Gilstrap18.Dec.08 It did seem -- perhaps because of the genre's traditional real-world concerns -- like a lot of the year's best Americana releases sensed the storm clouds gathering. 
Review: James McMurtry: Just Us KidsDavid Pyndus09.Jun.08 There is just enough organic warmth here to make those who grimace at James McMurtry's grizzled vocals forgive him his sin of sounding like a Texas roughneck. 
James McMurtryPopMatters Staff24.Mar.08 Smart and aware, Texas singer-songwriter James McMurtry shares some pointed observations about the world with PopMatters' 20 Questions.
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