another McMurtry classic for us kids
McMurtry one of the best singer/songwriters recording now and god knows there are a lot of great ones that come out of Texas. He can rock with the best and take a hit at some lame politicians at the same time. He is one of the few that isn't afraid to be political in his art. But it's not always the government that pisses him off, he tells stories about people in many walks of life and what life has brought them. This is just another fine piece of music from someone who already has a stable full of great music. I am waiting for a DVD-Live in '03 would do.

He DOES know better... and this is it!
I've been listening to McMurtry since he was recording with the support of Mellencamp's band, and I s'pose, the music hasn't changed all that much. Hell, why should it? Each album get's just a little better and James is becoming a more accomplished guitarist. Maybe he is a little negative about our political state, but give a listen, and if you don't agree with the sentiment, then you deserve whatever musical schlock you may be enjoying.

McMurtry strikes black gold with this one
I've been a fan of James McMurtry for over a decade now, and he continues to put out some of the best written songs and stories I've heard. This new album is no exception, especially in the politically motivated and biting "God Bless America" where he sings "Gonna turn up the heat 'til it comes to a boil, Then we'll go get that Arab oil, We'll suck it all up through the barrel of a gun, Everyday's the end of days for some". Or the following sad tale of lost soldiers in "Cheney's Toy". For fans of McMurtry, this is a MUST HAVE, and possibly his best in years. For the most part this album rocks too, with only a couple of softer ballads/stories. Highly recommened.

It's 2008, do you know where your children are?
McMurtry scores again with great music, wonderful storytelling and the best "State of the Nation" album since Springsteen's "Nebraska."

More Blows Against The Empire
I have no idea why some reviewers complain about the political content of some of James McMurtry's songs. He's been delivering rhetorical body blows ever since his first album and he surely sees no reason to stop now. So if you are a conservative like myself who enjoys McMurtry's music, you learn to laugh along with his well-honed and well-aimed jabs at those who have surely earned them. Sure he's a leftie, but how many good right-wing singer/songwriters can you think of?
Just Us Kids finds McMurtry delivering another flurry of blows against the empire, but it also finds him releasing another album of mostly thoughtful and well-crafted songs. Bayou Tortous is the best rocker, the caustic God Bless America the best polemic, and the creepy Fire Line Road, evocative of the style of Dave Alvin, is the best story. Some criticize him for singing of people living on the margins, but that is where some of the most compelling stories are found.
With Just Us Kids you get just over an hour's worth of music you'll want to hear again and again. The CD comes with a booklet containing the lyrics which unfortunately is crammed tightly inside the rather flimsy cardboard casing. Be careful when removing! Some ask why McMurtry isn't more famous. Well, if he keeps releasing CDs of this quality, his time is coming soon.