Michael Martin Murphey: Swans Against The Sun CD Track Listing

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Michael Martin Murphey Swans Against The Sun (1975)
Originally Released 1975\nCD Edition Released July 18, 1995\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: With guests that include Willie Nelson, John Denver, and Charlie Daniels, 1976's Swans Against the Sun is a little different in some respects when compared to rest of Michael Martin Murphey's material. It's not that the music is contrary or eccentric itself, it's the fact that there's a little more juice and fire added to the tracks than usual when compared to the rest of Murphey's albums. But this slight change of pace is definitely for the better, and many of the tracks sound refreshing and novel. Murphey travels in and out of the country music norm, and he even lets John Denver sing a version of Hank Williams' "Mansion on the Hill," which is truly one of the album's highlights. Easily the best cut on Swans, "Renegade" broke into the Top 40 on the pop side, reaching number 39 and netting Murphey his fourth Top 40 pop hit. As far as the rest of the tracks, most of them hold up as catchy hybrids of country and country-rock, like "Seasons Change," "Wild West Show," and the affecting "Dancing in the Meadow." Swans Against the Sun was a brave release for Murphey in a sense, since many figured it would have to live up to 1975's Blue Sky - Night Thunder, which yielded hits in both "Wildfire" and "Carolina in the Pines," yet aside from the "Renegade" single, its makeup, character, and overall presence sound substantially less commercial. \n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\nWild Swans Against the Sun, October 28, 2002 \nReviewer: MaryK (Lompoc, CA USA)\nThis album has MMM in all his glory has a songwriter and singer. The album has heart and depth.This album may not be on any bestseller list but if you are an MMM fan; or a folk, country or someone who appreciates lyrics...this rates. The title song Wild Swans Against the Sun could only have been written by someone who has seen, watched swans. With music and words MMM created for the listener the flapping of the wings, he captured their beauty and grace in song. I am also a John Denver fan. Mansion on the Hill in its simplicity, the unplugged, comlimentary voices of MMM and John Denver gives the song heart and soul. Willie Nelson on Rhythm of the Road has spirit. MMM is country singer, a Western man, a cowboy, and a songwriter....original, always.Wild Swans Against the Sun is original too. \n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\nGreat great great album, December 26, 2001 \nReviewer: John Tiernan (Clinton, IL USA)\nIf there is a CD that I could wear out from playing, it would be this one! This album goes so well as a sequel to his previous one, "Blue Skies, Night Thunder". The song-writing is excellent - and his voice never sounds anything but excellent. If there was one weakness on the album, it would be the quirky 'Mansion on the Hill'...John Denver cannot sing the song like Hank Williams did it, that's for sure! 'Renegade' is probably the most "rockin'" song that MMM EVER did...very underappreciated song which shows MMM's versatility in styles. As one of the other fans of MMM noted in his review, a superb highlight is his song 'Dancing in the Meadow'...has a Celtic sound to it and the lyrics and music make it a song that sticks in your head.\n\nI could go on and on about the album - 9 well-crafted and well-produced songs and the quirky 'Mansion on the Hill"...NO ONE could make an album this good nowadays - it is a shame that it doesn't get the recognition it needs because this is one heckuva an album. Buy it and give it a try - it is MMM all the way!!! \n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\nNot One Of Michael's Best, November 23, 1999 \nReviewer: M. Adamcik "sanfran guy" (San Francisco, CA)\nThis was an album from Michael in the mid 70's. The album before this, Blue Sky/Night Thunder is better-maybe 3 stars but this album failed to produce anything memorable but albums following this one has shown where Michael's strong point lies-in traditional cowboy country music where he excels above the rest. Only if you are an avid 3M fan buy this album otherwise steer clear and get one of his albums from the 80's such as River Of Time or Land Of Enchantment. Enjoy. \n\nAmazon.com Customer Review\n"Swans," a mixed bag effort., July 13, 1998 \nReviewer: A music fan \n"Swan's Against the Sun," Murphey's follow-up to his breakthrough "Blue Sky/Night Thunder," is a real hit and miss effort. Murphey's songs seem to have worked best in his 1970's efforts when he was singing songs of the old and new West. The tracks "Buffalo Gun," "Temple of the Sun," "Wild West Show," and "Dancing in the Meadow" are all a must for Murphey fans. Also, the spirited, banjo driven "Rhythm of the Road" (a duet with Willie Nelson) is a quality effort. \n\nThis album suffers from the same problem as all Murphey's non-western releases; they are inconsistent. The thing with Murphey is the good stuff always carries the day. That is why I am ordering "Swans" today to replace my worn out LP. \n\nHalf.com Album Credits\nCharlie Daniels, Contributing Artist\nJohn Denver, Contributing Artist
This folk cd contains 11 tracks and runs 42min 1sec.
Freedb: 9509d70b

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