David Lee Murphy Albums (4)
What The Critics Say
Audium Records, the country sub-label of the larger indie Koch International, is to '90s new traditionalist country what Cleopatra Records is to nearly-forgotten goth rockers of the '80s: a place where artists dismissed by the big labels can continue their careers in cozier settings. David Lee Murphy, releasing his first album since parting company with MCA after a few mid-sized country radio hits in the mid-'90s, is the archetypal Audium artist: the 12 tracks on Tryin' to Get There are rock-influenced in that the drums are mixed louder than they really should be, but their roots are in the '70s outlaw country of Waylon Jennings (who co-wrote the title track with Murphy shortly before his death in 2001) and Willie Nelson. Songs like the stomping "Ghost in the Jukebox" and the bouncy first single "Loco" are catchy and unfailingly pleasant, but while Murphy is a solid craftsman as a songwriter, his anonymous voice and too-clean production sap a lot of the personality out of the album. By the time of the last song, the Eagles-like country-pop of "Killin' the Pain," Tryin' to Get There sounds like it could have been released by just about anyone with three names and a cowboy hat. ~ Stewart Mason, All Music Guide
'Gettin' out the Good Stuff'
Release Date 5/21/1996
Tracks 10
Label MCA
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
A number of David Lee Murphy's songs can make listeners have visions of a jukebox spinning tunes in a crowded room filled with the scents of beer and cigarette smoke, like his 1995 hit "Party Crowd." At the core though, his albums offer a good sample of county-pop stylings without forgetting to add in the fiddle and the steel guitar. There are ten tracks on Gettin' out the Good Stuff, Murphy's second full-length recording. He co-wrote three of the songs on this album, but penned the remainders on his own, including "Genuine Rednecks," "I've Been a Rebel (And It Don't Pay)," "She's Really Something to See," and "Every Time I Get Around You," as well as the title track. Murphy's Southern drawl and strong, real-life lyrics make this album a keeper for country fans. ~ Charlotte Dillon, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Out With a Bang should have had one extra word added to the front of its title -- "Starting." This debut solo recording did start things out with a bang for country singer/songwriter and guitarist David Lee Murphy. This first full-length offering was finished a year after he signed with MCA. The album carries ten tracks, including major hits like "Party Crowd" and "Dust on the Bottle," both of which went on to become signature songs for Murphy. You'll also find his first hit, "Just Once," from the movie 8 Seconds, on this one. Many of his songs are simple country-rocking fun that will find your toes tapping and your lips following the words. Since he wrote or co-wrote every number on this album, the lyrics give fans a peek into the world that survives inside Murphy's mind; a little taste of what he thinks of life and what he has found that he feels is worth sharing. ~ Charlotte Dillon, All Music Guide
