Digitally remastered edition of this 1972 album from the singer/songwriter. Featuring 14 twisted songs produced by 'Banana' and Joe Bauer, Hi Fi Snock Uptown saw Hurley amplifying some of Armchair Boogie's willfully esoteric qualities and delivering an album that explores the full range of his sound, from Blues to Country and Folk to playful sounds. As 'Twilight Zone' neatly puts it, 'everything is weird'. It also features some of his most loved songs such as 'Water Train', 'Eyes, Eyes' and the gorgeous traveling track 'Blue Driver'. This is the highly sought-after album sounding better than it ever has, complete with Hurley's own, unmistakable sleeve art. It's housed in a deluxe, gatefold, tip-on jacket.
M**E
It's easy to wonder why he never hit it big and ...
I won't bother to overanalyze this album.Suffice it to say that Hurley is a genuine original with a unique "voice," in the sense that your college writing professors used the term. It's easy to wonder why he never hit it big and perhaps too easy to conclude that the public was at fault for being too dense to appreciate him. Sometimes top-notch artists never get the promotion their artistry warrants. Whatever the reason for his fringe status, it's a blessing that these albums have been made available on CD. As a rule, I hate CD reissues of albums that debuted on vinyl because they suffer in translation to the digital medium. But these are simple compositions that seem not to have been noticeably deformed in the process. If you're new to Hurley, this CD will give you the experience of the original issue, except, of course, for the compressed artwork.
B**.
Another one of the better Hurley CDs
Another one of the better Hurley CDs. The only song that brings it down from a five is Old Black Crow. He regularly makes a crow noise (or has it recorded - I can't remember) and it is pretty annoying. Maybe funny the very first time you hear it, but I wish I could remove it.
J**.
Proud to be the firsts fiver.
I'm a huge fan of Michael Hurley. I own many of his albums/cds. They are all very good with at least two or three exceptional story/songs. The music always fits. This cd is no exception other than it might have four favorites. If you like him buy it. If you want to hear him for the first time buy it.
R**M
Out of all of Michael's many releases since 1965, ...
Out of all of Michael's many releases since 1965, this remains one of my favorites. If Dan Hicks fans are not aware of Hurley's music, it's never too late to get hip. This album will continue to sound relevant as long as the world needs Snock. That ain't gonna change!
J**N
One of his best.
First listened to this years ago when I was in college and every now and then it's worth another listen. One of his best.
R**B
early Michael Hurley
Hi-Fi Snock Uptown came out right after Armchair Boogie and and isn't as strong as that album, but the best three songs here are essential and not available anywhere else. Please, Amazon, bring this album out on MP3! I love it that all the others are available at last, but we need this one too!Note: This is now on CD in Korea! Limited edition 300 copies; amazing fidelity. Get it now.
J**.
Five Stars
Ten stars!
