Childish Things is the name of the album, the title track and the theme -- intended or not -- of an unperfect nostalgia commented upon in James McMurtry's latest album, which trades perspectives from a childhood boy to a seasoned and sometimes weary adult. It hits you hard on many levels. "See the Elephants," the first track and "Holiday," the last, are book ends of sorts for the American experience the album embodies, and "We Can't Make it Here" is an uncensored and succinctly accurate State of the Union our administration doesn't want you to hear. Among these gems, though, "Childish Things" stands up best as a coming of age testament that life's promises and ambitions don't come to fruition -- at leat not in a way you would expect. The Wolves that Howl All Night Long are the unmet obligations and the accumulated regrets that haunt all of us who age.
I didn't know who James McMurtry was until recently. And I have no regrets about purchasing this album.
I love the irony of the last review almost as much as I love James McMurtry's music.
James has a very unique sound and is a very talented and musician/song writer. Unfortunately there is just enough cry-baby liberal BS on this cd to make it hard to listen to.
I love James McMurtry, and "Childish Things" is his best work ever. Hard-hitting, smart, heartfelt, and honest, McMurtry cuts to the bone with this one. I highly recommend it!
I can't believe people haven't bought this cd yet. McMurtry is the best song writer today. While "We Can't Make it Here" will get all the press, "Childish Things", "Charlamagne's Hometown", and "Holiday" are all great songs. Can't wait to see him play again in Steamboat.
I haven't bought Childish Things yet but I certainly plan to after having heard the cut "Can't Make It Here" on Pittsburgh's alternative station, WYEP, this afternoon. Lyrical yet hard-hitting in its matter-of-fact imagery, it's the low-key protest song I've been hoping someone would write to express the stoicism of the struggling middle class and the working poor.
This is an awesome cd, Childish Things and Holiday standout as two of the best songs I have ever heard.
