AMG Review of First Songs

Brian Beatty
All Music Guide

These are the eccentric singer/songwriter's first professional recordings, done in 1964 for the Folkways label, after his discharge from Bellevue. The lifelong themes of wine and bumming are addressed in "I Like My Wine" and "Just a Bum." Fan favorites "The Werewolf Song" and "Captain Kidd" make their first recorded appearances, too. In fact, these 12 songs suggest that Hurley's "hippie bard" musical vision was fully formed from the start. Future Holy Modal Rounder Robin Remaily joins in on fiddle for one tune; the rest of the time it's just Snock and his acoustic guitar. Have Moicy! indeed. CD-R and cassette copies of the album must be purchased directly from the Smithsonian (as in Institution) on a made-to-order basis. Photocopies of the album's original liner notes are included with each order.