‘Eagle Rock Fire’
Joe Purdy (Mudtown Crier)
4.5 stars out of 5
Prolific Arkansas folkie Joe Purdy — the sublime “Eagle Rock Fire” is his 13th album in just 11 years — has carved out an impressive career for himself, even considering that the 34-year-old does his thing just out of the mainstream consciousness. With a simple motto of “All I want to do is make good music,” Purdy meets (and exceeds) that goal on this 10-track gem.
The music isn’t complex, but the words are, and Purdy breathes life into every syllable on an album that chronicles a country boy’s experience living in Los Angeles. There isn’t a bad song to be found on “Eagle Rock Fire,” but play special attention to the title track, “L.A. Livin’,” “Waiting for Loretta Too Long,” “Meet Me in N.Y.,” “This American” and “I’m Sorry You’re Blue.” Highly recommended. (Jeffrey Sisk)
Pittsburgh In Tune 