After all of
Michael Martin Murphey
's material is taken into consideration,
Geronimo's Cadillac
comes out on top as one of his finest albums, even though his "cosmic cowboy" persona was yet to be developed. The title track was
Murphey
's first Top 40 hit, later covered by
Cher
and
Hoyt Axton
, while
the Monkees
eventually sang their own version of
"What Am I Doing Hangin' 'Round?"
But the most relevant aspect of
is the fact that it merges
's slight left of center
country
sound with a little bit of
gospel
in a few places, giving his material greater depth and a genuine "reflective" quality that was often absent from commonplace
music. Tracks like
"Backslider's Wine,"
"Calico Silver,"
"Boy From the Country"
all contain a unique musical complexion inspired by
's voice and by the simplicity of the harmonica and mandolin. Later albums expose more of
's penchant for being pensive and openly contemplative but, as a debut,
, with its three parts
to one part AM
rock
, is an enjoyable album as well as a worthy indication as to what kind of artist
would soon become. ~ Mike DeGagne