The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy

by James McMurtry

The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 20 June 2025
  • Label: New West
  • Country: United States
  • Length: 44:17
  • Community rating: 3.7/5 from 3 ratings

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Continuing his reign as one of America's foremost narrative songwriters, McMurtry delivers a masterclass in gritty, literary roots rock. The album is anchored by his distinctively dry vocal delivery, spinning highly detailed, politically conscious tales of working-class struggle and aging.

Genres

Descriptors: melodic, political, ageing, folk, acoustic, male-vocals, storytelling, ballad

Tracklist

  1. Laredo (Small Dark Something) (3:50)
  2. South Texas Lawman (5:08)
  3. The Color of Night (4:55)
  4. Pinocchio in Vegas (4:10)
  5. Annie (4:36)
  6. The Black Dog and the Wandering Boy (4:39)
  7. Back to Coeur d鈥橝lene (3:50)
  8. Sons of the Second Sons (4:25)
  9. Sailing Away (4:01)
  10. Broken Freedom Song (4:39)

Credits

  • Ken Kesey - artwork
  • Pat MacDonald - backing vocals, harmonica
  • Tim Holt - backing vocals, electric guitar, soloist [electric guitar]
  • Curtis McMurtry - banjo, harmony vocals
  • Sarah Jarosz - banjo, harmony vocals
  • Bonnie Whitmore - bass
  • Cornbread - bass, soloist [electric guitar]
  • Diana Burgess - cello

More from James McMurtry: full discography