James McMurtry - Where'd You Hide the Body (1995)

Whereas Too Long in the Wasteland debuted James McMurtry's gift for delineating characters and situations within a song, Where'd You Hide the Body finally gets around to matching that talent with some heavy-duty musical talent. Produced by Don Dixon (who also plays on all tracks save the last), with guitar great David Grissom and a superb set of backing musicians, Where'd You Hide the Body outstrips McMurtry's other efforts with its sheer range. From a funky "Fuller Brush Man" to the aural intensity of "Rachel's Song," this 1995 Columbia release pleases each time it is heard, and is much more than a vehicle for McMurtry's songwriting talent.