Abstract Americana: The Genius of Michael Hurley

I made this video around 5 months ago and I always hesitated to upload it because I felt it was more of a tribute than an essay. However, the news of Michael Hurley's passing hit me this morning on a very beautiful sunny day, and I felt there would be no better time to put this up, go for a walk, and listen to some of his music. Michael Hurley was a highly prolific singer-songwriter who influenced many artists and is in fact covered by several contemporary artists such as Wilco and Big Thief and Devandra Banhart. Hurley was seen as a the godfather of 'freak folk', but the guy was more than that. To me his music not only encapculated what Americana means to me, but liberated my senses and my understanding of what 'folk music' could be. Rest in peace Old Snock, and thank you for what you have left behind. NOTE: There's some stuttering and erm-erring during the commentary of this video. Please bear with me, I wasn't intending on releasing it until today. #michaelhurley #michael #hurley #freakfolk #americana #tribute #essay #videoessay #singersongwriter