God bless the Internet and cheap recording. In years past, an artist like Mark Jungers, who has been knocking around the business for three decades, wouldn't have had a prayer of putting out an album and getting it hear... more »d without major-label backing. Now, in the new millennium, you have a chance to hear him ply his song craft, and that is not a bad thing. Black Limousine is not without flaws: though the songs vary from semi-rocking alt-country ("Think About You") to more bluegrass-influenced material ("South Fork Crow River"), the production and arranging lend an air of sameness and Jungers lacks a truly distinctive voice of his own. The good news is that though "Too Tired to Cry" sounds like Steve Earle and "Jesse James" sounds like Fred Eaglesmith, they are darn near as good as anything by the originals--high praise indeed. --Michael Ross« less
God bless the Internet and cheap recording. In years past, an artist like Mark Jungers, who has been knocking around the business for three decades, wouldn't have had a prayer of putting out an album and getting it heard without major-label backing. Now, in the new millennium, you have a chance to hear him ply his song craft, and that is not a bad thing. Black Limousine is not without flaws: though the songs vary from semi-rocking alt-country ("Think About You") to more bluegrass-influenced material ("South Fork Crow River"), the production and arranging lend an air of sameness and Jungers lacks a truly distinctive voice of his own. The good news is that though "Too Tired to Cry" sounds like Steve Earle and "Jesse James" sounds like Fred Eaglesmith, they are darn near as good as anything by the originals--high praise indeed. --Michael Ross
CD Reviews
Todd
03/21/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD has everything on it. Some of it sounds like early Ozark Mountain Daredevils, some of it sounds like Dylan, some of it sounds like something Joe Ely would do, and some of it sounds like Steve Earle. But it is all very original material, Mark did not just sit there and copy some cliche's. This is music for people who have enough brains to enjoy great lyrics. I very highly recommend this CD."
Breaking Through
Lee Armstrong | Winterville, NC United States | 04/03/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Mark Jungers' "Black Limousine" set is a great breakthrough for this country rocker. I apparently have an earlier version of the release; the cover showing Mark sitting in front of a tractor & the release date 2000. However, the music is the same sweet set. The opener sounds like a countrified "Tequila Sunrise" with a nice midtempo groove, "If you meet me at the corner, the streetlights are bright enough to find everything we ever wanted somewhere further down the line." "Lonesome Fool" is a Dillards-like bluegrass track with Rachel Dreas' fiddle giving a mountain music feel. "You & the Wind" has a beautiful melody with a wonderful sense of longing, "It's the same old drive, pillars of steam holding up the skyline like everyday before, sort of makes you feel like maybe someday you'll leave it all behind." With its acoustic guitar, "Too Tired to Cry" has an early John Prine flavor. "Freightliner" is a great country toe tapper. One of the more subtle tracks that shines with repeated listenings is the slow ballad "I Will Be Free," "Just like the gambler only has himself to blame, just like you I'm here to stay, when I stir I make amends, with my time I will transcend, and I know the same place for me, watching shadows on the wall, I know it ain't my call, but one day I will be free." "Ballad of Mr. Underwood" is a toe tapper in Johnny Cash territory; "What More Can I Do" is country swing. On "Treat You Right" Mark gets a little sass going on this country boogie. The CD concludes with "Broken Watch," a sweet but pitiful country rocker "Even a broken watch is right twice a day." With 16 strong tracks, this is a varied and great alt-country set. Seek & you shall find! Enjoy!"
Perfect...pure texas
Coach Rick | Kerrville, TX | 08/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Finally, my prayers are answered. A Texas artist that dosnt come from a cookie cutter R.E.K or Jerry Jeff. This album is all around outstanding.Every song is hard hitting and explosive. The writing, the band, and the twang. This is exactly what the texas music scene needs...PURE TALENT!"
WOW! GET IT
Lee Armstrong | 08/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"what can i say, its what Texas music is all about. thus is not your main country music sound, its diffrent. he is great in concert and on the album. if you want to hear real Tx country give mark a try. i promise its better than anything you have."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1