John Arthur Martinez

Purgatory Road (Apache Ranch)

Like his college roommate Todd Snider, John Arthur Martinez tends toward the folky side of country-flavored story-songs. Purgatory Road finds an even keel with the rough highway tales of self-incrimination and loss (“Can’t Outdrink the Truth,” “Utopia”) that are thoughtful without wallowing in hopelessness and despair (“Cobalt Blue,” “Thunder & Lightning”). “Que No Puede Ver” puts him square in the Americano camp, too.

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This article appears in August 14 • 2009.

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