Singer-songwriter Michael Hurley, “beloved for his compassionate wit and quirky talent.” In 2011, Portland’s renowned Mississippi Records and San Francisco’s Secret Seven Records jointly released Fatboy Spring, a collection of previously unreleased recordings from 1972–73. This marks the first vinyl reissue in over a decade. Backing him are The Fat ...Read more (Original Japanese text by Saito)boys—a group of nice guys who, contrary to their name, weren’t actually very fat, and who used to play for local dairy farmers. (They would later become known as “Sheriff Mocus & the Deranged Cowboys.”) They perform alternate versions of classics like “Automatic Slim & The Fatboys” and “Ghost Woman Blues,” as well as covers of Hank Williams songs. Perhaps if you listen to it until the record is worn out, the meaning behind the cover art will become clear. That’s part of its charm. (Original Japanese text by Saito)