Armchair Boogie is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Michael Hurley, released in 1971 on Raccoon Records. It presents Hurley’s distinctive blend of folk, country blues and outsider wit, delivered with a mixture of sincerity and eccentricity. Songs like The Werewolf, Be Kind to Me and Sweedeedee highlight his ability to pair playful storytelling with heartfelt melodies, giving the record both charm and emotional depth.

The arrangements are sparse but effective, allowing Hurley’s voice and guitar to carry the music while leaving space for his idiosyncratic lyrics to shine. Over time, Armchair Boogie has become a cult classic in the folk underground, admired for its originality and unpolished honesty. It remains a touchstone for listeners drawn to the stranger, more intimate corners of American folk music.

If you like:

Bonnie “Prince” Billy, Townes Van Zandt, John Fahey, Sibylle Baier, Karen Dalton