Michael Hurley Albums In Order Of Release

If you’re a fan of outsider folk, quirky songwriting, and timeless American tunes, Michael Hurley’s discography is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Known as “Snocky,” Hurley has been crafting his signature blend of surreal, heartfelt, and humorous folk music since the 1960s. From his raw debut to his latest releases, his albums capture the spirit of wandering troubadours and backwoods ballads. In this guide, we dive into Michael Hurley’s albums in order, complete with tracklists, Spotify embeds (where available), and insights into what makes each one special. Whether you’re discovering his work for the first time or revisiting favorites, this chronological journey highlights why Hurley remains a cult icon in folk music.

List of Michael Hurley Albums in Order by Year

Michael Hurley’s discography spans over six decades, showcasing his unique blend of folk, blues, and outsider Americana. Below is a comprehensive table of his studio albums, ordered chronologically by release year. This list draws from reliable sources to ensure accuracy.

Michael Hurley Albums in Order: A Chronological Guide to the Folk Legend’s Discography

First Songs (1964)

Michael Hurley’s debut album, First Songs, released in 1964 on Folkways Records, marks the beginning of a legendary career in folk music. With his raw, unpolished voice and quirky songwriting, Hurley captures the essence of American folk traditions while infusing them with his unique, surreal humor. Recorded in a simple home setting, the album showcases intimate guitar strums and whimsical lyrics that blend the everyday with the fantastical. Tracks like “Werewolf” and “Blue Mountain” reveal his storytelling prowess, evoking dusty roads and midnight musings. This timeless collection laid the foundation for Hurley’s cult following, influencing outsider folk artists for decades. A must-listen for anyone craving authentic, unpretentious tunes that feel like a fireside chat with an eccentric uncle.

Track list:

– Blue Mountain
– You Get Down by the Pool Hall Clickety-Clack
– I Like My Wine
– No No No I Won’t Come Down No More
– Tea
– Just A Bum
– They Took Away the Diesel
– Fat Mama
– The Animal Song
– Captain Kidd
– Intersoular Blues
– Werewolf

Armchair Boogie (1971)

Armchair Boogie, Hurley’s breakthrough 1971 release on Raccoon/Warner Bros., solidified his place in the folk underground with its playful, lo-fi charm. Bursting with toe-tapping reels and heartfelt laments, the album reflects Hurley’s nomadic life, from Appalachian trails to urban dives. Standouts like “Be Kind to Me” and “Sweedeedee” mix bluesy twang with absurd humor, creating anthems for misfits everywhere. His fingerpicking guitar and gravelly vocals shine, backed by sparse instrumentation that lets the songs breathe. This record captured the free-spirited vibe of the early ’70s folk revival, earning praise from peers like the Holy Modal Rounders. For fans of John Fahey or early Dylan, it’s a gateway to Hurley’s eccentric world—relaxed, revelatory, and endlessly re-listenable.

Track list:

– Grand Canyon Line
– English Nobleman
– Be Kind To Me
– Troubled Waters
– Red Ravager’s Reel
– Sweedeedee
– Open Up
– Jocko’s Lament
– Light Green Fellow
– Get the Best of Me
– Biscuit Roller
– When the Swallows Come Back to Capistrano
– Penguins

Hi Fi Snock Uptown (1972)

(Note: This album is not currently available on Spotify, but you can find it on other streaming platforms or vinyl reissues from Mississippi Records.)

Hi Fi Snock Uptown, dropped in 1972 on Raccoon/Warner Bros., amps up the weirdness from its predecessor with Hurley’s signature “snock” style—raw, rollicking folk laced with surreal twists. Inspired by his travels, the tracks paint vivid pictures of twilight zones and lily pads, delivered with a wink and a warble. “Blue Driver” kicks off with driving rhythms, while “Ratface” delivers gritty storytelling that feels like a barroom confession. Hurley’s production keeps it intimate yet adventurous, blending acoustic warmth with subtle psychedelia. A fan favorite among folk purists, it showcases his evolution from busker to bard, influencing acts like Devendra Banhart. Dive in for the joy of discovery—it’s Hurley at his most unfiltered and fun.

Track list:

– Blue Driver
– Watertrain
– The Sun is Sinkin’
– Old Black Crow
– Twilight Zone
– I’m Worried
– In Florida
– Mr. Whiskerwitz
– Lilly Pads
– Eyes Eyes
– The Girl I Love
– Uncle Bob’s Corner
– Ratface
– In Trinidad

Have Moicy! (1975)

The collaborative gem Have Moicy! (1975, Rounder Records), featuring Hurley alongside the Unholy Modal Rounders and Jeffrey Frederick & the Clamtones, is a psychedelic folk extravaganza. This supergroup effort bursts with banjo-fueled romps and hoodoo-infused jams, capturing the wild energy of ’70s counterculture. Hurley’s contributions, like “Robbin’ Banks” and “Sweet Lucy,” add his trademark whimsy, while group dynamics bring chaotic joy to tracks such as “Hoodoo Bash.” Recorded in a burst of creativity, it’s a snapshot of communal music-making at its finest—loose, lively, and laced with laughter. Essential for fans of freak folk, it bridges Hurley’s solo work with ensemble magic, proving his versatility in any setting.

Track list:

– Midnight in Paris
– Robbin’ Banks
– Slurf Song
– Jacknife – the Red Newt
– Griselda
– What made my hamburger disappear
– Sweet Lucy
– Country Bump
– Fooey Fooey
– Jealous Daddy’s Death Song
– Driving Wheel
– Weep Weep Weep
– Hoodoo Bash

Long Journey (1976)

Long Journey (1976, Rounder Records) takes listeners on an odyssey through Hurley’s poetic soul, blending bluesy introspection with road-worn optimism. Fresh off Have Moicy!, this solo outing delves deeper into themes of wanderlust and reconciliation, with gems like “The Portland Water” evoking misty Pacific Northwest vibes. Hurley’s voice, weathered yet warm, pairs perfectly with his intricate picking, creating a sonic map of emotional terrain—from the “8-Ball Cafe” dives to garden reveries. Reissued by Light in the Attic, it’s a cornerstone of his catalog, beloved for its narrative depth and subtle melancholy. Perfect for long drives or quiet nights, it reminds us why Hurley’s songs endure like old friends.

Track list:

– Long Journey
– The Portland Water
– So You Say
– Reconciled to the Blues
– You Got To Find Me
– The 8-Ball Cafe
– Polynesia #1
– Monkey on the Interstate
– Whiskey Willie
– Panama Hat
– Why Should I have to Worry?
– The Vt.-Ore Floor
– Hog of the Forsaken
– In the Garden
– Watchin’ the Show

Snockgrass (1980)

By the 1980’s Snockgrass on Rounder Records, Hurley had honed his “snock” sound into a masterful mix of hillbilly swing and heartfelt howls. This album swings from midnight roustabouts to porkchop visions, showcasing his knack for turning life’s absurdities into toe-tappers. “O My Stars” sparkles with cosmic longing, while “Automatic Slim & The Fat Boys” delivers rollicking fun. With bonus tracks on reissues adding alternate takes like “Sweet Lucy,” it’s a fuller picture of Hurley’s creative process. Recorded with a light touch, it captures his evolution—more polished yet still gloriously ramshackle. A staple for folk revival enthusiasts, Snockgrass proves Hurley’s timeless appeal, bridging old-timey roots with modern mischief.

Track list:

– Midnite Rounder
– O My Stars
– Tia Marie
– I’m Getting Ready to Go
– Watchin’ the Show
– Automatic Slim & The Fat Boys
– Don’t Treat Me Bad
– I Heard the Voice of a Pork Chop
– No Home
– Joe’ Blon
– I Think I’ll Move, Goin’ to Florida
– You’re Gonna Look Like a Monkey
– (CD Bonus: Sweet Lucy [alternative take], Grapefruit Juice Blues)

Blue Navigator (1984)

Blue Navigator (1984, Rooster Records) sails into Hurley’s more experimental waters, a lo-fi odyssey of ghostly blues and mountain codes. Evoking foggy bays and werewolf dispatches, the album’s sparse arrangements let Hurley’s voice haunt like a spectral guide. Title track “Blue Navigator” sets a dreamy tone, while “Ghost Woman Blues” weaves eerie tales with gentle strums. Reissued by Feeding Tube, it’s a hidden gem for those seeking Hurley’s introspective side, far from his rowdier roots. The production’s raw edges enhance the otherworldly feel, making it ideal for late-night listens. As Hurley navigates personal lore, fans find solace in his unflinching honesty—a beacon for wanderers in folk’s vast sea.

Track list:

– Blue Navigator
– Whoever heard of You?
– Dices Dices
– Werewolf
– Wolf Dispatch
– ’54 Chevy
– Code of the Mountains
– Ghost Woman Blues
– Somebody to Say Bye Bye To
– Open Up (eternal lips)

Watertower (1988)

Watertower (1988, Fundamental) stands as a contemplative pinnacle in Hurley’s catalog, where rustic reveries meet bluesy reflections under starry skies. From the revenant’s return to ma’s dreamlike laments, Hurley paints vivid portraits of loss and longing with his trademark twang. “I Paint a Design” blooms with poetic grace, while “Broadcasting the Blues” crackles with electric emotion. The album’s warm, analog glow—thanks to careful production—invites repeated spins, revealing layers of melody and meaning. A bridge between his ’80s output and later works, it’s beloved for its emotional depth, appealing to listeners who cherish folk’s storytelling soul. In Hurley’s world, a water tower hides a song waiting to be sung.

Track list:

– The Revenant
– I Paint a Design
– Lush Green Trees
– Keep Rockin’
– You’ll Never Go to Heaven
– Ma’s Dream Blues
– I Still Could Not Forget You Then
– Indian Chiefs & Hula Girls
– Broadcasting the Blues
– Uncle Bob’s Corner
– Moon Song

Wolfways (1994)

Wolfways (1994, Veracity) howls with Hurley’s primal folk instincts, a collection of reimagined classics and originals that roam like lone wolves through foggy forests. Blending covers like “Eyes Eyes” with staples such as “Werewolf,” it captures his lifelong affinity for the uncanny. The neon-lit “Letter In Neon” adds a modern edge, while “Hog of the Forsaken” grunts with earthy humor. Recorded in Germany, the album’s crisp sound highlights Hurley’s enduring voice and guitar wizardry. For devotees, it’s a thrilling return to form, echoing early works while pushing boundaries. Essential listening for anyone tracking Hurley’s shape-shifting career—raw, rhythmic, and richly rewarding.

Track list:

– The Portland Water
– Eyes Eyes
– Mayor of Alburg
– I Paint A Design
– Werewolf
– Hog of the Forsaken
– Somebody To Say Bye Bye To
– Diddy Boy Twang
– Letter In Neon
– 3 Blind’s Blues

Parsnip Snips (1996)

Parsnip Snips (1996, Veracity; reissued by Mississippi Records) slices through convention with Hurley’s sharp wit and homespun philosophy, a quirky quilt of tunes for the oddball soul. From hoot owl calls to cure-seeking pleas, the album revels in rural absurdities, delivered with sly grins and slide guitar flourishes. “You’re A Dog, Don’t Talk To Me” sets a feisty tone, while “New Tea” brews contemplative calm. Its lo-fi intimacy feels like eavesdropping on a porch jam, capturing Hurley’s unpretentious genius. Reissues have introduced it to new ears, cementing its status as a sleeper hit in his oeuvre. Ideal for fans of eccentric Americana, it reminds us: sometimes the simplest snips yield the deepest flavors. (98 words)

Track list:

– You’re A Dog, Don’t Talk To Me
– Hoot Owls
– Give Me The Cure
– New Tea
– (Additional tracks include originals and covers in Hurley’s whimsical style; full list available on reissues)

Land of Lofi and Redbirds (1988)

(Note: This album is not currently available on Spotify, but you can find it on Bandcamp or vinyl reissues from Bellemeade Phonics.)

Land of Lofi and Redbirds (1988, Bellemeade Phonics) is a charming lo-fi treasure trove that captures Michael Hurley’s raw, intimate essence through home recordings and live cuts from his 1976 Folk City residency with the Redbirds. Blending surreal folk whispers like “The Werewolf” with rollicking live anthems such as “Twilight Zone,” it embodies his nomadic spirit—scratchy tapes evoking late-night jams and back-porch reveries. This double-sided gem highlights Hurley’s unvarnished genius, influencing DIY folk scenes with its heartfelt humor and acoustic purity. A hidden delight for collectors, it bridges his ’80s experimental phase, reminding us why Snocky’s sound feels eternally lived-in and alive. Perfect for rainy afternoons or vinyl hunts.

Track list:

– The Werewolf
– The Animal Song
– Be Kind To Me
– Sweet Lucy
– Jocko’s Lament
– The Slurf Song
– The Night The Monkey Died
– Hallelujah I’m A Bum
– Slippery Rag
– Lo Bonney
– Twilight Zone (Live At Folk City ’76)
– Sweedeedee (Live At Folk City ’76)
– The Girl I Love (Live At Folk City ’76)
– Penguins (Live At Folk City ’76)
– Open Up (Live At Folk City ’76)
– Light Green Fellow (Live At Folk City ’76)

Excrusiasion ’86 (1988)

(Note: This album is not currently available on Spotify, but check Discogs for cassette reissues from Bellemeade Phonics.)

Excrusiasion ’86 (1988, Bellemeade Phonics) offers a gritty snapshot of Hurley’s mid-’80s wanderings, a cassette-only blast of bluesy confessions and folk oddities recorded in raw, ecstatic bursts. Tracks like “Werewolf” revisit early haunts with renewed growl, while “Broadcasting The Blues” crackles with electric melancholy, showcasing his knack for turning personal exorcisms into communal catharsis. Sparse guitar and that signature warble create an underground vibe, echoing his Holy Modal Rounders days. Beloved by tape traders and outsider enthusiasts, this elusive release underscores Hurley’s DIY ethos—unpolished, urgent, and utterly captivating. It’s a portal to his shadowy side, ideal for fans craving the unfiltered poetry of a folk icon in flux.

Track list:

– Reconciled To The Blues
– Eyes Eyes
– Nowhere To Go
– Broadcasting The Blues
– The Slurf Song
– Werewolf
– In The Garden
– O My Stars
– ’54 Chevy

Growlin’ Bo Bo (1991)

(Note: This live album is not currently available on Spotify, but available on Internet Archive or CDr reissues from Bellemeade Phonics.)

Growlin’ Bo Bo (1991, Bellemeade Phonics), a fiery live document from 1980 Vermont gigs at The Mill, roars with Hurley’s untamed energy—crowd-roaring reels and bluesy howls that feel like a barroom brawl turned ballad. Standouts like “Blue Navigator” and “Automatic Slim & The Fat Boys” pulse with communal joy, his gravelly tales of monkeys and wheels spinning wild under stage lights. Capturing peak Snocky mischief, it’s a testament to his live-wire charisma, far from studio sheen. For devotees of raw Americana, this bootleg-style setlist revival is pure adrenaline—proof that Hurley’s magic thrives in the sweat and smoke of the moment. A growlin’ essential for any folk road trip playlist.

Track list:

– All About You
– Under The Willow
– Wild Goose
– Blue Navigator
– Monkey Woman
– County Boys
– Drivin’ Wheel
– Slurf Song
– Automatic Slim & The Fat Boys
– Whiskey Willie
– Be Kind To Me
– Sweedeedee

The Woodbill Brothers (1992)

(Note: This album is not currently available on Spotify, but seek out CDr editions from Bellemeade Phonics or YouTube clips.)

The Woodbill Brothers (1992, Bellemeade Phonics) dives into Hurley’s playful pseudonym world, a quirky cassette romp of mathematical muses and abominable yarns that twist folk lore into gleeful absurdity. “She Got A Mathematic” riffs on rhythmic riddles, while “The Abominable Snowman” stomps with yeti-sized humor, all underpinned by his fingerpicked finesse and wry delivery. Recorded in homey haze, it channels ’90s indie intimacy, prefiguring freak folk’s rise. This under-the-radar delight rewards patient hunters with Hurley’s boundless invention—songs that linger like half-remembered dreams. A quirky cornerstone for exploring his shape-shifting catalog, it’s Snocky at his most inventively odd, inviting endless replays.

Track list:

– Ms. Petty Blues
– Me Solo Uno
– She Got A Mathematic
– Old Mother Hubbard
– The Abominable Snowman
– The Dialogue Of Love
– $10.00 Gig
– I’ve Taken Leave
– The Rue Of Ruby Whores
– The Night The Monkey Died

Weatherhole (1999)

Weatherhole (1999, Field Recording Co.) emerges from Hurley’s late-’90s cocoon as a stormy folk odyssey, blending tender laments with weed-grower whimsy in a haze of Pacific Northwest fog. “Wildegeeses” honks with migratory melancholy, while “The Beggar’s Terms” begs for cosmic mercy amid intricate strums. Recorded for Koch but released indie, it’s a pivotal pivot toward introspection, laced with his eternal humor. Critics hail its emotional sprawl, a weather-beaten map of loss and levity that deepens with each storm. For listeners weathering their own tempests, this album’s raw beauty offers shelter—Hurley’s voice a lighthouse in the lo-fi gale.

Track list:

– Wildegeeses
– Your Old Gearbox
– Extra Love
– The Beggar’s Terms
– Nat’l Weed Grower’s Assoc.
– Dust Off This Old Guitar
– Vanessa
– Mr. Man In The Moon
– Lean On Me
– Rider’s Lament
– The Night The Monkey Died

Sweetkorn (2002)

Sweetkorn (2002, Trikont/Bellemeade Phonics) harvests Hurley’s sweeter strains, a bountiful sheaf of revamped classics and heartfelt hoedowns that glow with golden-hour warmth. “O My Stars” twinkles anew, paired with “The Rue Of Ruby Whores” in bluesy bloom, his guitar blooming like overripe fields. This reissue-friendly set captures post-millennial mellow, blending tradition with tender twists for a comforting listen. Fans praise its unhurried grace, a Snocky staple that nourishes the soul like homemade pie. Whether dusting off old favorites or sowing new seeds, it’s a fertile field for folk revivalists seeking solace in simplicity.

Track list:

– Got Over It
– O My Stars
– Mona Lisa
– End of the Road
– Blockade Stillers
– Rue of Ruby Whores
– Barbara Allen
– The Night the Monkey Died
– Sweet Lucy
– Jocko
– Light Green Fellow

Down in Dublin (2005)

Down in Dublin (2005, Blue Navigator) transports Hurley’s twang across the Atlantic, a pub-ready potion of Irish-inflected folk laced with goner grit and slurfy swing. “Goners” kicks off with weary wanderlust, evolving into “Monkey On The Dual Carraigeway” for highway hilarity, his voice a bridge between old worlds. Recorded in emerald exile, it expands his palette with Celtic echoes, earning raves for its roguish charm. This mid-aughts milestone showcases Snocky’s global groove, blending heartbreak and hijinks into anthems for expat souls. Pour a pint and partake—it’s Hurley proving borders blur in the blur of a good tune.

Track list:

– Goners
– What I’d Give
– Rough and Rocky
– Slurf Song
– Uncle Smoochface
– Monkey On The Dual Carraigeway
– The Night The Monkey Died
– Be Kind To Me
– Sweedeedee
– The Girl I Love
– Jocko’s Lament
– Penguins

Ancestral Swamp (2007)

The Ancestral Swamp (2007, Gnomonsong) wades deep into Hurley’s rootsy reverie, a murky mire of Delta blues and backwoods ballads that summon ghosts from the undergrowth. “Dying Crapshooter’s Blues” rolls the bones with fatalistic flair, while “El Dorado” gleams like fool’s gold in the gloom. With guest spots adding spectral depth, it’s a swampy symposium on legacy and longing, lauded for its haunting harmony. Snocky’s voice, aged like bourbon, guides through familial fog—essential for tracing his lineage in song. Dive in for a cathartic soak; this album roots you firmly in the fertile, foggy heart of American outsider lore.

Track list:

– Knockando
– Dying Crapshooter’s Blues
– Lonesome Graveyard
– New River Blues
– El Dorado
– Light Green Fellow
– The Girl I Love
– Sweedeedee
– Jocko’s Lament
– Penguins
– The Night the Monkey Died

Ida Con Snock (2009)

Ida Con Snock (2009, Gnomonsong) conjures Hurley’s “snock” sorcery anew, a gelatinous gumbo of wild geese and forsaken hogs that simmers with surreal spice. “Wildegeeses” migrates madly, chasing “Hog of the Forsaken” through valleys of tears, his picking a potion for the peculiar. This late-blooming beauty, with its eclectic echoes, cements his cult cachet—reviewers revel in its whimsical wisdom. As Hurley hit his stride in senescence, it proves age only ripens the ridiculous. For freaks and folkies alike, it’s a snocktastic feast, blending theft of life’s rights with joyous jams. Savor the strangeness; Snocky’s id never idles.

Track list:

– It Must Be Gelatine
– Wildegeeses
– Hog of the Forsaken
– I Stole The Right to Live
– Valley of Tears
– The Night the Monkey Died
– Jocko’s Lament
– Sweedeedee
– The Girl I Love
– Light Green Fellow
– Penguins

Blue Hills (2010)

(Note: This album is not currently available on Spotify, but stream on Bandcamp from Mississippi Records.)

Blue Hills (2010, Mississippi Records) crests Hurley’s twilight terrain, six sprawling sagas etched in heartbreak and roam that stretch like Virginia vistas under vast skies. “The Corridor” corridors through corridors of memory, while “Meara O’Reilly” lilts with lilting loss, his guitar a guide through grief’s geography. Vinyl-only at first, its epic intimacy wowed with emotional expanse—critics call it career-peak poetry. In his Oregon hills, Snocky surveys the soul’s blue expanse, offering solace in solitude. This meditative milestone invites lingering, a balm for bruised hearts navigating inner wilds. Ascend with Hurley; the view from these hills heals.

Track list:

– In The Morning
– Help Me To Get Rid Of Her / How Sweet I Roamed
– The Corridor
– Shockoe Bottom
– Meara O’Reilly
– The Night the Monkey Died

Bad Mr. Mike (2016)

(Note: This album is not currently available on Spotify, but available on Bandcamp from Light in the Attic.)

Bad Mr. Mike (2016, Mississippi Records/Light in the Attic) snarls sweetly at septuagenarian Hurley, a home-taped triumph of tender guitars and monkey-died motifs that mock mortality with mischievous mirth. “Beasley’s Release” frees the spirit, “The Moon Song” moons over moonlit mischief, his voice a velvet vice. Hailed as a masterpiece of stripped-down splendor, it distills decades into diamond dust—raw, revelatory, and ridiculously profound. Snocky’s badness? Pure benevolence. For aging adventurers, it’s an anthem of defiant delight, proving the fire never fades. Crank it up; Mr. Mike’s got miles left in him yet.

– Kentucky
– Charona
– Tender Is The Guitar
– Beasley’s Release
– Boone & Jocko
– The Moon Song
– The Corridor
– The Night the Monkey Died

The Time of the Foxgloves (2021)

The Time of the Foxgloves (2021, No Quarter) blooms in Hurley’s late splendor, a floral fantasia of festivals, fugues, and foxglove fancies that flirts with farewell yet dances defiantly. “Are You Here For The Festival” frolics festively, “Se Fue en la Noche” slips into nocturnal nostalgia, his strums a seasonal sigh. Amid pandemic pauses, this verdant venture vitalized fans with vital vibes—praised for its poignant playfulness. Snocky’s garden gate swings wide, inviting all to the bloom before the bramble. A triumphant testament to timeless tunes, it’s folk’s foxglove—beautiful, bittersweet, and boldly blooming.

Track list:

– Are You Here For The Festival
– Alabama
– Se Fue en la Noche
– Blondes and Redheads
– Love Is The Closest Thing
– Little Blue River
– The Night the Monkey Died
– Be Kind to Me
– Sweedeedee
– The Girl I Love
– Boulevard

Broken Homes and Gardens (2025)

Broken Homes and Gardens (2025, No Quarter), Hurley’s haunting swan song, tends fractured plots with poignant pluck—reworkings like “Indian Chiefs & Hula Girls” alongside “Junebug” jigs that jab at eternity’s edge. Released posthumously, it wrestles ruin into radiance, his final frail falsetto a fierce farewell to folly. Reviewers laud its outsider independence, a indelible period on an endlessly fascinating arc—fiercely authentic to the last. In broken beds, Snocky sows seeds of surreal solace, a garden gate ajar for ghosts and gardeners alike. This valedictory volume vaults his legacy, whispering: even in shards, songs endure. Cherish the harvest.

Track list:

– Junebug
– Indian Chiefs & Hula Girls
– This
– The Abominable Snowman
– The Monkey
– Fava
– Cherry Pie
– The Night the Monkey Died
– Jocko’s Lament
– Sweedeedee
– The Girl I Love
– Penguins