Released 15 years ago this November
Instant Armadillo Blues
New Riders of the Purple Sage · 2011
144 min · 42 tracks · country rock
A vibrant blend of country rock and Americana, infused with storytelling and a laid-back groove that invites listeners to reminisce.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Don't Know You — This track opens the album with an infectious rhythm and catchy melodies that set the tone for the journey ahead. Its lively spirit embodies the band's signature style while introducing themes of uncertainty and longing.
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Portland Woman — A standout track that showcases vivid storytelling through its lyrics, painting a picture of love and loss associated with a specific character. The emotional delivery coupled with melodic instrumentation makes it a highlight on the album.
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Instant Armadillo Blues — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its playful yet reflective tone. It captures the band's unique blend of humor and heartfelt sentiment, making it a quintessential listen.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- communal sing-along moments
- vibrant storytelling with peaks
- waves of nostalgic reflection
- for road trip vibes
- short tracks for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeks constant high energy
- prefers longer, immersive pieces
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 21, 2011, Instant Armadillo Blues marked the New Riders of the Purple Sage's return after a lengthy hiatus since their last studio album in 1999. This album showcased a renewed energy for the band, featuring both new material and updates on classic tunes, as they sought to reclaim their place in the evolving country rock landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Flying Burrito Brothers· Gram Parsons· Little Feat
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 I Don't Know You 2:29
- 2 Watcha Gonna Do 3:19
- 3 Portland Woman 3:37
- 4 Henry 2:38
- 5 Dirty Business 8:00
- 6 Glendale Train 3:24
- 7 All I Ever Wanted 4:37
- 8 Last Lonely Eagle 5:14
- 9 Louisiana Lady 3:05
- 10 Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (and Loud, Loud Music) 4:18
- 11 Rainbow 3:05
- 12 California Day 2:40
- 13 Sweet Lovin' One 2:57
- 14 I Don’t Need No Doctor 4:41
- 15 Contact 3:18
- 16 Willie and the Hand Jive 6:22
- 17 Gypsy Cowboy 4:18
- 18 Groupie 2:39
- 19 Sutter's Mill 1:52
- 20 Linda 3:02
Disc 2
- 1 Superman 3:11
- 2 She's No Angel 2:52
- 3 Long Black Veil 3:55
- 4 Sailin' 2:49
- 5 Panama Red 2:47
- 6 Lonesome L.A. Cowboy 4:05
- 7 Kick in the Head 2:30
- 8 You Should Have Seen Me Runnin 3:03
- 9 Teardrops in My Eyes 2:15
- 10 Cement, Clay and Glass 2:33
- 11 Hi, Hello, How Are You 2:21
- 12 Truck Drivin' Man 3:02
- 13 Hello Mary Lou 2:56
- 14 School Days 3:27
- 15 Ashes of Love 2:14
- 16 You Angel You 2:42
- 17 Instant Armadillo Blues 2:51
- 18 Singing Cowboy 3:54
- 19 Farewell, Angelina 2:41
- 20 I Heard You Been Layin' My Old Lady 3:23
- 21 Up Against the Wall, Redneck 4:13
- 22 Mighty Time 5:10
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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