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Jim Cope : Never Better Than Later
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An acoustic musician and singer's debut CD filled with songs about cowboys, indians, miners and other real and mythical creatures of the "Old West". Oh, and a few places just East of there.
Genre: Folk: Celtic Folk
Release Date: 2008
Never Better Than Later
Jim Cope
Record Label: Jim Cope
  • Buy CD - $11.00
  • Download Album (MP3) - $9.99

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Preview Song Name Time Buy
1. Me and My Uncle 4:11 + MP3 $0.99
2. Red Velvet 2:03 + MP3 $0.99
3. Ezmerine 4:08 + MP3 $0.99
4. Swamp Fever 3:16 + MP3 $0.99
5. Slip Jigs and Reels/whiskey Before Breakfast 6:21 + MP3 $0.99
6. I Can Hew 2:02 + MP3 $0.99
7. Coal Tattoo 4:44 + MP3 $0.99
8. Dance Hall Girls 3:30 + MP3 $0.99
9. Waltz of the Tennis Players 3:39 + MP3 $0.99
10. Geronimo's Cadillac 4:04 + MP3 $0.99
11. Harvest Home 2:30 + MP3 $0.99
12. Days of 49/star of Munster 5:22 + MP3 $0.99
13. Rosa Lee 4:41 + MP3 $0.99
14. Night Rider' 3:37 + MP3 $0.99
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Album Notes

Never Better Than Later

As a kid, stories and heroes were simpler
I still remember having cowboys over for dinner almost every night
They were wild and free, honest and brave
They honored their word, if they gave it,
They might get bushwhacked, they might get surprised
But in the end, they always came out on top.

Every night before bed time, they rode into my living room
The black and white TV came alive with gallant horseback riding heroes,
Admired by townsfolk and rancher’s daughters alike
But cowboy heroes don’t settle down
They live life on their own terms; They are wild and free

As I grew older, a cowboy's life, it seems, got more complicated
white hats and black hats were not so easy to see
They didn’t always mean what Roy Rogers
and Gene Autry said they did; nowadays
Sometimes a gun doesn’t care who it kills and
Sometimes the range isn’t so easy or free

A lot more like real life; fully nuanced and in color

Never Better Than Later is my ode to the Old West
and some interesting parts just East of the Old West
Songs about cowboys, indians and miners
Tall tales told of lives not so simple
as the ones of my childhood TV heroes.

They’re still elemental, though, like a rough cut diamond,
They've grown full of interesting facets worth exploring.
Some reflect more light, some remain more hidden in shadow
But They are all stories worth listening to...
And like a good whiskey, or a well trained cutting horse,
they just get more interesting with age and complexity

And in my memory, they’re still wild and free

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REVIEWS

Never Better Tha Late
author: John Funnell
                            
An excellent selection of songs and music, with a great variety from with the gutsy harmonies of I Can Hew, the wistful sadness of Ezmerine and the high drama of Coal Tattoo. Jim Cope puts all his life experience into his singing and playing. First class.
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Never Better Than Late - A Must Have!
author: Roger Russell
                            
Like a true Renaissance person, Jim Cope is multi-talented and diverse in interests and accomplishments, and this CD exemplifies the full extent of his creative and expressive abilities. As a musician, singer and songwriter, Cope presents a broad range of acoustic entertainment. His clear baritone voice brings believability and presence to each song. He plays multiple instruments on many tracks, including guitar, mandolin, fiddle, wooden flute and banjo. His choice of song styles ranges from Appalachian to Cajun to Irish to Western/Cowboy and traditional folk. He is ably assisted by a variety of fine musicians with whom he’s worked over the years. The end result? A CD worth having and hearing repeatedly.
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Never Better than Later
author: Jaymie
                            
I thoroughly enjoy listening repeatedly to this acoustic gem. The listener is taken to a bygone era. Ezmerine written by Cope causes a longing for a place I’ve never been but feel connected. This CD is beautifully crafted and arranged. Just as I begin to slip into a sentimental state the upbeat rhythm and flute playing of Geronimo’s Cadillac bring the storytelling to the present day. It’s a poignant transition. Cope is not merely singing and strumming; he has bonded with his characters. The listener is effected similarly.
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never better than later
author: jeichler
                            
I’m thoroughly enjoying your masterpiece. What an awesome production. I’m digging the western feel and your choice of melodies, lyrics and green case. The back cover is classic! I think you’re gonna be famous! If you haven’t already, I’d look into distributing this via mainstream media.
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