Hurley sometimes shift tones in the middle of a song, creating humor out of a serious situation or vice versa.

[6] The Buffalo News called Snockgrass Hurley's "brightest and most accessible record.

"[8] In 1993, the Daily Press wrote that "thoughtful love songs [balance] some of Hurley's funniest deprave-ups.

"[10] Reviewing the 1997 reissue, The Star-Ledger determined that "Hurley's deadpan delivery, his chunky rhythm guitar, the occasional loopy background vocals, off-center drums and groaning fiddles conjure up a vanished era of American hippiedom.

"[14] City Pages stated that Hurley "found mercy in weaving simple, languid, folk tunes, rooted in detailed accounts of quotidian delights—watching sunsets, drinking porter, eating pork chops, going down.