Search - For Carnation :: Marshmallows

Good, but i know you can do better, mr. mcmahan...

nbb6 | Ithaca, NY United States | 01/24/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"this is a tough record to review. three stars seems terribly low for what is, in reality, a really good album, and i would hate to turn anyone off to such a great band... but i just can't justify giving it four stars. so take this as a three and a half star review... three and three quarters maybe...anyway, the thing is there really isn't that much _wrong_ with this (pseudo) EP. the problem is, the for carnation's self-titled release on touch and go last year was absolutely magnificent. i picked up that album first, and then worked my way back through "marshmallows" and "fight songs", and while both are good on their own, you will probably be a little bit disappointed (as i was) that they haven't quite perfected the dark, tight, almost suffocating feel of the for carnation's most recent release. from what i understand, both "marshmallows" and "fight songs" were recorded under fairly tight time constraints, as opposed to the new album, which brian mcmahan (yes, THAT brian mcmahan, of slint fame) apparently worked on over a period of several years. and it shows.even though "waiting to receive you" is the song on the EP which most resembles the subtle, textured grooves that make "the for carnation" such an incredible album; it is actually, in my opinion, the weakest track on "marshmallows". it is too long, and not nearly as intricate or interesting as the songs on the self-titled LP. the a-side is, however, strong and consistent, starting with the great opening track "on the swing".so, even though i think "marshmallows" is quite good, i would suggest you start with the new album and (if you fall madly in love with it as i did) work your way back through the earlier EPs. (and if you do buy this album, make sure you get it on vinyl!)"