Morphine leader Mark Sandman was the inventor of a sound called "low rock" ? the distinctive blend of sonorous saxophone, bass and deep grooves that, along with Mark?s lyric poetry, propelled Morphine to fame. But Mark cre... more »ated much more than the brilliant music of Morphine. He was a tireless musical experimenter who wrote and recorded constantly throughout his life. Although Morphine and the seminal swamp-blues quartet Treat Her Right became well known and successful, much of his work was never commercially released and remains unheard ? except by his large circle of friends, who he regularly commandeered to critique his latest, usually over a bottle of Patron. Sandbox brings everyone into that circle. After 5 years meticulously culling the large collection of original music, poetry and art left behind by Mark after his untimely death in 1999, the surviving members of Morphine, Bill Conway and Dana Colley, have assembled the essential Mark Sandman collection. More a musical adventure than a "greatest hits" set, the 30 songs on Sandbox are connected by the voice and the singular musical and lyrical vision of Mark Sandman. For Morphine and Treat Her Right devotees, it?s a final affectionate encore. For the uninitiated, an invitation to discover the depth and scope of Mark?s unique and challenging artistry. Sandbox also includes a DVD of rare and unseen footage, artifacts of Mark?s career and even more Sandman music.« less
Morphine leader Mark Sandman was the inventor of a sound called "low rock" ? the distinctive blend of sonorous saxophone, bass and deep grooves that, along with Mark?s lyric poetry, propelled Morphine to fame. But Mark created much more than the brilliant music of Morphine. He was a tireless musical experimenter who wrote and recorded constantly throughout his life. Although Morphine and the seminal swamp-blues quartet Treat Her Right became well known and successful, much of his work was never commercially released and remains unheard ? except by his large circle of friends, who he regularly commandeered to critique his latest, usually over a bottle of Patron. Sandbox brings everyone into that circle. After 5 years meticulously culling the large collection of original music, poetry and art left behind by Mark after his untimely death in 1999, the surviving members of Morphine, Bill Conway and Dana Colley, have assembled the essential Mark Sandman collection. More a musical adventure than a "greatest hits" set, the 30 songs on Sandbox are connected by the voice and the singular musical and lyrical vision of Mark Sandman. For Morphine and Treat Her Right devotees, it?s a final affectionate encore. For the uninitiated, an invitation to discover the depth and scope of Mark?s unique and challenging artistry. Sandbox also includes a DVD of rare and unseen footage, artifacts of Mark?s career and even more Sandman music.
CD Reviews
Yes. It is Good!
Pen Name? | 01/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This set far exceeds any expectations I had of it. With every listen, more and more songs stick in my head. So many of these tracks would have been standouts on any Morphine or THR release. I can't always tell which tracks were done with which band, but disc one seems to be a Morphine centered album, while disc 2 is largely focused on Sandman's other projects. Being a fan of Morphine who's only given a little time to THR, I've been giving more attention to disc one which features a lot of really great tracks, especially Tomorrow and Justine. There are a lot of other Sandman projects represented in this set as well. Only one or two tracks seem out of place to me, but still do well if only as a picture of some other sides of Sandman's work.
The DVD is also a real treat featuring even more unreleased songs from concert footage and some rare footage of earlier projects performing at the Middle East and elsewhere. There are also a lot of interview clips from the Morphine era that really let the personality of Sandman shine through.
A lot more can be said about this collection to be sure and I'm still finding new things with each listen. Definitely pick this up. If you're a Sandman fan who might have wondered if a collection like this would be up to par with what you already know, I can guarantee that you will be pleased."
Unbelievable
Nicholas Gorini | Portland, OR USA | 12/16/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Picked this up just last night - simply unbelievable. Always a huge Morphine and Treat Her Right fan, I had no idea that a posthumous collection could be so coherent, of such quality, and such a valid piece of work that stands on its own.
This is no hodgepodge of studio leftovers, remixes and beyond-the-grave recordings. This is a significant artistic expression, like a multimedia biography of Mark Sandman. He, and all his creative outpourings, are treated with great respect and insight.
From the music, artwork, interviews, live concert footage, lost videos, and packaging, this CD/DVD (for lack of a better word, it's something beyond that) fascinates me. I would love to see more artists retrospectives done in similar fashion.
And let's get back to the music. It's excellent, and in excellent condition. This is NOT an album just for diehards.
I want to thank Dana Colley and Billy Conway (and all who were involved in this project) - not only have you given fans a special gift, but you've opened the door for many more people to enjoy this."
Amazing ... simply ... amazing
Laura Carroll | 01/02/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just got this today, and I LOVE IT... it shows all the different moods of mark sandman. This album is a good definition of what he had left to say before he left this world. The dvd is very good as well, has a lot of footage that is extremely rare. The only thing I have to complain about it, and maybe I just can't find it on the DVD, is it lists "Moveable Bubble" with the songs "the Night" and "You Look Like Rain" on it... but I can't find it ANYWHERE on the dvd... well hopefully someone can help me out with that. Other than that... MUST HAVE for ALL morphine fans!"
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you
L. Sheahan | Boston, MA USA | 01/14/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is such a wonderful tribute to Mark Sandman. Thanks so much to the people who had a hand in putting this collection together. I am thoroughly astounded by the scope of this montage, and hope that another disc/dvd collection will someday be available to the public. Anyone who appreciates THR or Morphine will be happy to have this. Just watching the DVD brought tears to my eyes. As they say, "only the good die young"."
Mark lives!
Dragos | Boston, MA | 12/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought this mainly to see Mark on stage since I never got the chance while he was around. But I got much much more. The CDs are classic albums on their own (these songs are not reconditioned B sides) and the DVD does indeed give you a glimpse into Mark's personality, presence, and open-mindedness. What an amazing guy!
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1