Search - Marshall Crenshaw :: I've Suffered For My Art...Now It's Your Turn

Alas, an Apt Title

Patrick Noonan | Atlanta, GA USA | 01/06/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Did he listen to these tapes before releasing them?Marshall Crenshaw has an ear like no one else -- for the pop hook, the unforgettable guitar lick, the surprising chord change, the addictive chorus. His brilliant studio albums over the past 20 years haven't received anywhere near the notice they deserve. Nor have there been enough of them -- I guess that explains why so many of us snatch up anything he releases!However, this one won't get a second listen. (Okay, maybe a second, but no THIRDS!) The songs are great but pale in comparison to the studio originals. The playing and singing are sloppy and reveal nothing new. The sound and arrangements are surprisingly amateurish coming from someone with such meticulous studio standards (and amazing studio technique!) And shy guy that he is, the onstage patter is limited and predictable.By all means, support this guy by buying his complete studio catalog - but you can safely skip this one."

Slightly Disappointing

David A. Zapolsky | Seattle, WA USA | 11/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although Marshall Crenshaw turns in a respectable live acoustic performance of some of his best songs, this album ironically proves that his songs (and his voice) really sound best when they're performed by the type of band for which he originally intended them. Unfortunately, the acoustic mode doesn't always show off his voice to great effect (that's never been his strongest suit anyway), and listening to this album one misses the unique and distinctive electric guitar textures that mark so many of his best songs. It's still very listenable, and the songs are still great, it's just that this album will probably appeal more to those who already know Crenshaw's work and will appreciate the sometimes strikingly new interpretations of his older songs."

Loses Something in the Translation

David A. Zapolsky | 06/09/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Marshall Creshaw is an outstanding musician. As such, he should understand that it is incumbent on the musican to take a few minutes to repurpose/rearrange a song for acoustic presentation. Many of these cleverly crafted electric pop songs just don't translate easily in an unplugged format. They are presented with the same vibe and tempo as they are when Crenshaw is backed by a full band.This is a good album with a few gems and frankly a must have for Crenshaw fans. However with a little extra work from Crenshaw on the front end, it could have been a truly great album."