Search - Mem Shannon :: I'm From Phunkville

Another leaving the blues behind?

Peter | Sweden | 05/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"i've been listning to mem since i was a kid, and i've really been looking forward to see him make another album. i loved them all, from 1995 to 2001, but without a doubt.. this is the least "bluesy" album he has done so far. It's quite diffrent from the old albums. I don't even think Mem sings the word "Blues" throw the whole album.

i'm worried that mem might take the same road as Keb Mo' did, Keb started out with blues albums, then went more and more to pop. and today Keb Mo's album are simply pop. I've always been imagening Mem Shannon as the new B.B. King, the guy who will take B.B's place, so it would break my heart if he does like Keb Mo', and leaves the blues behind.

I guess my favorite songs are "Phunkville", "I'll kiss a pitbull for some of your love", "Battle Ground" and "Somebody gonna hit you with an ignant stick". I view "Elenour Rigby" as in memory of Ray. I look at it that way, but there is no mentioning of Ray Charles anywhere.

But i miss Mem style protest songs like "S.U.V", "Wrong People In Charge", complaint songs like "Payin' My Dues", "who are they?".. you know.. the blues. down to earth. fun songs like "my baby has been watching TV", "don't talk about my mama!". i can't connect to the songs on this album. it's a distance. mem's other albums are closer more familiar friends of mine. i don't feel to home around this jazz stuff.

i guess i expected more "down to earth", "real life", "familiar" tunes. Like Mem has done before. Legendary bluesman Ray Charles recently passed away, and Mem does a tribute to golfplayer Tiger Woods. What? What's happening brother? I just don't get it.

anyway, it's a good album. great music. it's no way similar to Keb Mo pop music. I've been playing it for days now. very enjoyable. My favorite young bluesman - Mem Shannon. (in blues, middleage is young. and also if you're married to Cher - i know, i stole that joke from Chris Rock)

MEM SHANNON LADIES AND GENTLEMEN!!! Real music. Great music. (But i do miss the blues.. i can't connect to this album like Mem's previous albums)"

Not The Same Ol' Blues

Star Thrower | 10/12/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mem's not leaving the blues behind. He's taking them somewhere else! And the blues need to be taken elsewhere. Mr. Shannon is the best thing that's ever happened to contemporary blues. He's left all the stale cliches behind and taken a fresh approach. Mem has an abundance of talent and intelligence and he puts it to good use writing fresh lyrics relevant to the times. He's also one hell of a guitar player! From the gorgeous nylon string solo (how many other blues guitarists play a classical guitar?) on The Lights Of Caracas, to the ultra funky and inventive playing on We Going, Mem sounds inspired! He plays with a beautiful clean tone which is refreshing to these ears. Mem doesn't just play blues guitar licks like many unimaginative players, he plays music. There is much to like on this release as well as all of Mem's cds. If you've grown tired of the same 'ol blues, pick up a Mem Shannon cd. You'll be revitalized!"