Search - Shannon Mcardle :: Summer of the Whore

It's a (re-)start...

boeanthropist | Cambridge, MA | 08/10/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"On this, her first post-Mendoza Line album, McArdle's songwriting is as lyrically sharp and emotionally bare as ever. The only problem here is her producer & backing band: frankly, they suck. No, scratch that; they don't suck; I almost wish they sucked; because even musical ineptitude would be better than the flat, uninspired, perfectly competent, generic indy-rock arrangements which manage to undermine a fine new batch of songs. Next album, Shannon, hire Calexico or somebody who can do justice to your tunes."

Arrival!

Pink Boy | Ireland | 08/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a huge Mendoza Line fan, and have always really enjoyed and admired Shannon's contributions to those albums. Now, though, it feels like she has really arrived as a songwriter. Right from the opener, "Poison My Cup", the stall is laid out. This is tart and very engaging writing.



Due to the breakup of her relationship with fellow ML writer Tim Bracy, it's inevitable that we'll look for reactions in this record. Whatever the reason, these songs are the most focused, ferocious and downright serious of her career, despite their clever lyrical twists.



And the arrangements aren't anywhere near as weak as the last reviewer would have you believe. Listen to the MP3s and see for yourself.



Overall, an important chapter. Can't wait to see what happens next!"