Search - Marshall Crenshaw :: #447

Stand up (bass) for Mr. Crenshaw

jeffery k. frangione | ROCKville, Maryland, USA | 12/09/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Although I agree that as far as running times go, this effort is a bit short, but there are the usual gems we have come to count on from M.C. With surf guitar sounds on "Dime a Dozen Guy," to the instant classic "Television Light" (By the way, this was originally titled "What I didn't Want to Do"), this is trademark Crenshaw--not to imply he doesn't flirt with several styles. Instrumentals are sprinkled throughout, and the moodiness of the album ebbs and flows. Tell me that "Right There In Front of Me" wasn't lifted from Mary Jean & 9 Others sessions and I would doubt you. Overall, another M.C. jewel, And one That gets better with repeated plays. One further note, I love M.C. with a rock band, but the addition of strings and stand up bass add to the atmospherics..."

Marshall's most experimental work

J. Powell | New York, NY United States | 09/19/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"People who have just recently purchased MC's new "Best of" CD, which is fantastic, may now be interested in building a Marshall Crenshaw collection. This CD may surprise or possibly disappoint those who have been digging on his best of album for a few weeks and are looking for something similar. This CD takes awhile to grow on you, but once it does, you will enjoy seeing a different side of Marshall.Marshall's last two studio CD's have highlighted him as a musician - a brilliant guitar player whose use of guitar effects and complex technique has certainly evolved in the last decade. Marshall's mostly guitar solo-less early work has become a thing of the past, as his most recent work has centered on his playing more than his ability to write a perfect two or three minute pop tune. The music here is much more textured and experimental, although Marshall's stamp is certainly on these songs.Lyrically, this CD leaves a little to be desired. However what is most present here is Marshall's incredible (and continually evolving) prowess as a musician. All of the drum and bass tracks are Marshall himself, as is most of the guitar. Other musicians, mainly string players and keyboardists (including the wonderful David Sancious), add flourishes but musically, this album is almost all Marshall.The instrumentals are a treat. The jazz-inflected "You Said What??" is fantastic, and each instrumental shows Marshall has been spending a long time perfecting his technique."Television Light" and "Dime A Dozen Guy" are both gems and trademark Crenshaw pop tunes with a modern edge, and would have fit in well on the best of CD.But those expecting a duplicate of his first two albums will be disappointed. This CD shows a much more experimental side, and if you are ready to explore that, then you will enjoy this."

Not only hook-laden, but long on atmosphere!

J. Powell | 09/29/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. Crenshaw takes a bit of a turn on this CD, with mucho atmospheric production created by use of strings, stand-up bass, bongos, etc., all used to back-up his still-solid and varied use of, yes, the guitar (electric and otherwise)...Definitely mature but still in love with rock n roll, the album gets happier as it progresses, and a few moody instrumenstals placed throughout make for nice change of paces...I don't know if this'll win any new converts (take a chance!), but any Crenshaw fans who strayed around the time Warners stopped considering him "commercially viable" should perhaps consider this the portal with which to reaquaint themselves with his catchy and plaintive world..."