Crenshaw's roots revealed
This album is a wonderful collection of well-crafted, ear-catching melodies, hitherto unknown gems and new versions of old favorites. Crenshaw fan(atic)s have come to expect no less from their man, but the very pleasant surprise on this album is "Everyone's in Love with You," a sweet little number written (and perhaps performed -- I'm not sure) by Marshall's brother, Robert. Also of interest is an instrumental version of "Blues Is King" from "Downtown" titled "Bruce Is King." This album is, of course, a must for any Crenshaw fan, but the curious music aficionado will find plenty here to learn and love. Easily worth the price of admission.
Revel in Crenshaw's rock roots
This album is a wonderful collection of well-crafted, ear-catching melodies, hitherto unknown gems and new versions of old favorites. Crenshaw fan(atic)s have come to expect no less from their man, but the very pleasant surprise on this album is "Everyone's in Love with You," a sweet little number written (and perhaps performed -- I'm not sure) by Marshall's brother, Robert. Also of interest is an instrumental version of "Blues Is King" from "Downtown" titled "Bruce Is King." This album is, of course, a must for any Crenshaw fan, but the curious music aficionado will find plenty here to learn and love. Easily worth the price of admission.
Unpolished gem will light up any room (despite low wattage)
This unpolished rarities collection captures Crenshaw at his best. What the songs lack in polish they make up for in raw energy. These demos are somewhat rare (although one or two have appeared on vinyl or CD). The liner notes are fun as well although I'd like to have seen a bit more of Marshall's witty comments. This deserves 3 1/2 stars (it would get four but there are a couple of tracks that aren't quite up to snuff despite the fact that they are fun to hear). This album along with the recent This is Easy anthology and Live - My Truck is My Home would make the perfect homemade box set for any Crenshaw fan.
Rock out
Marshall Crenshaws finest cd. All the songs are great. Pure pop songs at their finest. If this cd doesn't make you tap your foot non stop nothing will.
Basic Rock Fun
A good quick exposure to Marshall Crenshaw in action. Since some of his album's were produced to a perfect polish, it's sort of fun to hear them with more edge to them. High props espcially to "Someday Someway" (rockier), "Favorite Waste of Time", "Bruce Is King" and "Stay Fabulous". Quick note - "I'm Sorry" is NOT "I'm Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee)", but rather the Bo Diddley song. Since "A Collection" is apparently not in print, this may be a good way for neophytes to check out what Mr Crenshaw's all about.
Marshall Crenshaw's meld of rock & roll archaeology and empathetic songwriting remains striking lo these many moons since his debut. The 9 Volt Years, which collects demos and the odd radio performance, is a reminder of just how startling Crenshaw's forward-thinking retro style was in the early '80s. Fans will be familiar with some of these titles--"Someday Someway," "You're My Favorite Waste of Time," "Something's Gonna Happen," "Rockin' Around in NYC," heard here in versions similar to but different from the previously released takes, along with substantial retoolings of a couple of others--while more will quickly become new favorites. A pretty good "I'm Sorry" (Bo Diddley's, not Brenda Lee's) and a terrific reading of Sam Cooke's "That's It, I Quit, I'm Movin' On" are the obligatory covers. For even casual Crenshaw watchers, a must. --Rickey Wright
