Short Sharp Shocked

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
The '80s folk revival yielded a diversely talented generation, some reared on the aesthetic and ideology of punk, some on their '60s singer-songwriter predecessors. They were looking for the directness of expression and connection with audience that stripped acoustic music promised. Michelle Shocked built an audience through her strident activist messages and raw, almost naked songs; she had the sincerity that the audience craved. Despite the militant cover--in which a cop is seen choking a protesting Shocked--the record is memorable for its reveries of childhood, its simple sense of hope, and Shocked's minimalist guitar and hoarse, youthful voice. --Roy Francis Kasten --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Album Description
UK version of the singer/songwriter's critically acclaimed 1988 debut studio album now out of print in the U.S.. Ten tracks, including the classic, 'Anchorage'. Standard jewel case. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

When I Grow Up
Hello Hopeville
Memories Of East Texas
Gladewater
Graffiti Limbo
If Love Was A Train
Anchorage
The L&N
V.F.D.
Black Widow
Fogtown

Tracks:

When I Grow Up
Memories Of East Texas
Yamboree Queen
Strawberry Jam
Graffiti Limbo
If Love Was A Train
Anchorage
The L+N
V.F.D.
Black Widow
Leaving Louisiana In The Broad Daylight
Disoriented
Silence (Lovely Rita)
Ballad Of Penny Evans
Remodeling The Pentagon
Fred's Winter Song
Prince Of Darkness
One Piece At A Time
Silence (5 AM In Amsterdam)
Campus Crusade
Goodnight Irene

Amazon.com

The '80s folk revival yielded a diversely talented generation, some reared on the aesthetic and ideology of punk, some on their '60s singer-songwriter predecessors. They were looking for the directness of expression and connection with audience that stripped acoustic music promised. Michelle Shocked built an audience through her strident activist messages and raw, almost naked songs; she had the sincerity that the audience craved. Despite the militant cover--in which a cop is seen choking a protesting Shocked--the record is memorable for its reveries of childhood, its simple sense of hope, and Shocked's minimalist guitar and hoarse, youthful voice. --Roy Francis Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Where do you go...when there ain't no justice?.......2007-04-09

Michelle Shocked has a tremendous talent. Thankfully, it is hard to categorize in a word or two. Her ability to stretch the boundaries between musical genres (folk, swing, rock, bluegrass) did not sit well with her one-time record company. After a handful of recordings, Shocked's label dropped her due to 'artistic incongruity' or some such nonsense. She hit them back with a lawsuit citing conditions of involuntary servitude. This disrupted her recordings being released for awhile. In the end we all lost, in a way, because such an episode disturbs the natural flow of a career, and interrupts the artistic process. Recordings become harder to find, the relationship between artist and audience is thwarted. Such is life, sometimes.

Short, Sharp, Shocked (1986) was the first of a trilogy of albums recorded for Mercury/Polygram. If Shocked were ever to fit into the quasi-structural mold of singer-songwriter, it would have been with this release. Her folk-pop roots shine in autobiographical songs like "Memories of East Texas" and "Anchorge," and in her effective interpretation of Jean Ritchie's classic "The L&N Don't Stop Herre Anymore."

Shocked is a gifted songwriter. She can write overtly political material that will not hit you over the head with overbearing self-righteousness. She never loses sight of her senses of humor and irony. Note the gracefulness of her lyrics in "When I Grow Up," "Grafitti Limbo," or "Gladewater."

That Shocked never broke out into the national consciousness like Suzanne Vega or even Fiona Apple is perplexing. Such a dilemma poses the question: "Where do you go...when there ain't no justice?"

Laudible Effort Salutes Bygone Oratorio.......2005-06-01

Definitely liked this CD from the first listen.

You can't find another artist with more integrity than Michelle.

Knowledge and familiarity with American Roots styles is never more evident.

Everyone should give this CD a try!

Great Reissue, Bravo Michelle !.......2004-12-17

In this reissue, she added a whole CD worth of bonus material. Great material too, and all for a reasonable price. I think I listen to Disc #2 as much or more than Disc #1. It came in a cool box with new liner notes. All handwritten it appears. I wonder if she did the writing herself?

I had the original back in 1989. It was a favorite back then. It's just one of those albums you can play over and over. Somehow, I sold it with my whole CD collection about 10 or 12 years ago.

Then, one day I was downloading some stuff on Kazaa and I ran across a couple of songs from the reissue and checked out Michelle's web site, because I hadn't followed her too closely in recent years.

Now, this is where the record companies got it wrong. They think everybody's just ripping the everything off. Well, not everyone. I bought this, BECAUSE I heard it on the internet! I feel it's worth every cent it cost. I happen to think that artists are entitled to the profit from their hard work. And the hard work is apparent here.

What makes this even better is the fact that Michelle fought for the rights to own her material and won. So I hope she'll stand to make what's due to her, instead of some record executives in LA. If you're thinking about getting this, don't hesitate. Because, you never know, it may go out of print again. Another two thumbs up. Happy listening!

Truly Original talent...God This Woman is Talented!.......2004-11-06

I ordered this on a whim based on other reviews. What a great purchase, and what an addition to my music library. I sat on my porch here and savored each song...having lived in Texas, having been to the Paradiso in Amsterdam, having lived in Atlanta and been to the old (sigh) Metroplex (God I'm old)...having...well, you get the idea...in other words, this CD touched me, which doesn't happen often. Thank you Michelle for such a wonderful production. Keep up the good work, I'm planning on buying more an more of your music...you are truly talented. HIGHLY recommended!

Hey Chel you know it's kind of funny..........2003-10-31

But you still sound freakin awesome after all these years. This new edition is the best. That voice still breaks my heart and the extra cd makes this worth every dollar. Chel, keep writing and singing.

Average customer rating:

...Don't Remember
Terrific collection of songs
haiku for don't ask, don't tell
A Return to Her Peak of Perfection
EXCEPTIONAL EFFORT / A TRUE WORK OF ART / BRAVO

Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Michelle Shocked
Manufacturer: Mighty Sound
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Roots Rock | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Mexican Standoff
Got No Strings
Deep Natural
Short Sharp Shocked
Captain Swing

ASIN: B0009NCPV0
Release Date: 2005-06-21

Tracks:

Early Morning Saturday
How You Play The Game
Don't Ask
Used Car Lot
Hardly Gonna Miss
Evacuation Route
Fools Like Us
Elaborate Sabotage
Don't Tel
Goodbye
Hi Skool

Amazon.com

Of the three simultaneous releases that Michelle Shocked bills as her latest trilogy, Don't Ask Don't Tell is the most seriously ambitious and eclectic, so much so that she might have considered combining the strongest tracks from its companions with the best here to make a single powerhouse release. It's also the least conceptually focused, though the centerpiece of a kiss-off song, "Hardly Gonna Miss Him," suggests a theme of love gone bad, reinforced by titles such as "Elaborate Sabotage," "Fools Like Us," "Evacuation Route," and "Goodbye." Whatever Shocked has lost with the end of a relationship, the song cycle benefits from a creative emancipation. Like a musical chameleon as she adopts various vocal styles, she sounds willing to try anything--from the jazzy sophistication of "Early Morning Saturday" to the hipster spoken-word wisdom of "How You Play the Game" to the rollicking New Orleans spirit of "Don't Tell." Most atmospherically audacious is "Don't Ask," which sounds like a cross between Dr. John in his Night Tripper days and Uncle Remus. Don't miss the unlisted bonus track, which ends Shocked's most diverse collection to date in an explosion of punk-rock fury. --Don McLeese

Recommended Michelle Shocked Discography

Texas Campfire Tapes
Short Sharp Shocked
Captain Swing

Arkansas Traveler
Kind Hearted Woman
Deep Natural

Customer Reviews:

...Don't Remember.......2007-01-28

Well, the music here is fine. But largely this collection sounds uninspired. Whereas previous albums of hers had me glued to the lyrics and re-listening every chance I got, I have to remind myself to listen to this one. Not that it is awful. It just doesn't go anywhere. She sounds bored, so I guess I'm bored too. I know what she's capable of, so I miss the clever lyrics and brassy sound of CAPTAIN SWING, the passionate and original voice of SHORT SHARP SHOCKED, or the musicianship of ARKANSAS TRAVELER.

I still give this one 3 stars, based on her previous track record and the simple fact that this isn't really a bad album, especially when compared to her peers. Also, she retains a "one of a kind" quality that some singer/songwriters never come close to achieving.

Don't get me started on the *genius* who designed the packaging.

Terrific collection of songs.......2006-09-20

I don't what I like more: the cover or the music. Mind you, the cover is a hoot. I still laugh every time I reda the liner notes. Michelle has a career as a comedy writer if this song thing don't work out.
But the song thing is superb. Not as idio-syncratic as you might expect, but still filled with wry observations, terrific melodies and finely crafted instrumentation: as you would expect, everything is perfectly suited to each tune.
As angry as you can get with W, God bless MS for bringing a much needed smile. Imagine what havoc would be wreaked if she came home as Mary Cheney's new girlfriend? I'd pay hard money to go to that Thanksgiving Dinner.
So, enjoy this CD, it's great craic start to finish, and even if yer tone deaf, you'll find yourself laughing out loud at the humour.

haiku for don't ask, don't tell.......2005-09-05

a pointless album
by an artist whose best days
are well in the past

A Return to Her Peak of Perfection.......2005-08-31

If you are looking for an album with a homogenous theme that will wrap you in its "sameness", giving you a comfortable place to retreat to... this is NOT the album you want. All tracks are extremely well performed, recorded and produced. However, each track could have been done by a different artist. While I doubt it was intended, the first track has somewaht "breathy", yet full vocals akin to early Maria Muldaur. The next track reminds me of several Patty Smith tracks in its direct vocal style, texture and delivery. The third track uses wistful talking/singing to present a story laced with often made-up words delivered in a Laurie Anderson-like style. The list goes on, however, there is no doubt that each of the tracks is genuinely Michelle Shocked. At times playful, always intelligent lyrics are enveloped with and supported by excellent musicianship. Her best work since Arkansas Traveller, her prior "peak of polish & perfection". Definitely worth the "price of admission."

EXCEPTIONAL EFFORT / A TRUE WORK OF ART / BRAVO.......2005-06-23

This CD is composed of strong, diverse and intelligent songs that come straight from the artists heart. The music explores a variety of musical genres from rock, soul, folk, to jazz all with her unique signature fusion of styles. The listener is engaged from the outset with a full range of emotions from empathy to humor. It reminds me of the Kinks at their best in the 80's. Each song has a unique flavor and after the CD is over you have no difficulty remembering the tunes. You only are disappointed it has come to an end. If you have a brain... you should not be bored or untouched by this collection.

The sound quality is excellent. The arrangements are done with care and tenderness. The accompanying musicians and vocalists are used wonderfully and they clearly have a stong connection to the project.

I will not bore you with a song by song description. Anyone who has ever appreciated Michelle Shocked in the past will find their own favorites... which will likely change over time with your mood and circumstances.

Average customer rating:

Nostalgia in Orbit
Someone should lose their job...
fantastic
A MASTERPIECE
Still the best Michelle Shocked album

Short Sharp Shocked
Michelle Shocked
Manufacturer: Polygram Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Urban Folk | New Wave & Post-Punk | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Alternative Folk | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Folk Rock | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Alternative Rock | Imports | Stores | Music

Folk | Imports | Stores | Music

Rock | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Arkansas Traveler
Kind Hearted Woman
Captain Swing
Arkansas Traveler
Deep Natural

ASIN: B000001FOH
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

When I Grow Up
Hello Hopeville
Memories Of East Texas
(Making The Run To) Gladewater
Graffiti Limbo
If Love Was A Train
Anchorage
The L & N Don't Stop Here Anymore
V.F.D.
Black Widow
Bonus Track

Amazon.com

Album Description

UK version of the singer/songwriter's critically acclaimed 1988 debut studio album now out of print in the U.S.. Ten tracks, including the classic, 'Anchorage'. Standard jewel case.

Album Details

Widely considered one her finest records, 1988's 'Short Sharp Shocked' features 10 folksy, autobiographical tunes. Also includes a cover of the track 'Fog Town' with a little help from the hardcore punk rock group (MDC, a.k.a. Millions of Dead Cops, Millions of Damn Christians and or Multi-Death Corporation).

Customer Reviews:

Nostalgia in Orbit.......2003-09-03

Michelle Shocked (nee Johnson) takes nostaligia, adds irrepressible energy, anger and cynicism to create music with such clarity and longing it does indeed sound divinely inspired.

Most of the songs, particularly "Anchorage" and "Memories of East Texas" (wow!), are auto-open-heart-surgery. They get to the dilemma of wanting to burn the banal small-town restrictiveness of all the things that we are told as we grow up, and the desolation of loosing the dreams that we need to believe in.

The medium may be "Country Music," but the message could not be more City. Nor is it a punky protest CD, save for cover and the strange last track. There is protest, in lyrics (you have got to hear her sing them, please) such as

"And they could not make a place for a girl who'd seen the ocean"

and

"Hey Chel, We was wild then,"

but beyond the hot angry protest, there is a cold cynical distance. This lady went further afield than Anchorage (read her bio by the way).

In a similar-ish vien I can also recommend, Voice of the Beehive, Analis Morissette, Tracy Chapman, Suzanne Vega and Kate Bush. Avril Lavigne isn't bad either, but Michelle Shocked beats the pants off Avril Lavigne.

You will not regret buying this CD.

Someone should lose their job..........2003-06-09

...for letting this CD out of print. Get your act together record company and make it available in a hurry

fantastic.......2003-05-03

I had first heard of Michelle Shocked when I read a review of her album "Deep Natural" in the Minneapolis paper. I bought the album and loved it, but I was not able to find any more of her albums in a store (and have not purchased any online). Recently I borrowed two Michelle Shocked albums from the public library. I have since had "Short Sharp Shocked" constantly playing in my cd player.

This album has a bluesy, down home folk funk sound to it. It is fairly hard to describe, but I think that is a good thing. Michelle Shocked has a wonderful sound and I appreciate the fact that it can't really be pigeonholed. There is a power in Shocked's voice. "Anchorage" is one of my favorite tracks from the album, but there is no song that I really don't like on this gem. Great album and definitely worth buying.

A MASTERPIECE.......2003-01-04

Available only as an import--this wonderful work, from one of America's most underappreciated artists, is chock full of memorable goodies.

Still the best Michelle Shocked album.......2002-04-03

Michelle Shocked had done an album before "Short, Sharp, Shocked" called "The Texas Campfire Tapes," but this is the first one by which a greater audience came to know her. It's still her best album.

Opening with "When I Grow Up," Shocked sounds as though she transcribed verbatim the childhood marital and family wishes of a four-year old. Talking about her "120 babies," Shocked sings, "We're gonna give 'em that watermelon/When they start yellin'." Hilarious stuff that she sings completely straight, the song moves beyond its potential as a novelty throwaway and becomes a gloriously Henri-Rousseau-like aural painting about adulthood.

"Hello Hopeville" starts out with rhythmic guitar work that puts the listener in mind of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash or even Waylon Jennings, but then she comes in with that distinctive, wry, wiry voice of hers and you are completely seduced. A terrific narrative about a young man going in to register for the draft (or just sign up for military service--it's not completely clear), this is a story in and of itself and stands on its own even without the backing music.

In "Memories of East Texas" and "(Making the Run to) Gladewater," Shocked pays tribute to her Texas childhood and youth. The former is a subtle, yearning look at the years of growing up and the odd things one remembers--like cutting through someone's pasture when the water ran too deep out on the road after a heavy rain. In the latter, Shocked cuts loose to yowl happily about the high school habit of trying to buy beer before the store closes:

"Now, fair is fair but life's a gamble
When it's eleven forty-five
And it's a toss of a coin to see who's got
Fifteen minutes to make a thirty-minute drive . . .
Here's what you do
You hustle all your buddies off
the back of your truck
You grab your girl and say, 'Come on, let's--'
But it's okay, you're on your way
You lost the toss
You're taking the money
You're making the run to Gladewater."

"If Love Was a Train" and "V. F. D" (about kids setting fires in dry grass) are both stand-out songs as well. The only song that doesn't seem to fit is the head-banging "Black Widow," but since it's the last song on the album, it's easy to skip. Shocked's voice throughout is by turns saucy, meditative, serene, and all-around gorgeous. Hard to beat an album this good.

Short Sharp Shocked
Average customer rating:
Short Sharp Shocked
Michelle Shocked
Manufacturer: Phantom Sound & Visi
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0002B6RC2
Release Date: 2000-11-14