Marshall Crenshaw

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
One of the best releases of the '80s (by one of the most consistent album artists in rock since that time), Marshall Crenshaw is a jukebox of catchy riffs, hooky choruses, and beatific harmonies from Detroit-reared singer-guitarist Crenshaw and his trio. This is a classic driving album, beach album, doing-housework album--you could pay your taxes to it and still bop along joyously. From the jangly opener "There She Goes Again" to the sparkling pop of "Someday Someway" and "Mary Anne" to the lyrically compelling rockers like "Cynical Girl" and "The Usual Thing," Crenshaw and producer Richard Gottehrer (Go-Go's, Blondie) conjure up a timeless pop sheen that highlights the band's neo-retro hooks with exotica-like glockenspiel. The production adds the odd touch of magic to this classic, from a purposeful young songwriter-singer-guitarist busting out of the gate at the top of his game. --Don Harrison --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

Something's Gonna Happen
Someday, Someway
There She Goes Again
Cynical Girl
Mary Anne
You're My Favorite Waste Of Time
Monday Morning Rock
Whenever You're On My MInd
Our Town
For Her Love
I'm Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee)
Little Wild One (No.5)
Blues Is King
Like A Vague Memory
Calling Out For Love (At Crying Time)
This Is Easy
Somebody's Crying
You Should've Been There
Someplace Where Love Can't Find Me
Better Back Off
What Do You Dream Of?
Starless Summer Sky

Amazon.com

Marshall Crenshaw never again scored the commercial success he saw with his acclaimed 1982 self-titled debut, but he kept the knack for writing melodically rich, evocative, touching songs. Culled from releases over a 15-year period (from the explosive '81 single "Something's Gonna Happen" to the fine Miracle of Science), This Is Easy leans heavily toward the pensive side of Crenshaw's oeuvre. Whether nicking an old B.B. King album title ("Blues Is King") for a generalized lament or facing specific questions raised by the everyday ("You Should've Been There," "Better Back Off"), Crenshaw always offers a riff, a hooky chorus, and a thoughtful outlook to ensure each of these songs their long lives. With many of their source albums out of print, This Is Easy fills a real void. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Solid Compliation.......2006-08-19

Marshall Crenshaw does make it seem easy, doesn't he? His songwriting and lyrical abilities complement each other fine and the result is work that always seems fresh and original...no matter how many times I listen. I tnink the fact that he is able to deliver a pop-rock sound with substance and a signature sound is what separates him from his peers. This compilation exhibits this and further adds fuel to the Crenshaw reputation that still is prominate in musically educated circles.

Best stuff on his first two albums.......2004-12-28

This disc reveals clearly that Crenshaw shot his creative wad on his first two albums, "Marshall Crenshaw" and "Field Day." After that he maintained his pleasant and distinctive sound, but the songs were mostly echoes. The songs from those early discs deserve 4 and 5 stars, but the rest get 1 or 2 stars.

The Album I'd Take to a Desert Island.......2004-06-20

There are very few albums that I would label as "must haves." "This is Easy" is one of them.

The word "underappreciated" is tossed around all the time in regards to Crenshaw. I don't think this word fairly applies. I think that the people who've heard his music appreciate it a great deal. "Underheard" is probably a better choice of adjective.

As it says in the liner notes for "This is Easy," it is almost a crime that Crenshaw's work didn't get played on the radio, or MTV or - well - much of anywhere. His songs are catchy, his lyrics earnest without seeming dopey and his musicianship first class. Perhaps his sound was just too "old fashioned" for the New Wave '80s and Grunge '90s, but I propose that his work has stood the test of time much better than many of the bands with whom he competed for airplay.

Hats off to you, Marshall.

This is easy, easy music to love.......2004-02-15

THIS IS EASY is a way above average greatest hits collection, for the simple reason that Marshall Crenshaw has been one of the finest writer/performers of the past twenty years. Beginning with his stunning debut album MARSHALL CRENSHAW, in 1982, he has produced a string of first rate albums filled with superb songs, the vast majority written by Crenshaw, with an occasionally gem by someone else, like the incredible "I'm Sorry (And So Is Brenda Lee)," written by Ben Vaughan.

The bulk of the great songs come from Crenshaw's first three extraordinary albums (all well worth owning) the eponymous first album (1982), FIELD DAY (1983), and DOWNTOWN (1985). Over half the album derives from these three albums. These contain what is arguably the best pop rock produced by any American performer in the early 1980s. I've played the album for friends who were only slightly familiar with Crenshaw, and while they recognized and liked the songs, I have wondered why they weren't far more widely known than they are.

I have become increasingly convinced that record companies play no useful role in a society where methods of music distribution have changed so dramatically. If one could eliminate the record companies, eliminate monopolies like Clear Channel (the first of these is inevitable, the second unfortunately not), perhaps talent rather than hype and promotion and the monopolization of the airwaves would determine whether or not performers would rise to the top. There are literally hundreds of bands and musicians who have been forced down our throats because the record companies have built them up and then overexposed them. Meanwhile, first-rate talents like Marshall Crenshaw don't receive the hype, and don't get the exposure that they deserve. The record companies and the monopolies don't deserve to control the airwaves if for no other reason than the fact that they have done such a miserable job of promoting talent.

In a better world, where talent determined whether or not someone's music was widely heard, Marshall Crenshaw would have been huge. This isn't a hard conclusion at which to arrive. In fact, it is easy.

This Is....great songwriting.......2004-02-02

Like so many "smart songwriters" in the world of rocking pop music (think John Hiatt, Clive Gregson, Dwight Twilley, Tim and Neil Finn, etc), Marshall Crenshaw never seemed to get the total respect due him. Sure, he's had some breaks. Not everyone gets their songs covered by Bette Midler or gets featured in a few big budget Hollywood movies. Or for that matter, even gets to crack the top 40 at all, as Crenshaw did with "Someday Someway." It's just that musically, Crenshaw released a perfect debut to critical raves and pop success, then saw it slowly recede as he released solid albums year after year. While I am fortunate to have most of the original CDs, most of them are out of print. Most aren't even listed on Amazon as available used!

So then as usual, it's Rhino to the rescue. Gathering 22 songs from the albums up to "Miracle of Science" must have been a daunting task. After all, how could you choose what to include and omit? While I do agree that some of his later day albums get the short shrift (especially "Life's Too Short"), there is hardly a song here that I can't listen to over and over again. Like the modern day Buddy Holly he is, Crenshaw blends both a certain innocence and naivete with world weary charm, perhaps best exemplified by "This Is Easy" and "Cynical Girl."

Go ahead, just try and listen to the CD and NOT go around with at least one of the hooks bubbling around in your head for the next 36 hours. From the rockabilly shake of that first single, "Something's Gonna Happen," to the closing beauty of "Starless Summer Sky," this is pop with bits so catchy you'll think something is stuck to your shoe. Even his cover selections (Hiatt's "Somewhere Love Can't Find Me," Ben Vaughn's "I'm Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee)") show the kind of affection for sophisticated pop music that would glut the radio if there were any justice in the world.

Tracks:

I Want Candy - Bow Wow Wow
I Know What Boys Like - The Waitresses
Kids In America - Kim Wilde
Love Plus One - Hairdut One Hundred
Someday, Someway - Marshall Crenshaw
Hold On To Something - Great Buildings
Town Called Malice - The Jam
867-5309/Jenny - Tommy Tutone
Vacation - Go-Go's
Valley Girl - Frank And Moon Zappa
I Ran (So Far Away) - A Flock Of Seagulls
Sex Dwarf - Soft Cell
I Love A Man In A Uniform - Gang Of Four
The Art Of Parties - Japan
Homosapien - Pete Shelley
Mickey - Toni Basil

Customer Reviews:

WOW! Was "Mickey" a GREAT song, or what?!.......2004-10-26

Nope, in fact it was one of the songs that I hated the first time I heard it and can still gather up a load of revulsion for today. The oddball tune that drags this collection up to the .500 line is Pete Shelley's "Homo Sapien". Funny, catchy and just plain clever, but I worry about Pete. Other than that volume 5 barely trips the meter. Welcome to the middle of the new wave road.

Nearly Quintessential...Nearly.......2002-05-24

My biggest complaint about this particular album is the inclusion of "Hold onto Something" by Great Buildings. Many of these songs define my days in high school, but for the life of me I can't remember ever hearing of this band. However, I do remember hearing this song...or one very much like it -- Joe Jackson's incredibly popular song titled, "I'm the Man," from his album, "I'm the Man" (1979), which was hugely popular through the early eighties.

Re-mixing this album with the correct song would help this album's rating a lot.

Those Were The Days-- Great New Wave Collection!.......2001-08-18

The best entry in Rhino's awesome "New Wave Hits" series.(Volume 1 which covers the late 70's is also excellent).All 16 songs are culled from 1982 which was indeed a very good year for pop music. Haircut One Hundred's "Love Plus One" and Flock of Seagulls' "I Ran" were anthems of the(then) young MTV Generation. These quirky video darlings raged like a hurricane of fresh air in the face of bland corporate schlock which hogged the airwaves. Songs like the Go Go's "Vacation" and Tommy Tutone's "867-5309" were not only pure fun-- they were also well-crafted 3-minute pop gems. In fact, nearly every tune on volume 5 is cut from the same intelligent pop mold. Other standouts from this set include the vastly underrated Marshall Crenshaw's "Someday Someway", The Jam's "A Town Called Malice" and Soft Cell's absurdly humorous "Sex Dwarf". The only weak cuts are Gang of Four's "Man in Uniform" and the truly horrible "Art of Parties" by Japan. Overall, this is a fantastic collection which harkens back to a truly innovative time in pop music-- a brief time when catchy Hit Singles ruled and all possibilities seemed endless.

Best In The Series.......2001-07-07

This is my favorite of the series. Actually there are only two cuts that I consider weak ("Kids in America" and "Mickey"). ALl the rest are great little slices of the variety and creativeness of 80's new wave rock. Good c.d. to have.

Just Can't Get Enough vol. 5.......2000-07-10

I have 8 of the cd's in this series, and plan on getting the rest. This one is one of my favorite of the series. The song "Love Plus One" by Haircut One Hundred is a fabulous song. There are many other gems as well, such as "I Want Candy", "Someday, Someway" and "I Ran (So Far Away)". There are many obscure songs on here, so don't expect to know them all, unless you had an unbelievable vinyl collection in the 80's. The music hear can fit almost any mood you may be feeling. Pick it up and enjoy.

Average customer rating:

Marshall Crenshaw CD Review
Should get 10 stars!
An essential Rock & Roll album for any collection
brilliant
Timeless music

Marshall Crenshaw
Marshall Crenshaw
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music

Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Field Day
The Best of Marshall Crenshaw: This Is Easy
Mary Jean & 9 Others
Seconds of Pleasure
Downtown

ASIN: B00004UEIX
Release Date: 2000-08-15

Tracks:

There She Goes Again
Someday, Someway
Girls...
I'll Do Anything
Rockin' Around In N.Y.C.
The Usual Thing
She Can't Dance
Cynical Girl
Mary Anne
Soldier Of Love
Not For Me
Brand New Lover
Starlit Summer Sky (Demo, 1979)
Whenever You're On My MInd (Demo, 1979)
You're My Favorite Waste Of Time - Marshall Crenshaw & The Handsome, Ruthless And Stupid Band
Somebody Like You
Rave On (Live, 1982)
The Usual Thing (Live, 1982)
Stop Her On Sight (S.O.S.) (Live, 1982)
Look At What I Almost Missed (Live, 1982)
I've Been Good To You (Live, 1981)

Amazon.com

Marshall Crenshaw's self-titled debut arrived at a time when post-New Wave rockers were examining the music of past decades and adapting its sounds and attitudes to their own. Crenshaw's dead-on melodic sensibility, empathetic lyrics, and deeply ingrained sense of pop structure and sound made the record 1982's best. This special edition--intended, like the "hits" package This Is Easy, to reintroduce the singer to the audience he's always deserved but often failed to find--includes nine bonus tracks that collect some fine rarities (the cheeky B-sides "You're My Favorite Waste of Time" and "Somebody Like You") and illuminate Crenshaw's deep connection to older soul and rock. To hear Crenshaw and band play obscurities by the Miracles, the Parliaments, and Edwin Starr to roaring early-'80s crowds is to be reminded of a brief but highly optimistic era that Crenshaw's vision all but personified. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Marshall Crenshaw CD Review.......2006-11-10

This is a great CD - it brings back memories of simpler times and of songs with simple and innocent lyrics - "Someday, Someway" and "Cynical Girl" are my two favorite songs on the CD

Should get 10 stars!.......2006-05-30

This album is almost 25 years old, and it still sounds fresh. They don't make 'em like this anymore. This is straight ahead, pure, no b.s. rock and roll. In a perfect world, any of the 12 songs from the original debut could've been a number one hit. Mr. Crenshaw makes it look so easy, but writing simple, catchy songs is still a difficult thing to do. These songs will stay in your head FOREVER. My favorites are "There She Goes Again", "Girls...", "Rockin' Around in NYC", "Cynical Girl", "Mary Anne", and "Brand New Lover".

Plus, Rhino makes it even better with 10 demos/b-sides/live tracks. Yes... 10. "Brand New Lover" shows up in a different form as a hidden track, buried after "I've Been Good to You". The demo of "Whenever You're on My Mind" beats the version on 'Field Day'. "Starlit Summer Sky", another demo, is just flat out romantic. Again, he makes it look soooo easy. The b-sides "You're My Favorite Waste of Time" and "Somebody Like You" could've fit on the original debut easily. Perfect pop.
The live stuff is good, my faves are "Rave On" (and if that doesn't cement the comparisons between Marshall Crenshaw and Buddy Holly, nothing will) and "Stop Her on Sight."

All in all a great deluxe edition job. Nothing is out of place. So, if you truly love rock and roll, not rock (there is a difference), get this NOW.

An essential Rock & Roll album for any collection.......2005-12-29

Marshall Crenshaw brings back the loveliness of 50's rock & roll with the pop rock of the 80's and he does it extremely well. Each song on this album is a rock & roll gem, with very good lyrics, Marshall's trademark voice and a great hook. Soem of the songs are a little cheesy (especially "Girls..."), but the pros far outweigh the cons. The lyrics are always fun and meaningful, and you'll probably catch yourself singing along to a couple of the tracks. The musicianship and production are great, especially for the time period. One of the best albums of the 80's and one of the best of all time, "Marshall Crenshaw" is pure fun and a definite must-have for any music fan.

Highlights include:
the whole album!

brilliant.......2005-11-03

Marshall Crenshaw is one of the very few artists/bands to NEVER play a bad tune. It really surprises me that Marshall Crenshaw hasn't sold a billion records and doesn't have at least 5 top ten hits. The music is unique and the tunes are catchy. THIS IS EASY is 22 straight melodic/rockin tunes you can listen to straight through without skipping a track. I don't know anyone who doesn't like Marshall Crenshaw's music and Crenshaw's live shows are awesome by the way. I suggest you catch this band while you can, they are the last of a dying breed.

Timeless music.......2005-10-12

I first heard this album in high school, in Rockville, Maryland. I probably first heard it when a then-good local station, WHFS, played it when the album was released in 1982. It just blew me away. Every so often, like last week, I get the Marshall Crenshaw bug, and I listen to my Marshall Crenshaw collection.

It's difficult to describe how good these songs are. Marshall Crenshaw just gets how to write a pop song. You hear these songs, and you wonder why he hasn't had at least ten #1 hits.

Is it too late for some serious radio airplay?

This album is terrific, as others below have said. It's difficult to find any fault with it. Pop perfection. Last week, when I got the Marshall bug again, I bought "The 9 Volt Years," which is a compilation of demos, etc. That's worth checking out, too. I also have his greatest hits compilation ("This is Easy"), which is, well, great.

Bleecker Street: Greenwich Village In The 60's

Average customer rating:

Hard to Fault
Problem is....
Very good cover album
A pleasant reminscence.
Nostalgic tribute of 60's folk

Bleecker Street: Greenwich Village In The 60's

Manufacturer: Astor Place Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

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

General | Folk | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Folk | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

A Nod to Bob: An Artists' Tribute to Bob Dylan on His Sixtieth Birthday
This Bird Has Flown: A 40th Anniversary Tribute to the Beatles' Rubber Soul
Suzanne Vega
Careful What You Wish For
West

ASIN: B00000IQMK
Release Date: 1999-05-25

Tracks:

Bleecker Street - Jonatha Brooke
My Back Pages - Marshall Crenshaw
Morning Glory - Chrissie Hynde
No Regrets - Curtis Stigers
Pack Up Your Sorrows - Loudon Wainwright III/Iris DeMent
Reason To Believe - Ron Sexsmith
Darling Be Home Soon - Jules Shear
The Love's Still Growing - Suzzy & Maggie Roche
Everybody's Talkin' - Patty Larkin
The Last Thing On My Mind - Cry Cry Cry
So Long, Marianne - John Cale/Suzanne Vega
Thirsty Boots - John Gorka
I Ain't Marchin' Anymore - Larry Kirwan/Black 47
Since You've Asked - Beth Nielson Chapman
Let's Get Together - Paul Brady
Turn, Turn, Turn - Instrumental

Amazon.com

Tribute albums come in all shapes and sizes. Most, however, simply come and go. The ones that stick around are backed by a vision that extends beyond "Let's get a bunch of people together to do a bunch of Clash songs" (to cite one ignoble example). Bleecker Street's raison d'être is to shine a light on a fleeting and relatively uncelebrated period in the '60s folk boom--the nascent singer/songwriter era that came in the wake of Bob Dylan's move from protest songs to personal ones. The songwriters celebrated here--Eric Andersen, Fred Neil, Tim Buckley, Phil Ochs, and Dylan among them--penned songs that have become part of the fabric of American folk. Tim Hardin's "Reason to Believe" (splendidly revived by Ron Sexsmith) is as straightforward a lament as has ever been put to tape; John Sebastian's "Darling Be Home Soon" is longing set to music. With Bleecker Street, the deities and apostles share a piece of heaven, which, of course, is as it should be. --Steven Stolder

Album Description

Full title - Bleecker Street - Greenwich Village In The 60's. New York may not be the folk music Mecca it once was but there is certainly enough history to warrant a tribute album such as this. Bleecker Street was the breeding ground for such artists as Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger and Tim Buckley. On this single disc a suitable line up of relatively contemporary artists line up to pay their homage. Participants include Loudon Wainwright III, Suzanne Vega, Chrissie Hynde and Marshall Crenshaw. Highlights of this 16 track folk feast include Ron Sexsmith's version of Tim Hardin's 'Reason to Believe', John Cale and Suzanne Vega's take on Leonard Cohen's 'So Long Marianne' and Chrissy Hynde's awesome version of Tim Buckley's 'Morning Glory' and many more. Deleted in the US & only limited quantities available of the import at this low price. Gatefold digipak.

Customer Reviews:

Hard to Fault.......2007-06-12

Tribute albums are often hit and miss affairs, but this one is hard to fault. The song selection is excellent, the artists are all sympathetic to the spirit of the project, and nobody is trying too hard to reinterpret. It's one of the few CDs of its type I can enjoy from beginning to end. The standout for me is Curtis Stiger's reading of 'No Regrets' (a pleasant surprise, having otherwise heard only his disappointing cocktail jazz fare). Marshall Crenshaw's 'My Back Pages' is another highlight (although, perhaps, it owes more to Sunset Strip than Bleecker Street) and Ron Sexsmith's 'Reason to Believe' isn't far behind. Almost gets another star for an altogether too rare performance on CD by the wonderful Iris DeMent. Buy with confidence.

Problem is...........2006-03-06

the spirit that first surrounded these songs is gone. That New York is gone. These songs were written at a time of social change and when you need not have had an income of six figures to live in Greenwich Village; they were written at a time of social change, when when New York was free from Starbuck's and Disney stores. The artists covering these songs simply cannot capture the original spirit of these songs; times have changed. "Let's Get Together" for example, may sound naive today -- at best-- yet there was something about that naivete of that era that made the song sincere, even plausible: "try to love one another right now." It would have been better to have compiled the originals by the original artists.

Still, there are some good covers, So Long Marianne sung by John Cale and New Yorker Suzanne Vega stands out. The otherwise passionate Larry Kirwan and New York's own Black 47's cover of I Ain't Marchin Anymore sounds empty and hollow; Chrissie Hynde does a decent job with Morning Glory. Nillson's cover of Everybody's Talkin' is better than this.

Very good cover album.......2005-05-17

Not a bad song or rendition on this CD. The take on the great Phil Ochs song,"I Ain't Marching Anymore" is worth the price---it's a brassy, bold, and in your face cover, the way I imagine Ochs would have liked it. A few of the words have been changed but it only adds to the power of his signature song. The lead off, Simon's "Bleeker Street" is very effecting, Brooke's vocals are coffee house pitch perfect. A great effort.

A pleasant reminscence........2003-02-12

The various artists really capture the ethos and spirit of the times. The innocence, hope, joy, and optimism of those now long ago times. Play this album to forget about the greed and fear and despair and hopelessness of our new millenium.

Nostalgic tribute of 60's folk.......2002-10-05

Bleecker Street is a more than satisfactory collection of folk songs from the 1960's is a nice relaxing antidote for the weary soul. Looking at the photos of Bleecker Street with its cafes, apartments, and even the arch in the park, I felt myself transported back to all those years ago.

All the artists, be they folk, alternative, or other, do admirable covers of the songs. I must admit I even liked the songs I'd never heard of before. Hey, after all, the album's released by Astor Place so there's a high standard by virtue of that fact.

Of familiar tunes, I was taken with Jonatha Brooke's cover of Simon and Garfunkel's title track and Marshall Crenshaw's rendition of Dylan's "My Back Pages." Patty Larkin's cover of "Everybody's Talkin'" has a tasteful understatedness, which makes a contrast to Harry Nilsson's version. The oft-covered "Reason To Believe" is a familiar friend here, done gently by Ron Sexsmith. And who can forget the timeliness of "Let's Get Together": "C'mon people now/Smile on your brother/Everybody get together/Try to love another right now." Kudos to Paul Brady there!

Of unfamiliar tunes, highlights included Cry Cry Cry's version of "The Last Thing On My Mind," "Pack Up Your Sorrows" by Loudon Wainwright III and Iris Dement, and "The Love's Still Growing" by Suzzy & Maggie Roche. Beth Nielsen Chapman's lovely crystal clear voice enhances her cover of Judy Collins' "Since You Asked."

The most upbeat song is Larry Kirwan & Black 47's cover of the angry anti-war anthem "I Ain't Marchin' Anymore." This song was originally done in 1964, and it lists military engagements involving White America fought in, such as the Mexican War, World War II, and Little Big Horn. Given the current state between the U.S. and Iraq, it's still relevant today.

The rear of the CD booklet listing the artists and songs also lists the original performers. I'll list the song and original artists:

No Regrets, Tom Rush
Pack Up Your Sorrows, Mimi & Rich Farina
The Love's Still Growing, Buzzy Linhart
Reason To Believe, Tim Hardin
Darling Be Home Soon, John Sebastian
Since You've Asked, Judy Collins
Morning Glory, Tim Buckley
Turn Turn Turn, Traditional
Thirsty Boots, Eric Andersen
Last Thing On My Mind, Tom Paxton
My Back Pages, Bob Dylan
Let's Get Together, Dino Valenti
Bleecker Street, Simon & Garfunkel
Everybody's Talkin', Neil, Fred
So Long Marianne, Leonard Cohen
I Ain't Marchin' Anymore, Phil Ochs

Tracks:

Something's Gonna Happen
Someday, Someway
There She Goes Again
Cynical Girl
Mary Anne
Not For Me
You're My Favorite Waste Of Time
Monday Morning Rock
Whenever You're On My Mind
Our Town
For Her Love
One Day With You
I'm Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee)
Blues Is King
Like A Vague Memory

Tracks:

Little Wild One (No. 5) The Distance Between
Calling Out For Love (At Crying Time)
This Is Easy
Somebody Crying
Crying, Waiting, Hoping
You Should've Been There
Someplace Where Love Can't Find Me
Better Back Off
Don't Disappear Now
What Do You Dream Of?
Starless Summer Sky
Right There In Front Of Me
Where Home Used To Be
A Few Thousand Days Ago

Album Description

First-ever compilation of Marshall Crenshaw's impeccably-crafted ear candy.

Customer Reviews:

Great Artist, good compilation.......2007-01-16

It is a fairly priced double-cd, although so much of this repeats what's on the one-disc Greatest Hits that those who have that might not need this -- that had more detailed liner notes and personal quotes from Crenshaw on each tune, so, honestly, if you're just dabbling, I would likely steer you in that direction.

That being said, this is the most comprehensive G.H., in that it has material from the two albums not represented on the previous, so if you want a complete-career retrospective this is it, at least until the next album comes out. Certainly nothing wrong with the quality of the new tunes; he's been a remarkably consistent performer, never putting out an album until it was safely on the side of "Damn Good."

Track selection? Crenshaw OK'd it, so for many, the artist's wishes reign supreme. Nevertheless, it always can be argued, although as this was the "Definitive Pop" collection I might've liked him to go a little more pop in the choices.

"TMD", for example, is a brilliant pop song from #447, but he instead chose an instrumental track. Good tune, but TMD is a shoulda-been-a-number-one-hit-single track. Also, he chose "Alone in a Room" from the most recent album when "Where Home Used to Be" was a tune that got a bit more public radio play. So for the non-obsessive they may have been better choices. This often happens when artists make their own track choices -- they are drawn to tracks where they stretch their wings or show of certain chops over sticking to the basics, which is fine, to an extent. So we get "Like a Vague Memory" a country tune from DOWNTOWN which is fine, but no "Some Hearts", which was the leadoff single from GOOD EVENING. Crenshaw disowns this tune (as non-cool Diane Warren wrote it), but it sounds pretty damn good to me (he eccentrified it into a very Crenshaw-ish tune).TCarrie Underwood from AMERICAN IDOL has recently had a huge hit with this Diane Warren tune for her first single. The curiosity factor, along with the fact it's an excellent version and WAS the only single from the record, makes me feel it should arguably be here. But we get a replay of the two tunes, both excellent, that were already represented on the first Greatest Hits.

So he doesn't stick to the "singles" (few, alas, were hits) and throws in a few curveballs that I wouldn't have. But the sound is fine, pretty much each track is indeed excellent, and certainly it works as an intro. Does it work better than the one-disc option? Not necessarily.

Great idea, but clearly not the best selection of his tunes by any means...!.......2006-11-25

As a long-time and very devoted fan of this artist, I'm one of those who will buy just about anything with his name on it. Thus, I was thrilled to hear he was getting a long-overdue career retrospective "Greatest Hits" set. While I generally agree with the majority of songs selected by whomever was responsible here (and I get the feeling from reading the liner notes that Mr. Crenshaw was not involved in compiling this release), I have a couple of complaints, as follows.
1) It's simply way too short! For example, CD 1 clocks in at under 50 minutes, while CD 2 clocks in at under 60. In other words, why only give us 15 songs per disc when they could have filled them to at least 20 or so? (If you want a great and recent example of getting one's money's worth, please buy the new R.E.M. compilation "And I Feel Fine: Best of the IRS Years 1982-1987," which offers a full 21 songs per disc!).
2) In that same vain, why did they choose only one song from the artist's brilliant 1991 release "Life's Too Short," while including two from the mediocre "What's In the Bag?" from 2003? I would have definitely also included "Stop Doing That" or "Fantastic Planet of Love" as well, if it had been up to me.
3) I don't get why they included the original and very roughly-produced versions of his (apparent) first singles "Something's Gonna Happen" and "You're My Favorite Waste of Time," which are seemingly directly lifted from "The 9 Volt Years: Battery Powered Demos & Curios." In other words, why couldn't we at least have gotten the actual single version of YMFWOT, however rare?
4) I would have loved for them to have included the much cleaner sounding 1984 U.S. Remix of "Our Town" (from the UK 12" single) with the bells, instead of the original version from Field Day (even though both are outstanding).
5) A few fully-produced "B sides" or outtakes (e.g., "You Belong to Me" from the soundtrack to "Peggy Sue Got Married") would have cool too to flesh out the collection, especially for those of us who already own all of his LPs/CDs.
Anyway...if you don't already have any of his stuff, go ahead and buy this career retrospective or the single disc "This is Easy!" compilation from 2000, which, ironically, includes almost the exact same songs, albeit only up to 1989's "Good Evening." Or, I'd recommend any of the recently re-issued stuff on Wounded Bird records. In closing, for what it's worth my three favorite albums/CDs of his are (in chronological order): Field Day, Life's Too Short, and Miracle of Science, so take it from there and definitely enjoy...!

But then, I like Marshall Crenshaw.......2006-11-17

My first cd was "Mary Jean and 9 Others" - great hook laden pop. Maybe too hooky - like eating candy.

Then I went to his classic first album - I liked it.

Now a two cd greatest! Yay!

His other collection is the one cd "This is Easy" which is also good, but this one sounds better I think.

Average customer rating:

This Is Easy
This album is a classic!
Might be my favorite MC album
Scene of the crime
Love music...hate compression

Field Day
Marshall Crenshaw
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Marshall Crenshaw
Downtown
Mary Jean & 9 Others
Life's Too Short
Good Evening

ASIN: B000AP302U
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

Whenever You're on My Mind
Our Town
One More Reason
Try
One Day With You
For Her Love
Monday Morning Rock
All I Know Right Now
What Time Is It?
Hold It

Album Description

Marshall Crenshaw is hard to describe, maybe a sort of rockabilly singer/guitarist who issued numerous albums in the 1980s. We now proudly bring back four of his out-of-print releases on CD. Field Day reached # 52 on the charts in 1983. 10 tracks. Wounded Bird. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

This Is Easy.......2007-06-30

Not a bad song anywhere in sight. They say this killed MC's career. But people have been raving about it ever since it came out, so beware conventional wisdom. Is this his best? Probably. Definitely the best song craft. The sound? Well, that's up to individual ears. Personally, I always liked it from the day I bought it when it came out on vinyl. It's quite '80s, I guess, with the booming drums and echo, though I find that sound more '60s or even '50s. If you like pop craft, this one will stay in your car cd player for a long long time.

This album is a classic!.......2006-08-05

I bought this album years ago when it first came out, and really liked it. I tried to find the CD for a while, but I think it may have been out of print. So for years I haven't listened to the songs, at first because I was too lazy to put on a record, and now because I don't even have a turntable.

Amazingly, even after 20 years, I still find myself singing a song like "Hold It" in my head from time to time. To me, that's the sign of a great song. I bought the CD a few days ago, and just listened to it again, fresh after a bunch of years. This music stands the test of time. Songs like "Whenever You're on My Mind", "All I Know Right Now", and "Hold It" are just amazing songs.

Don't worry about what others have said about the production. The album sounds great to me. (Note: One sort of bad thing is that the album is really short -- it seems like it ends in about half an hour. But I've always felt that I'd rather have 30 minutes of really good stuff than 45 minutes that has filler in it. And this supports that theory.) If you like MC at all, definitely get this CD. 5 stars.

Might be my favorite MC album.......2006-07-21

I would agree with the other reviewers that say this album has worn very well. It may well be my very favorite, and at the very least I like it at least as well as his eponymous debut. "Whenever You're on My Mind" was the song that made me a Marshall Crenshaw fan--I still remember the video with all the daydreams in it from way back in the early 1980s. "Hold It" is a great conclusion as well. This is the era of Marshall Crenshaw's music I like best, when his catchy melodies and harmonies were peppy and absolutely infectious, as opposed to his more recent and more jazz-influenced work. Now, I'm reacting to the old LP, which I still have--I'm not really in a position to talk about how the CD sounds, but I can't believe it isn't wonderful.

Scene of the crime.......2005-11-29

After his first, eponymous album, Marshall Crenshaw was on the verge of becoming a seriously major pop star. But "Field Day" ended all that. It is one of the most infuriating and unfair stories in all of rock history. Crenshaw has gone on to record 7 or 8 additional albums of original songs, but with sales and therefore budgets dwindling further each time.

A couple of the reviews below express complaints about the "sound" of "Field Day," and suggest the "overproduction" was what killed this album and thus Crenshaw's title shot. I completely disagree. The sound was, and is, thrilling--an update to the Phil Spector-Brian Wilson approach to recording, sort of a hybrid of the 60s 'wall of sound' with the 70s heavy metal sound of, say, Led Zeppelin or Crenshaw's early heroes, the MC5. This production approach perfectly captures what Crenshaw often aimed for in his early career--the intelligence and craft of a Brian Wilson, but with a stronger punch. It is also reminiscent of the thick drum and bass sound the Beatles applied to many recordings, particularly on the White Album and "Abbey Road."

None of that would matter if the songs weren't utterly great. Utterly great. This is one of the true masterpieces of the pop-rock form. "Our Town," "Whenever You're On My Mind," "For Her Love," "One Day With You," and "Monday Morning Rock" are among the finest rock songs and performances ever, songs that build from simple, clever tunes into epic roars of passion. "Field Day" reaches in the same direction as Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run,"--an artist's mad pursuit of the three-minute song that says...everything.

There were members of the rock press who had it in for Crenshaw when this came out. The Rolling Stone review of "Field Day" was vicious. It appears that the review might have been payback, not against Crenshaw himself, but against a media rep who offended somebody at the lordly magazine. This was when (don't laugh) Rolling Stone actually mattered, influencing sales as well as perceived hipness. Crenshaw never really got another chance. People read that review and figured Crenshaw was a flash in the pan. I remember reading it and thinking, "How bad could it really be?" I've never stopped listening to it since.

The other albums in the reissue series range in quality. "Downtown" is quite good, but as if in reaction to the "Field Day" alleged mistake, it is very stripped down. "Mary Jean and 9 Others" is a little better--richer in sound. "Good Evening" is probably his worst album, but it's not all bad. It was obviously the product of burn-out and a desire to end a record contract. His work since then, though not given the star treatment, has been consistently wonderful, but is ignored by all but fans like me. Nothing would make me happier than this reissue series leading to a major rediscovery and reappraisal of Crenshaw's value. I'm not holding my breath, but the music warrants it.

Love music...hate compression.......2005-11-05

If you can get past the horrible production of this album than you have one of the top 10 power pop/rock albums of all time! I'm not kidding....Field Day, Marshall's 2nd album, is awesome! "Whenever You're On My Mind" is one of my 10 favorite songs of all time and should have been in the Top 5 back in 1983. A great album all around. C'mon Marshall we know you have another album similar to this one (without the compression please)in you....what are you waiting for?!?!?

Steve O.

Average customer rating:

A Few Nuggets
mostly, inspired power pop Christmas
What a disappointment!

Christmas Time Again
The dB's , Big Star , Whiskeytown , Marshall Crenshaw , Alex Chilton , Don Dixon , Chris Stamey , Thad Cockrell , Peter Holsapple , and Roman Candle
Manufacturer: Collector's Choice
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Opera & Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

Alternative Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Christmas Is 4 Ever
Meet the Smithereens!
Traffic and Weather
New Orleans Christmas
Wintersong

ASIN: B000IAZNDG
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

Christmas Time-The dB's
Home For The Holidays-The dB's
(It's Going To Be A) Lonely Christmas-Marshal Crenshaw
Jesus Christ-Big Star
Holiday Spirit-The dB's
Christmas Time Is Here-Thad Cockrell & Roman Candle
Houses On The Hill-Whiskeytown
The Only Law That Santa Claus Understood-Ted Lyons
I Saw Three Ships-Don Dixon
Christmas Is The Only Time-Wes Lachot
Christmas Light-Keegan DeWitt & The Sparrows
Santa's Moonlight Sleighride-Ted Lyons
Sha La La-Cathy Harrington
The Christmas Song-Alex Chilton
Christmas Is Saturday-Don Dixon
Felex Navidad-The dB's
Holy Night-Peter Holsapple
You're What I Want For Christmas-Chris Stamey & Cathy Harrington
Silent Nocturne-Brent Lanbert
It's A Wonderful Life-Chris Stamey
Snow Is Falling-Chris Stamey & Mary Mac

Amazon.com

This is the gift that keeps on giving--the Yuletide album that Chris Stamey and the dB's originally released as a vinyl EP in 1986, later expanded into a CD, and have now updated as a 21-cut extravaganza of holiday cheer (and occasionally bittersweet reflection). It's like a family album of a musical clan that keeps extending itself, now encompassing the likes of Marshall Crenshaw (with a soulful "Lonely Christmas"), Don Dixon (with two cuts including a live, finger-snapping "I Saw Three Ships"), and Whiskeytown (a previously unreleased Ryan Adams/Caitlin Cary collaboration, "Houses on the Hill"). Most of the material is original, covering a territory that extends from punk, new wave, and power pop through alt-country, though Peter Holsapple delivers a surprisingly straightforward "O Holy Night" and Alex Chilton does Mel Tormé proud with "The Christmas Song." --Don McLeese

Album Description

There a lot of modern rockers who consider this to be THE great Christmas album of the last 25 years or so, and if your taste runs to the Southern-based "jangle pop" practiced by such folks as Big Star, R.E.M. and the dB's, you're probably one of them. Originally released as a 7-song LP in 1986, and as a 17-song CD in 1993, this Chris Stamey-conceived holiday classic appears here on our Collectors' Choice Music label with six new tracks, including a song by Peter Holsapple, `Home for the Holidays', performed by the dB's; `Christmas Time Is Here'-Thad Cockrell & Roman Candle; `Lonely Christmas'-Marshall Crenshaw; two tunes by R.E.M. producer Don Dixon, `I Saw Three Ships' and' `Christmas Is Saturday', and an unreleased track by Ryan Adams & Whiskeytown, `Houses on the Hill'! And the album's older tracks are pretty darn cool, too: `Jesus Christ'-Big Star; `The Christmas Song'-Alex Chilton; `Christmas Time'; `Holiday Spirit'; `Feliz Navidad'-dB's; `The Only Law That Santa Claus Understood'; `Santa's Moonlit Sleighride'-Ted Lyons; `It's a Wonderful Life'-Chris Stamey; `You're What I Want for Christmas'-Chris Stamey & Cathy Harrington; `Snow Is Falling'-Chris Stamey & Mary Mac; `Sha La La'-Cathy Harrington; `Christmas Is the Only Time'-Wes Lachot; `O Holy Night'-Peter Holsapple; `Silent Nocturne'-Brent Lambert, and `Christmas Light'-Keegan DeWitt & the Sparrows. 21 tracks of Christmas harmony!

Customer Reviews:

A Few Nuggets.......2007-05-20

Chris Stamey Group released "Christmas Time" in 1986. Collectors Choice release "Christmas Time Again" includes many of the tracks from that set and expands with added selections. Marshall Crenshaw works up a sweat on "Lonely Christmas" with a boy scout vocal wringing the most from the track. Big Star's "Jesus Christ" has a good religious sentiment, "With love they did rejoice, fine & pure of voice; & the wrong shall fail & the right prevail." The dB's "Holiday Spirit" satirizes commercialism, "I've got that holiday spirit, gimme, gimme, gimme." Whiskeytown with Ryan Adams on vocals relates a sad story, "I found a bunch of letters, they were written for the fellow who broke your mama's heart." Ted Lyons does a parody of Gene Pitney's "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" on "The Only Law that Santa Claus Understood" casting Santa as a gunslinger. Don Dixon provides a jazzy bass-thumping version of "I Saw Three Ships." Musically, Wes Lachot's vocals recall the Beach Boys on a song with a sad message, "Christmas is the only time I think of you." Cathy Harrington's "Sha La La" sounds like the Go-Gos channeling the Crystals, but unfortunately, Harrington's voice is not one you want to hear again & again. With his warbling vocals, Alex Chilton sounds like he's trying to make fun of Mel Torme's "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire). "Christmas Time Again" is a varied set with a few nuggets & a few clinkers. It fills the spot for those not wanting to hear the same old thing at holiday time. Enjoy!

mostly, inspired power pop Christmas.......2007-01-05

There might be 2 clunkers on this disc but most of it is quite enjoyable. For power-pop fans that might enjoy Christmas tunes. Not necessarily for Christmas fans that might enjoy power-pop. 4.5 stars.

What a disappointment!.......2007-01-03

Based on the reviews for this CD I decided to buy it without having sampled it. Big mistake. I love, among others, Marshall Crenshaw, Don Dixon and Peter Holsapple, but what happened here? This was so not fabulous.

Average customer rating:

To The Nines
Layers of guitars
A"must have'album
It's easy buy this
Marshall's Classic!

Mary Jean & 9 Others
Marshall Crenshaw
Manufacturer: Wounded Bird Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Downtown
Good Evening
Field Day
Life's Too Short
Marshall Crenshaw

ASIN: B000AP3066
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

This Is Easy
Hundred Dollars
Calling Out for Love (At Crying Time)
Wild Abandon
This Street
Somebody Crying
Mary Jean
Steel Strings
'Til That Moment
They Will Never Know

Album Description

Marshall Crenshaw is hard to describe, maybe a sort of rockabilly singer/guitarist who issued numerous albums in the 1980s. We now proudly bring back four of his out-of-print releases on CD. Mary Jean & 9 Others was originally issued in 1987. 10 tracks. Wounded Bird. 2005.

Customer Reviews:

To The Nines.......2007-03-09

Marshall Crenshaw is a man who seems virtually incapable of making a bad album. Granted, there was the occasional filler tune but almost every album had at least one power-pop classic on it. On "Mary Jean & 9 Others," you have the shimmering heartbreak of "Calling Out For Love At Crying Time." Like his first three albums, "Mary Jean.." carries on the classiscist tradition of weeding the kind of Buddy Holly pop to 80's new wave.

This time it was producer Don Dixon (REM, Smithereeens and Dixon's wife Marti Jones, who adds vocals here) trying to capture Crenshaw's essence. With Crenshaw's pop-leanings and Dixon's affinity towards jangley guitar pop, it should have been a perfect fit. Alas, however, this is the most wooded on Crenshaw's five CD's for Warner Brothers. It doesn't stop the brilliance of "Calling Out For Love" or "Somebody Crying," but it does make "This Street" feel uninspired.

On the other hand, "They Will Never Know" may be one of Crenshaw's best love ballads. The lone cover - of Peter Case's rootsy "Steel Strings" - is a perfect match of artist/production/song, and the exuberant "hold me darling, hold me baby" whoops in "Til That Moment" recall the hype that surrounded his debut album. Had it been any other artist, it probably would have been a landmark of Jangle-pop. Placed next to "Marshall Crenshaw" and "Field Day," its just a really good 4th album that slipped through the cracks. It had fallen out of print for several years (I still have my WB version, thanks Wounded Bird for this and "Downtown"), so this is for the loyal fans that were unwilling to cough up the exorbitant auction prices.

Layers of guitars.......2006-08-03

If you like pure power pop, Marshall is your man and this is a CD you need to have in your collection. All of the songs are gems, but "Calling Out For Love (At Crying Time)" is my favorite. The guitars swoop and soar in and out of the vocal track throughout this song, and they come together in the middle in a mad, almost hysterical rush (you can even hear shouting in the background at this point). Marshall's voice is full of anguish and longing--a trademark sound I never grow tired of hearing.

A"must have'album.......2006-01-04

When you listen to this album, your life will never be the same, I guarantee it! You'll sing along to every song, and it'll always be the month of May whenever this is on! Brian Christopher Morrison

It's easy buy this.......2005-11-30

I recently stumbled across this re-release and was happy to finally hear "This is Easy" and the 9 others "Mary Jean" being one of the unheard. It was a blast of pop bliss. Fat guitar licks, catchy beats, heartfelt melody. I am so happy this is avalible again.

Marshall's Classic!.......2005-11-05

I absolutely recommend "Mary Jean & 9 Others" 100% !!! This is, by far, my fave Crenshaw album. Marshall has referred to it as his "guitar album". It sure is...tasty licks and melodious solos throughout. It is one of those albums that just brings a smile to your face. Every song is a keeper...no clunkers here. Get this one now!

Crenshaw Crazy Steve O.

The 9 Volt Years: Battery Powered Home Demos & Curios (1979-198?)

Average customer rating:

Interesting Collection of Demos!
Enjoyable (but you will like his earlier stuff even more)
Unpolished gem will light up any room (despite low wattage)
Rock out
Basic Rock Fun

The 9 Volt Years: Battery Powered Home Demos & Curios (1979-198?)
Marshall Crenshaw
Manufacturer: Razor & Tie
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Life's Too Short
Miracle of Science
#447
I've Suffered For My Art...Now It's Your Turn
Live...My Truck Is My Home

ASIN: B000009HQX
Release Date: 1998-08-11

Tracks:

Run Back To You
Someday Someway
Bad Luck
Stay Fabulous
Everyone's In Love With You
You're My Favorite Waste Of Time
Vague Memory
Bruce Is King
That's It, I Quit, I'm Movin' On
She's Not You
The Thrill Of The Fight
First Love
Something's Gonna Happen
I'm Sorry
Rockin' Around In NYC

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

Interesting Collection of Demos!.......2007-04-12

This is a collection of demos and none of the recordings were originally considered for release. So obviously, you can't expect hi-fi sound quality; nonetheless most tracks sound very good and many songs are easily as good as Crenshaw's released album-tracks.

Most songs are upbeat-pop-rockers and most of them are both fine and catchy; I especially like the two opening tracks "Run Back to You" and "Someday Someway"; the latter is supposedly the only track recorded with professional equipment.

Probably the stand-out is the simple, but extremely catchy "You're My Favorite Waste of Time", which was a minor hit for Bette Midler.

Interesting how Crenshaw's voice often sound like John Lennon's.

Enjoyable (but you will like his earlier stuff even more).......2006-09-12

I'd sort of forgotten about Marshall Crenshaw until I saw/picked this disk up. Back in the early eighties he seemed like he was everywhere and his first three albums "Marshall Crenshaw", "Field Day" and "Downtown" were just chock full of pop classics. It all came back to me with the first few chords of the alternate version of "Someday, Someway" (with backup singers). This disc rocked me back in time, which is strange, considering I hadn't heard most of these songs before. There are a few stripped down demos of Crenshaw classics "Someday...", "Vague Memory", (an instrumental) "Blues is King" (dubbed "Bruce is King") and "Rockin' Around in NYC", but most are lost demos of songs that had never been released. Didn't matter, afterward, I just busted out all my old Crenshaw LP's and played them too.

Unpolished gem will light up any room (despite low wattage).......2000-08-30

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.......2000-05-29

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.......2000-03-10

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.

I've Suffered For My Art...Now It's Your Turn

Average customer rating:

Experience a Marshall Crenshaw concert!
Desperately disappointing
rockin' acoustic record
Alas, an Apt Title
Loses Something in the Translation

I've Suffered For My Art...Now It's Your Turn
Marshall Crenshaw
Manufacturer: King Biscuit Flower
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

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

General | Live Albums | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Live Albums | Rock | Styles | Music

Power Pop | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

What's in the Bag?
#447
Live...My Truck Is My Home
Life's Too Short
Miracle of Science

ASIN: B00005NW1S
Release Date: 2001-09-25

Tracks:

Television Light
Endless Sleep
Cynical Girl
Tell Me All About It
Better Back Off
Little Wild One (#5)
What Do You Dream Of
Dime A Dozen Guy
T.M.D.
Walk Away Renee
You're My Favorite Waste Of Time
Whenever You're On My Mind
There She Goes Again
Someday, Someway

Album Description

'I've Suffered for My Art...Now It's Your Turn' is the latest release from King Biscuit Flower Hour. Recorded live at the Stone Pony, Asbury Park NJ in February 2001, this CD features 14 tracks, including 'Someday, Someway', 'Television Light', 'You're My Favorite Waste Of Time' and more.

Customer Reviews:

Experience a Marshall Crenshaw concert!.......2005-10-08

It is just like being at the show. Great selection of songs with great monologue in between.

Desperately disappointing.......2005-03-21

After having been swept up by Marshall's electronically enhanced music, it was disappointing and disillusioning to hear it in the Muzak format. This is one album that should be passed over for the earlier renditions.

rockin' acoustic record.......2003-07-24

This is a great sampler for new fans, as well as a great addition to your Marshall Crenshaw collection. Super cross section of tunes. I love the talk in between songs, gives you a great sense of "being there." Much better production than other live disc, which is cut up and choppy. If your a fan- you gotta have this.

Alas, an Apt Title.......2003-01-06

Did he listen to these tapes before releasing them?

Marshall Crenshaw has an ear like no one else -- for the pop hook, the unforgettable guitar lick, the surprising chord change, the addictive chorus. His brilliant studio albums over the past 20 years haven't received anywhere near the notice they deserve. Nor have there been enough of them -- I guess that explains why so many of us snatch up anything he releases!

However, this one won't get a second listen. (Okay, maybe a second, but no THIRDS!)

The songs are great but pale in comparison to the studio originals. The playing and singing are sloppy and reveal nothing new. The sound and arrangements are surprisingly amateurish coming from someone with such meticulous studio standards (and amazing studio technique!) And shy guy that he is, the onstage patter is limited and predictable.

By all means, support this guy by buying his complete studio catalog - but you can safely skip this one.

Loses Something in the Translation.......2002-06-09

Marshall Creshaw is an outstanding musician. As such, he should understand that it is incumbent on the musican to take a few minutes to repurpose/rearrange a song for acoustic presentation. Many of these cleverly crafted electric pop songs just don't translate easily in an unplugged format. They are presented with the same vibe and tempo as they are when Crenshaw is backed by a full band.

This is a good album with a few gems and frankly a must have for Crenshaw fans. However with a little extra work from Crenshaw on the front end, it could have been a truly great album.

Music:

Music

music

Music

Singled Out: the U.a./Liberty A's & B's & Rarities [Import]

W. A. Mozart: Piano Concerto G major KV 453 & Piano Concerto A major KV 488

Viva Terlingua [Live]

About the Monks

Very Best Of

What's New Pussycat? (1965 Film) [Enhanced] [Soundtrack]

Wow Gospel 2002

Viola & Piano

Try And Try Again [Import] [Live]

Tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim

Vital Idol

Un Placer

Try Again [CD-single] [Import]

For My Peoples

Marcus Garvey