Marshall Crenshaw - This Is Easy: The Best of Marshall Crenshaw
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Free Music Notes for This Is Easy: The Best of Marshall Crenshaw
Free Music Review: Rock & Roll Hero
Hit: 5 Stars
I recently scanned thru the 700 or so pages of the "Encyclopedia of Rock Music", a brick-like paperback similar to one of Roger Ebert's Movie Guides -- the fact that Marshall Crenshaw is not listed therein is a crime. For the past 20 years he has written and performed some of the crunchiest, most melodic and intelligent 3 minute pop/rock masterpieces. In addition he is a masterful guitarist with tremendous taste and a wide variety of cool tones. Some of my favorites which do not appear on this disc are "A Hundred Dollars", "She Hates to Go Home", and "They Never Will Know". But this is a mere trifle -- all of the tunes are great. Marshall is the Cal Ripken, Jr. of rock & roll -- consistently, quietly,great. His talent is on a level with people like Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe and Van Morrison. If you haven't heard him, I definitely agree with those who say he'll grow on you--his tunes & his sound will stick with you, and most of the rest of pop/rock music will sound bland by comparison. This is a fantastic introduction to a great artist. Get it now! Let's hope Marshall keeps on with that sound of Buddy Holly in his ear, and that some of his out-of-print stuff is re-released soon!Free Music Review: This IS Easy: If you buy only one Marshall disc...
Hit: 5 Stars
Wait a minute. Why would you buy only one Marshall disc? Haven't you heard? Perhaps not. Marshall has had a long career releasing poptabulous music deserving of a bigger audience. His debut album (with plenty of cool bonus material) has been re-released concurrently with this new, comprehensive collection. But if you insist, this is the one Marshall Crenshaw disc to own (I recommend them all, however!). Put it this way: if you're not entirely familiar with these magnificent pop ditties, you'll sit through this disc and say "Wow! This guy did THIS song too?" It's pure pop for now people, and the perfect soundtrack for this waning summer. Don't delay! Order yours now and pick up on 21 catchy numbers from an American pop music treasure. Marshall's been giving us great music for almost 20 years. We owe him some recognition. And for goodness's sake, why can't those boy bands sing some good songs like these for a change? Are you listening N-Sync? Backstreet Boys? You can make GOOD pop music. I submit this collection as evidence. Remember, folks: these songs are the tip of the iceberg. Check out Marshall's albums, too. You won't be disappointed.Free Music Review: Terrific overview of an underappreciated career
Hit: 5 Stars
Three cheers to the good folks at Rhino, for assembling a near-perfect overview of a sadly overlooked talent. Crenshaw's music harks back to the guitar-based rock/pop sounds of the late '50s-early '60s, refracted through a more contemporary, just-left-of-center sensibility. No wonder he was a critics' darling, and no wonder he retains a devoted cult following in a pop world dominated by synthetic teen dance music and watered-down hip-hop. Not every worthwile Crenshaw track is here, of course; at the very least, those who like what they hear on this CD should go ahead and get his self-titled debut album (which Rhino has upgraded with remastered sound and bonus tracks). But considering how admittedly uneven most of Crenshaw's other albums are, this set does a commendable job of hitting nearly all the high points and providing the unconverted with ample reason to "get into" his music.
BTW - somebody mentioned that this CD could be longer. While that may be techically true (they might have squeezed in at least one more song), keep in mind that as it is, THIS IS EASY clocks in at over 75 minutes, which even for Rhino is pretty generous.
Free Music Review: A no brainer
Hit: 5 Stars
While some friends of mine felt that Marshall Crenshaw was "bland" after I let them borrow this CD, I found them humming "You're My Favorite Waste of Time" a week later. Buyer beware: at first, Marshall Crenshaw just may not bowl you over. But for some reason you'll want to listen to this CD a second time. And a third time. And then you'll realize that a few songs are stuck in your head. And they stay for weeks. Then the other songs--the ones you thought were just filler in between that first wave of songs you liked--they begin to seep into your brain too. Before you know it, Mr. Crenshaw will have conquered your musical tastes and your CD shelf, as you'll almost invariably be forced by your aural receptors to seek out all 8 of his studio albums, 2 live albums, and his demos collection. Don't go near him unless you're ready for commitment, because Marshall's going to turn it into something serious. Of course the albums are every bit as good, but since Marshall Crenshaw's best music is spread throughout his whole career, this collection--which cherry picks some of the best stuff from each album--is the way to start.Free Music Review: A Great starter set for Marshall Crenshaw
Hit: 5 Stars
Marshall Crenshaw's new "This Is Easy: The Best Of Marshall Crenshaw" CD is pure songwriting perfection from a master songwriter and musician who writes better songs than most anyone working in rock and pop today. Crenshaw fans will see this new CD as a 'must have' purchase, and if you do not own any Marshall Crenshaw CDs, shame on you, and get a move on. This fine new "Best Of" collection is the place to start for new fan. I could quibble about a few missing favorites from Marshall's extensive collection of great songs, but there are only so many minutes on a CD. The only problem is that Marshall Crenshaw has too many pop gems from which to choose. Song after song, they are all wonderful, and Marshall's winsome vocals and often overlooked melodic (and rocking!) guitar playing sell you the song every time.
Buy this CD, then the just reissued debut "Marshall Crenshaw" CD, with bonus tracks. If you have ever tapped your foot along to a classic Beatles, Beach Boys or Dave Clark Five tune, or loved a John Hiatt or Elvis Costello song, you will enjoy Marshall Crenshaw.