Shawn Mullins - Soul's Core
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Music CD Cover
Artist: Shawn MullinsEdition: Music CD
CD Release Date: 1998-09-15
Music Label: Sony
Soundtracks:
- Anchored In You
- Lullaby
- The Gulf Of Mexico
- September In Seattle
- Twin Rocks, Oregon
- And On A Rainy Night
- Tannin Bed Song
- Soul Child
- Ballad Of Billy Jo McKay
- Patrick's Song
- Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
- You Mean Everything To Me
- Shimmer
Free Music Notes for Soul's Core
Free Music Review: An Unexpected Spark of Brilliance
Hit: 5 Stars
So I'm in Applebee's a few days ago having lunch with some friends. I hear over the din of conversation and clinking silverware an almost forgotten song from way back playing on the radio. Of course, I'm referring to "Lullaby," the only song I've ever heard from Shawn Mullins to my knowledge. At least, the only song I was ever familiar with. I make a remark about how I hadn't heard this song in years and kind of wish the din of conversation would drop to a dull roar long enough for me to catch the tune and see if it's stood the test of time.
Well, I hear it just enough to know I still like it, so I search here on Amazon for it, purchase it -- largely expecting to only like the song for which I plunked down the cash. I figured, "Hey, the price is cheap enough and it's a good enough song. Maybe they'll be one or two more on the disc that won't be half bad and that'll be worth the price of admission."
Boy, was I wrong about that! Not just one or two songs, but every song on this CD is incredible! I mean, the guy does what he does, and he does it well -- better than most, I might add.
I'm not going to give you a blow-by-blow of what I think of every single song. You don't really care anyway. Suffice it to say, it is well worth the ticket price. However, some highlights that I will mention are:
"The Gulf of Mexico," in which Mr. Mullins communicates a kind of nostalgic desparation wrapped in Americana.
"September in Seattle" is infectious. If you can listen to this song without snapping your fingers or tapping your toes, you're a better man than I.
"Twin Rocks, Oregon" is an interesting piece. Nearly all spoken word except for the chorus, this song tells a story that is both captivating and oddly moving.
"And On a Rainy Night" strikes a serious mood musically and builds tension into a fantastic chorus and driving beat.
"Soul Child" is a bluesy, almost old school R&B tune with a memorable chorus that stays with you long after the last note fades.
"Patrick's Song" is a moving ballad, and there's really no more to say about that.
"Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" reminds me of some old Hank Williams or George Jones country song with some clever lyrics:
"Well, I woke up Sunday morning with no way to hold my head that didn't hurt / And the beer I had for breakfast wasn't bad so I had one more for dessert."
"Shimmer" is another standout song, but I would have liked to have been able to hear Shawn's vocals during the chorus a little better. I saw on one of his CDs an acoustic version of this song and I think I'd like to hear that. Otherwise, the song is brilliant as is the rest of the disc.
Aside from this one production note, "Soul's Core" is an outstanding sonic offering. It is wrapped in bright, brilliant sounds and warm, rich tones and is an extremely well-produced album.
Now, I have to say in all good conscious, and as you have seen from the lyrical quotation above, that there are numerous references to drug and alcohol abuse on this CD. While I don't in any way advocate that lifestyle and quite frankly think it's immoral, pointless and just plain stupid, these lyrics seem to read like a journal of one who has been there and back again, a road weary soul trying to pick his way through life and come off unscathed. Whether that's the truth or not, I don't know; I've never had the pleasure of making Mr. Mullins' aquaintance (and probably never will). Still, the songs are interesting and real and though they deal with the hard realities of life and of the road, they are well-written and intentional.
I have since purchased a couple more Shawn Mullins CDs and will purchase them all in the future if I have the opportunity. The honesty in this music shines through and I'm impressed with such a timeless album. Here I am hearing "Soul's Core" for the first time ten years later and it never seems dated, never seems irrelevant.
If you're into thoughtful lyrics telling an interesting (to say the least) life story of a musician who is apparently doing what he loves, and if you're into guitar playing with finesse and style, by all means pick up "Soul's Core." It just may suprise you like it did me.
Soul's Core Poster
Shawn Mullins is a '90s acoustic troubadour whose lyrics, at their worst, read like overly precious journal entries ("The road is my home / And my spirit is wild"), making him seem sometimes like Jewel with a Y-chromosome. (According to his song "Twin Rock, Oregon," Mullins has lived out of his van, too.) But some of the baker's dozen of songs that compose Soul's Core have some bite, especially the restless "Ballad of Billy Jo McKay" and the gritty "Gulf of Mexico." Mullins is at his best when he plays to his strengths, which include an affinity for working-class characters and an eye for detail. Best of all is his sweet Georgia drawl, which pours honey over the aching "Soul Child" and the memorable chorus of his breakthrough hit, "Lullabye." Mullins produced the album, his major-label debut, and even though it's his eighth title (he sold its predecessors out of that storied van), he is an artist whose skills are still on the rise. --Daniel DurchholzAlternative Rock Music CDs
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