KidFlash25's Full Review: The Best of Marshall Crenshaw: This Is Easy by Mar...
I like the library. Not only because it's manna from heaven if you're a bookworm like me, but most libraries these days tend to have terrific multimedia sections. Well, if you live in Rochester they do - the countywide library system allows a user to search for a book or CD to their heart's content.
From time to time, there are some hidden gems in their music collection, stuff I wouldn't have taken a chance on otherwise. Albums such as Thomas Dolby's Golden Age of Wireless, Michael Kamen's out-of-print score to The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, and the latest discovery - Marshall Crenshaw's career-spanning collection This is Easy.
So why did I take a chance on this collection of Mr. Crenshaw's work? To be honest, I walked into my local library hankering for lighthearted tunes (with a New Wave twist if possible). The majority of music I own, outside of my large collection of film scores, can best be described as downbeat. Since I knew Crenshaw's "Someday, Someway", a CD of his work sounded like just what the doctor ordered. Turns out my hunch was right.
Is it deep, soul searching and meaningful? Not really. Crenshaw tends to stick to what he knows: songs that evoke the sounds of his youth. So these 22 tracks feature plenty of what I once read a reviewer say of Paul McCartney's solo work. Crenshaw and cohorts 'wave the magic wand of love' throughout, for better or worse. There are wonderfully giddy gems sprinkled in with love-gone-wrong musings, perfect for these summer months.
I've had this CD out for two weeks, and it's been in heavy Discman rotation ever since. There are studies that show that music can lift or depress one's mood, and I admit listening to this CD has made me happier than beforehand. (Sure, it would be more fun if I had someone to sing to at the moment, but as the best of these songs show, hope can come in the form of a good backbeat and catchy lyrics.)
Before I get too mushy, here's a look at my favorite tracks from the CD:
1. "Something's Gonna Happen"
The independent single from 1981 that caught the eye of the Warner Bros. brass. No wonder the WB honchos were sold. It’s a bouncy, catchy piece that wouldn’t have been out of place on the album that followed a year later.
2. "Someday, Someway"
The only Crenshaw ditty you’d recognize on the radio. Thankfully, it hasn’t reached overkill status like other one-hit wonder singles have.
3. "There She Goes Again"
A lament to lost love that is by no means sad. Probably the happiest-sounding song about longing I’ve ever heard.
4. "Cynical Girl"
Love the guitars. If I ever put out a personal ad (not likely), then I’d probably use these lyrics in some form.
5. "Mary Anne"
Another song about love from afar. This time bassist Chris Donato and Crenshaw’s drummer brother Robert shine, crafting a backbeat that propels the song.
6. "You're My Favorite Waste of Time"
God, what a deliciously ecstatic three minutes of music. A coworker saw me reading the CD's back cover, laughed at this title, then was hooked within the first 30 seconds. Not bad for a home demo.
7. "Monday Morning Rock"
8. "Whenever You're On My Mind"
9. “Our Town”
10 "For Her Love”
These four tracks from Crenshaw’s second album, 1983’s Field Day, are a bit more lush than the preceding six, yet still have enough infectious energy to worm their way into your mind. It’s a head-scratcher, then, that the album more or less tanked that summer.
After the critical and commercial failure of Field Day, Crenshaw decided to branch out and try a more world-weary style. As he writes in the CD’s liner notes, “You can’t stay young forever, so you shouldn’t even try.” So while the rest of the album is less bouncy, it’s no less tuneful and catchy.
Here’s the best of that bunch:
12. “Little Wild One (No. 5)”
More country-flavored and slicker than the previous tracks, but no less energetic.
16. “This is Easy”
An older, wiser Crenshaw may be singing, but it’s still the same happy sound with an extra-large helping of country twang this time.
21. “What Do You Dream Of?”
22. “Starless Summer Sky”
While the CD begins with an ode to finding love, it ends with two songs about a couple content. The sound may be slightly less energetic, but the magic wand of love is out in full force.
So far, the only complaint I have about this CD is that it was unavailable at the four brick-and-mortar stores I recently checked. Your best bet, then, might be to check online. I can't recommend this album highly enough. Not only are the majority of songs insanely catchy, the liner notes written by Crenshaw and the late Cub Koda are informative and give the reader a taste of Crenshaw's dry wit.
Sure, the first ten tracks overshadow the rest of the CD a bit, but there’s still enough here for the adventurous listener to enjoy. If you can’t get enough of Crenshaw after this, then by all means go out and get Rhino/WB’s expanded reissue of his debut album.
Go ahead, take a chance. It’s easy. You’ll thank me later.
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