lambchops's Full Review: The First Ten Years by Shawn Mullins
I knew nothing of Shawn Mullins before he hit it big with singles Shimmer and Lullaby from his first major label album Soul’s Core [1998]. What struck me initially about the Atlanta-based singer songwriter was that his music was very accessible yet at the same time emotional and artistic.
Mullins recorded for a few years on his own SM label before changing the label to SMG and releasing some discs and EP’s in the early 1990’s. The early albums Better Days [1992], Big Blue Sky [1994], and Eggshells [1996] garnered the former military man attention from Sony. Sony in turn decided to release Soul’s Core which contains some formerly recorded songs in addition to some new tracks.
In 1999, Sony dug through Mullins’ back catalog and released a compilation entitled The First Ten Years. In addition, the album contained three newly recorded tracks featured including two featured on movie soundtracks and two covers. In all, the album is good for those sometimes fans who aren’t quite ready to take the plunge and dig through the songwriter’s albums of yore. Because this is a compilation, it does lack the consistency and overall smooth vision that albums often possess. Mullins is a talent, and on the whole The First Ten Years doesn’t accurately reflect that.
Both Changes and What is Life are covers. Changes is of course a David Bowie song while What is Life comes from the pen of George Harrison. The folky, funky remake of Changes isn’t immediately recognizable as Bowie’s classic. It is however slightly interesting and a bit entertaining. The song does come to a head at the chorus, aside from that it’s not much worth the listen. What is Life is a shiny happy pop rock song. It’s definitely not the kind of track I’m attracted to. I do find the chorus, once again, to be a bit useful but aside from that it sounds dated and boring.
Lately is an emotionally wrenching song. It’s light and appealing on a very country, folk level. What I really appreciate about Mullins is that he possesses an extremely soulful voice. Few artists can perform so easily with so much honest emotion. Lately is one of the best songs from this compilation, although it is important to note that it also detracts from the overall goal of the album. I would have preferred if The First Ten Years consisted totally of previous material. It would have been a truer vision. Lately was in fact featured on Big Blue Sky, but rerecorded for this album.
Three songs from Better Days made it on to The First Ten Years. This Time/Last Time, The Dream, and Just Like Me made the cut. This Time/Last Time is a sentimental, piano driven ballad. With the addition of acoustic guitars and light percussion, the song is immediately touching. I am wholly impressed by Mullins, his instrumental talent, his voice, and his songwriting. The Dream isn’t quite as impressive in my opinion. It’s a bit too melodramatic and Mullins seems to be trying a bit too hard to impress. Just Like Me is creative and sensual. In contrast to the last track I mentioned, Mullins is comfortable and intelligent. The main focus of Just Like Me is the nearly perfect vocal performance. Mullins really is a talented man.
1994’s Big Blue Sky contributed three more tracks. Canyons and Caverns is folkier than the earlier tracks. This is the sound I most appreciate from Mullins…just his voice and a guitar. Songs don’t get better than this. The fact that the Atlanta artist wasn’t signed sooner by a major label is a shock. Evolution Man isn’t quite as impressive as some of the other offerings, but I do enjoy the lyrics and understated musical elements. Finally, Pandora makes an appearance. Once again, Mullins seems very comfortable. The pacing is upbeat, yet with just that acoustic guitar and that voice, Mullins hides nothing. He was a seasoned and talented man years before anybody outside of the south took notice.
Eggshells [1996], Mullins’ final indie release, gave four emotive tracks. Eggshells doesn’t particularly interest me, but Salt Lake City 1973 is a different story altogether. It’s a spoken word piece from the viewpoint of Mullins at age five on family vacation into Mormon country. It is brilliant to say the least with references to religion, racism, and cheese and bacon sandwiches. Drumming Clown is another song that seems to best represent Mullins. He’s got a knack for imagery and metaphors without seeming trite or cliché. Of the thirteen tracks on The First Ten Years, this one is the most emotional and saddest. Finally, Joshua is included. I can certainly appreciate the understated performance and for that matter the lyrics. Mullins is a storyteller and lyricist who just happens to have a beautiful voice.
and then in late November
I knocked on his cabin door
I knocked and knocked but Joshua never came
and I still remember
how he layed there on the floor
and I went home cryin' in the rain
I do recommend The First Ten Years. It is an easy way to gain access to some of the harder to find early Mullins recordings. Where the album really shines is in the older songs. The new ones are okay, but are too refined and too neatly produced to be sitting next to the other more perfect tracks.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
1. Lately
2. What Is Life
3. Salt Lake City 1973
4. Joshua
5. Drumming Clown
6. Pandora
7. Evolution Man
8. This Time/Last Time
9. Just Like Me
10. Eggshells
11. Dream, The
12. Canyons & Caverns
13. Changes
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For similar artists, check out somewhat less talented bands and solo acts like: Blessed Union of Souls, Edwin McCain and Barenaked Ladies.
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