Search - Marshall Chapman :: Mellowicious!

Strong set of original, well-arranged country-rockin' and he

J. Ross | Roseburg, OR USA | 04/20/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Playing Time - 41:05 -- A strong set of original and well-arranged country-rockin' and heartfelt material with sinuous rhythms and conversational tone, characterizes "Mellowicious!," the first studio album from singer/songwriter Marshall Chapman since her "Love Slave" release in 1996. Of course, she has been busy with the 2003 book/CD set "Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller" and 2004 "Live! at The Bitter End." Prior to those, she's put out seven albums since the 1970s on the Epic, Rounder, Tall Girl, and Island labels. Her 1978 Epic album, "Jaded Virgin," was voted "Album of the Year" by Stereo Review, but the Epic releases didn't generally sell well and the label dropped her. Then, she toured with a rock trio. However, her forte has always been a strong affinity for solid country boogie. "Trouble with a Capital `T'" and "Downhill Slide" are the kinds of songs we come to expect from Chapman. With the exception of one cut, all instrumentation on "Mellowicious!" is provided by former Allman Brother Mike Lawler, while lead and harmony vocals are primarily Chapman's. Kim Morrison and Beth Nielsen Chapman each contribute background vocals on one cut apiece.



Chapman considers music as her salvation, and it's easy to see that it's a high priority in her life. Born in Spartanburg, N.C. in 1949, Marshall's conservative upbringing in South Carolina is recounted in "Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller". She's lived in France and Boston, but returned to Nashville in 1973 where she had attended Vanderbilt University. Chapman's songs have been covered by such artists as Tanya Tucker, Crystal Gayle, Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Irma Thomas, Jimmy Buffett, Wynonna, Joe Cocker, Jessi Colter, and Sawyer Brown.



Most singing songwriters typically want to present their material in their own voice. Her songs have plenty of ups and downs, but they also have copious amounts of advice and drollery as she documents snippets of life. "Call the Lamas!" is about a baby in a grocery store cart who seems to possess divine powers. "Railroad Track," about freedom and independence, was written as a tribute to Johnny Cash. "I'm Just Pitiful That Way" presents some contradictions as she deals with abandonment but admits that "Ah...it's great to be alive." Having no agenda but to dance and sing, "I Love Everybody (I Love Everything)," is a call to get our priorities right and into perspective. "I Fell in Love Again This Morning" reminds us that love continues to grow and blossom throughout the years. That cut includes the support of Tim Krekel, Tommy Spurlock, Mark Winchester, and Tommy Wells. It's great to hear Marshall Chapman once again. In the 70s, she made some waves with her unique style. She has endured, and "Mellowicious!" now presents her well-crafted material in a laid-back country blues style with impeccable accompaniment. This album shows that she's an impressive Nashville powerhouse. (Joe Ross, Roseburg, OR.)

"

Pales by comparison to "Love Slave"

A. Peters | Near Chicago, United States | 04/29/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I have loved and followed Marshall Chapman's work since the early 1980's, when "Jaded Virgin" won critical acclaim despite the mismatch between Marshall Chapman and producer Al Kooper. A point of curiosity here is a new version of 'The Island Song' (retitled as 'Island Song II'). She obviously did not care for Kooper's production of this song on "Jaded Virgin" and rerecorded it on her Rounder release "Take It on Home". 'Island Song II', however, is overfilled with horns to the point where I can't help thinking of it in terms of the parade scene from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" (complete with the marching band). The execution of 'I'm Just Pitiful That Way' bears too much resemblance to Peaches & Herb's 'Love is Strange'. Three stars is for the songs and (especially) the lyrics. The execution of several of the songs were disappointments. If you are looking to buy a Marshall Chapman album, "Love Slave" much better represents what I have always loved about Marshall Chapman."