Search - Marshall Crenshaw :: This Is Easy: The Best of Marshall Crenshaw

A fantastic collection

J. Powell | New York, NY United States | 08/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The liner notes say it all - "the fact that... any of the... songs on this CD aren't pumping out of every pop radio station in these United States is not only a mystery but a miscarriage of justice."Marshall Crenshaw is one of the best rock and roll songwriters of the modern era, and during the 1980's (and continuing today), he created a number of "should-have-been hit singles" - beautifully crafted songs with clever lyrics, perfect pop hooks, and top-notch musicianship - practically year after year... but after his 1982 splash and the moderate success of "Someday, Someway" - radio began ignoring him, despite continued critical success and albums which were often artistic triumphs.I have been waiting for a collection to truly represent Marshall's music and to introduce people who may have heard one or two songs to his large body of top notch songs and also to give fans a good not-too-concise collection for their Marshall fix. This is the collection I have been waiting for. Since I purchased this CD, it has moved from my house to my car and back on a regular basis. Rhino always does a nice package - great liner notes, a good selection of songs. They don't disappoint here.If you are pondering purchasing this CD, then I must tell you - ponder no longer. This CD is worth every penny. You will not be disappointed. Marshall Crenshaw writes great songs, and you will enjoy his music if you enjoy a good well-crafted catchy pop song. There's many of those here."

A National Treasure !!

paperbackriter | USA | 09/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Thanks a million to Rhino Records for releasing this fantastic --and long overdue --collection!! The great Marshall Crenshaw, a grossly underappreciated American Treasure has, for two decades, produced some of this country's best pop music. Sadly, though, he remains a fringe cult figure ignored by radio, the public and the trend-seeking media. Yes, a guy who creates beautiful pop confection a la Buddy Holly and John Lennon can't get arrested while the airwaves are polluted with gangsta rap, Eminem and the Backstreet Boys. That's tragic!!Hopefully, this "Best Of" compilation, which chronicles much of his career, will introduce Mr. Crenshaw to the droves of fans he so richly deserves. Most listeners will be familiar with "Someday, Someway", which propelled Marshall into the limelight in 1982. While the irresistable "Someday" was his only big radio hit, many of the tunes on this collection are equally catchy and ultimately, just as deserving of recognition. First time listeners will be blown away by the pop craftmanship so evident on tracks such as "Mary Anne" and "Starless Summer Sky". And who wouldn't be moved by the clever tongue-in-cheek antics of "You're My Favorite Waste of Time", or the deliciously comic overtones of "Cynical Girl"? This stuff's so perfectly written, it ought to be titled "Songwriting 101". If you like the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Tom Petty or Fastball, chances are you'll dig Marshall Crenshaw. And chances are you'll be miffed as to why this guy, who belongs in the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, has been virtually ignored."

Amazing best-of compilation

lupinspike77 | Ca | 08/17/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You must own this CD! Simply put, it is pure intelligent pop power. Marshall Crenshaw is one of rock's best kept secrets and has been consistently releasing intelligent and incredibly catchy albums since the early 80's. Crenshaw's work is thoughtful and all the songs are well written pop 'pieces'. None of his songs are throwaway (as most pop music is).Crenshaw's compositions are decievingly simple, but will reward after repeated listening. If you like the song-writing qualities of other intelligent pop artists like Elvis Costello and Crowded House, then you will enjoy this. As for the Crenshaw fans, this is a standard 'best-of' package with really well-written liner notes (including song by song comments by Crenshaw himself), but the selling point is the sound! It is so clean, you will hear instruments you didnt know exsisted on the tracks! A must-have for Crenshaw fans."