Got No Strings (Dig)

Michelle Shocked | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 21, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Mighty Sound
• ASIN: B0009NCPVA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #100,659 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #67 in Music > Alternative Rock > New Wave & Post-Punk > Urban Folk

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple and Terrific, October 24, 2005

By 

D. Milewski - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Got No Strings (Dig) (Audio CD)

According to the liner notes, Michelle recorded this album in three days. Those were three VERY productive days. This underproduced work is a perfect tonic to the overproduced, over distorted, and underwhelming music of today. It never pretends to be more than it is, and by that, transcends the jaded listener to a wonderful musical interlude.

In three adjectives: simple, direct, beautiful.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Adults and children rejoice: Disney takes a Western Swing!, September 18, 2005

By 

hyperbolium (Earth, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Got No Strings (Dig) (Audio CD)

Shocked's wellspring of creativity is clearly overflowing, as she'w issued three diversely toned albums all at once. This disc reimagineers classic and obscure Disney tunes as jazzy western swing songs. The sprightly treasure "Spoonful of Sugar" is rearranged as a sly story-song, rather than accompaniment for an eye-popping film sequence, and the joyous "Bare Necessities" is given a twangy, toe-tapping arrangement lined by Greg Leisz' lap steel and Gabe Witcher's fiddle. The Aristocrats' "To Be a Cat" and Pinnochio's "Give a Little Whistle" sound like they were plucked from Le Hot Club, and "Dream is a Wish" is turned into a gentle waltz. Parents seeking refuge from overbearing TV dinosaurs and wiggling adults, will find a fine collection of terrific songs rendered fresh and airy for children who will be enchanted by the Disney magic. The musicianship is top-notch, which means that you won't tire of hearing these gems on their hundredth play... in a row. [©2005 hyperbolium dot com]

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely Not Just For Kids, July 18, 2005

By 

A. B. HOWARD "scscudder" (Lexington, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Got No Strings (Dig) (Audio CD)

Ya gotta admire and respect Michelle Shocked for making her music her way (even when you might not "get" what she's trying to do). She never compromises her art, even if compromising might give her a bit more popularity. So this album is pure joy: you can tell she did exactly what she wanted to do -- and the result is charming and delightful and accessible. Who else would have thought of doing a full country-swing album of classic Disney songs? And who else could have pulled it off? Answer: No one but Michelle Shocked.

For me, the only disappointing track is "Spoonful of Sugar." For some reason, it sounds a bit depressing to me. Was that supposed to be irony?

"To Be A Cat" (from THE ARISTOCATS) is my favorite track, although I must admit the song never struck me as one of the "classic" Disney songs. Shocked makes it so clever and sophisticated and irresistably swingin' that I wonder why I never paid much attention to it before.

Don't think the album is "just for kids." I know this middle-aged grump will be listening to it for a long time.