Customer Reviews

Got No Strings (Dig)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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]

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.

I've enjoyed Michelle's music for many years, and I knew she would put a twist to these Disney classics.

She has, but I find the whole CD rather flat--though I cannot put my finger on what's missing or what might make it better.

Die hard Shocked fans will probably like it, newcomers should be wary.

If you pin me down, I'd have to call most of the music on this album "alt. country-western" or "country-western/pop", except for track 5 which is bluegrass. These are Disney tunes from some of the older, classic movies, reinvented. Whatever you call it, if your family grooves to string bands, this CD is a pleasure.

I purchased Threesome because Michelle Shocked feels like an old friend to me and I like old friends. The first time I ever heard "If Love Was A Train" I perked right up and by the time I heard "Anchorage" I was in love. To this day Arkansas Traveler is one of my all time favorites as is Short Sharp and I gladly revisited them in their re-issued quality controlled form. Then I decided to see what Michelle is up to now and I can't tell you fully because I haven't stopped listening to No Strings. Maybe the other two discs are even better but I wouldn't know that yet. I love this disc. It came to me at just the right time in my life and I feel like she's singing wonderful words of encouragement just to me. So nice. And I don't even like Disney. Or I didn't think i did. Do yourself a favor and get this right away. You need it. Oh boy, i'm going to listen to it again right now, just talking about it.

I play it for my child everyday... I have never heard any other Michelle Shocked albums, but this one is so good I should check out her other ones. I heard this was a jam session too, like recorded in one evening.. Wow this woman must be talented to pull off such a high quality album in one night. This is a kid friendly album that both you and your child will cherish.