Customer Reviews

Join the Parade

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've loved Marc Cohn's music since his Grammy winning self-titled CD came out 16 years ago. I've awaited each release and grabbed any various artist and B-side collection that I can get my hands on. In my opinion, "Join the Parade" is the best of his work so far.

There's any number of reasons why "Parade's" the best. Marc's paid a lot of dues along the way--he's faced the pain of divorce and joy of finding a new love, he's been shot and had to deal with the shock and fear of that attack, Hurricane Katrina tore away at the heart of the birthplace of much American music. His music's always come straight from the heart, but you can definitely hear the aches and points of grace even more strongly in these songs.

Second--there's not just his regular sidemen, but a parade of stars on this CD. Charlie Sexton (Bob Dylan's producer) co-produced with him. Amy Helm, Shelby Lynne, and the Holmes Brothers sing back-up--and that's just a glancing of the liner notes. The sessions happened all the way across the US from LA to New York over a year's time.

So, what can you expect? Pretty much the bluesy soulful groove you've heard before, but if possible some deeper lyrics and amazing musicianship. Each one of the 10 songs is remarkable--and having listened twice already, I can tell you there's no bad songs and it's hard to pick a favorite.

The first song, "Listening to Levon" is an apology to an old girlfriend who was baring her soul to him one night while Marc was listening to Levon Helms (The Band) on the radio:

Well, it serves me right
If you don't even hear me singing
If you tuned me out a long time ago
And it serves me right
If you've already changed the station
And you're listening now
To that old boy on the radio

He also talks about the car-jacking that left him with a bullet lodged in his head and a case of PTSD in "Live Out the String."

Who knows if we had angels on our shoulders?
That night with the devil in the street
Who knows if it means we've got more work to do

And yes, Cohn talks about Katrina. The most haunting song on the CD is the third--"Dance Back from the Grave".

Well, a thousand souls crossed over
And they were greeted by an all-star band
While the saints go marchin' in
There's still hell to pay back down in Dixieland
The storms are heading South again
And the hour is getting pretty late
Somebody better build that levee
It's already Mardi Gras at Heaven's gate

"Parade's" very much worth the price for old fans like me and I believe this offering will bring some new Cohnheads into the fold. While this is the best Cohn CD so far, don't neglect Marc's back pages--he's one of the best singer-songwriters in the business.

There are only a handful of artists who have, over the years, consistently given me a lot of listening pleasure, and MC is easily one of these. Now, I am not one for over-exaggeration but, these days, he only seems to produce a new studio album to coincide with the next sighting of Halley's Comet. However, this may be no bad thing - I'll settle for quality over quantity any day. Suffice to say that I'm very glad I came across MC when I first heard 'Walking In Memphis' over 15 years ago (yes, it really is that long ago - now, a distant memory of a time when I was solvent, and he had more hair than me); but enough of my nostalgic musings - what about this album ?


After almost a 10 year 'lay-off' since 'Burning the Daze', MC is back with his inimitable brand of rootsy pop-rock (but not so much of the 'pop' on this album).

THE SONGS : All are either written or co-written by MC. Most are slow to mid-tempo - exceptions being 'Live Out the String' and 'My Sanctuary'. As you would expect, the lyrics are 'top notch', covering such diverse themes as : regrets about lost loves and past relationships, the human impact of the Katrina tragedy, and his love for his family. A few of the melodies are not as immediately accessible as some on previous albums, nevertheless they are still pretty good; but it could be said that a couple of songs ('Dance Back From the Grave' and 'If I Were An Angel') are 'lighter on melody and heavier on groove'; whereas others ('The Calling', 'Let Me Be Your Witness' and 'Giving Up the Ghost') have a more 'classic' MC feel to them. Most of the songs are poignant, but not in that mellow-bittersweet style of songs like 'True Companion', 'The Things We've Handed Down' or 'Healing Hands'; and they are introspective - occasionally uplifting, often quite 'dark', but always moody and evocative. Also, they are songs from the heart - from a man who feels lucky to be alive (and he probably is !).

THE VOCALS : On this album, MC's smoky baritone voice has a more gravely 'lived in' texture (more noticeable on some tracks than others). I think his style is more soulful than on previous albums and his delivery has a 'simmering' emotional edge. The harmony and backing vocals further enhance the sound by lending a soulful and haunting quality to many tracks.

THE PRODUCTION : Charlie Sexton has replaced John Leventhal as co-producer and, whilst I miss the sumptuous layering of electric guitars and keyboards, that 'fuller' production sometimes had a tendency to detract from the songs themselves. Although this album doesn't return to the semi-acoustic piano-led music which featured prominently on MC's debut album (a slight disappointment for me), the production is somewhat 'leaner' than on 'Burning the Daze' but less subdued than on 'The Rainy Season'. The vocal/instrumental sound balance is fine for the most part but, at times, I thought the instrumental backing/percussion seemed too loud (too forward ?); for me, MC's first album still sets the benchmark for production excellence.

THE PLAYING : A wide range of instruments provide accompaniment : guitars (electric/National steel/acoustic/bass) and other stringed instruments, keyboards (piano, Hammond and Chamberlin), percussion, horns and cello; and, subject to my earlier qualification about 'sound balance', these complement (rather than compete with) MC's vocals. On 'Join the Parade', MC and his musicians are all 'coming from the same place' - the vocals and instrumental accompaniment are in unison to produce a cohesive sound. The band lay down some really interesting sounds too - just a few examples : the 'fluid funk' of the middle register guitar riffs on 'Dance Back From the Grave'; the simultaneous, yet contrasting drum rhythms on 'The Calling'; on a number of tracks, the deft keyboard playing (for example, just listen to the intro on the 'The Calling'); the eerie sounds of National steel and keyboards on 'Giving Up the Ghost'; or the overstrung piano on 'My Sanctuary' (in popular music, MC has got to be one of the best pianists around). Not to put it mildly, I thought the musicianship was quite exceptional.

All of these elements (songs, vocals, production and playing) combine to create an album which is highly sensuous - if, for any particular song, one of these fails to whet your appetite, the others almost certainly will.


Many fans will enjoy 'Join the Parade', you'd be hard pressed to find a much better set of studio performances than these; but for some, the sound might be a bit too raw; if you are looking forward to 'more of the same' from MC - particularly if you relate to his earlier music (such as the three songs already mentioned or more 'poppy' songs like 'Walking In Memphis', 'Silver Thunderbird' or 'Walk Through the World') - you could be disappointed. 'Join the Parade' is not an 'instant fix' album, the music here will fully engage the senses ONLY after repeated listenings. For casual listeners, don't expect a raft of catchy and polished 'radio friendly' tunes that you can switch onto with a first time listen (I would suggest the Greatest Hits compilation instead - an excellent choice for those who enjoy MC's music but who are not completists).

As one of the finest songwriters ever to walk this Earth, MC will always have a loyal fan base, regardless of how commercially successful his releases may be. I only hope it's not another 10 years before the next one - I might be 'pushing up the daisies' by then. Even my 'better half' likes MC - but I suspect that she will prefer his 'sweeter' style of old. I like almost anything MC does, but this album represents something of a departure for him so, unless you are a staunch 'cohnhead', a degree of caution is advisable before you decide to buy - the music samples adequately convey the overall sound but, not surprisingly, they are too short to do either the songs or the musicianship any justice.

A few minor reservations aside, in it's own right this is a very good album indeed and I just hope that it gets the recognition that it truly deserves. In my book, this is simply GOOD music - far better than some of the junk that finds it's way into the 'top twenty' these days; 4.5 stars.

From the piano intro of "Walking In Memphis" during the summer of 1991 I became a Marc Cohn fan. Unlike the rest of these biased fans giving "Join The Parade" five star reviews, I felt with each successive release that Cohn lost the magic of his debut. Couple that with long gaps between albums, and this Grammy winner for Best New Artist has become a non-entity. When I talk about Marc Cohn, most people have no idea who I am talking about. I remind them of "Walking In Memphis", but it was so long ago, no one remembers it.

"Join The Parade" does nothing to restore Marc Cohn's reputation. There will be no hit singles. Few people will listen to this cd, and fewer people will even buy it. Does this mean the music is terrible? No. After repeatedly listening to the disc I found things that I liked, and like other reviewers here I agree that there aren't any bad songs on the disc. But, I'm not going to say that "Join The Parade" is Cohn's best album. I'm not going to say it's his most mature work. Every Cohn album is mature, and every Cohn album has good songs. "Join The Parade" is somewhat boring and dull when compared to his 1991 debut. On his debut, I felt what Marc was singing about. On "Join The Parade" I felt very little. Even with him singing about Katrina, love issues, his gunshot wound. I'd still rather listen to his 1991 debut instead. Or even 1993's "The Rainy Season". Both of those albums have more interesting arrangements to go along with his well written lyrics. The arrangements on "Join The Parade" are not as memorable. It's as if someone took Cohn and stripped him of his sense of melody.

Also, I couldn't help but feel Cohn sounded like other artists on "Join The Parade". I haven't felt that on his other three discs. For example, he completely sounds like Tom Waits on "Dance Back From The Grave" and Al Green on "If I Were An Angel". What happened? Marc could have been more original than to sound like two other famous artists. I can't pick any particular song to praise because all of the songs are done in a similar style, and while the first single "Listening To Levon" is somewhat memorable, I think "Live Out The String" or "Join The Parade" might have been better choices. "The Calling (Charlie Christian's Tune)" is another song that left a small impression. Anyone who says "Join The Parade" is the best is forgetting such great Cohn songs as "Silver Thunderbird", "Walking In Memphis", "True Companion", "Saving The Best For Last", "Ghost Train", "Strangers In A Car", "29 Ways", "The Things We've Handed Down", "She's Becoming Gold", "Don't Talk To Her At Night", "Miles Away", "Walk Through The World", "Rest For The Weary", "The Rainy Season", "Baby King", "Already Home", "Girl Of Mysterious Sorrow" and "Ellis Island".

I'm sure with time "Join The Parade" will find its place next to other Cohn albums, but I expected Cohn to coming roaring back with something to re-establish his name, put him at the top of his game, give him another Grammy, but this isn't it. It's three stars--average, not great, not bad, just average. I truly hope that it doesn't take another decade before Cohn releases another disc. I like him, I own all four of his albums, and I'd like to hear more, but next time why not take more chances musically and lyrically?

He has always been one of the greatest songwriters ever.
And the new album proves that he is still the best.
The new songs are emotinally and musically precious pearls in the
wasteland of music showbusiness.
I've got to thank him for giving me the pleasure and chance to listen to his music!

Writing this as I listen to the album for the first time....

1. Listening To Levon

I love this song. The production on the album is so much clearer. You can hear the piano and Shane's guitar clearer. Great choice for a single.

2. The Calling

The wonderfully haunting start gives way to a gushing version of this staple Cohn tune. It literally rises and falls - you will know what I mean when you hear it. It feels like an ocean when you listen to it. I loved the original version - I simply adore this one without question. An idea, Marc should now revisit ALL his previous songs and re-record them!!!

3. Dance Back From The Grave

Sounds almost analogue-esk at the start - great atmosphere. Starts to build up. Like the effect on Marc's voice - makes it "flat" - not out of tune, but "flat". Now for the chorus. Nice subtle first chorus leading to a build up on the second. With Amy singing background? Go Shane! Great guitars. Thumping heartbeat drumming. Then dies down for the last verse. Effects going on galore. Horns going on in the final chorus. It's all kicking off. Stunning song when I first heard it, made even better by this production. Didn't think the production from the first album could get any better.

I am eating my words.

Nice horns at the end - almost sad?

4. If I Were An Angel

Some of the guitar prununciation on this tune is wonderful. Again, on this recorded version you can hear the guitars and instrumentation much better. The bass line in the chorus is funky-Cohn, to create a phrase! Still can't get that chorus out of my head - the falsetto...Love the tune and the ending is splendid.

4. Let Me Be Your Witness

Classic Cohn. I can see this being requested alot at concerts. Universal in its imagery and sentiments. The production on this is alot more simpler than those tunes reviewed so far and I like that this is the last song on this side of the CD (;-)) so it's a very nice relaxed end. I say releaxed, you don't realise how much the song builds up at the end to a wonderful climax.

6. Live Out The String

Been waiting for this one. Simple opening. Nice. Building up - there's that funky-Cohn baseline again...now the falsetto bridge. Liking it....Walking chorus, if that makes sense - the baseline just wants to make you get up and walk. And back down again and then up the chorus. This is one catchy tune. I am down on my knees already!

The middle works a treat. I think there is an angel on my shoulder at the moment. Like the music box effect after the middle eight. It sounds to me that Marc and Charlie Sexton have had a whole heap of fun producing this album.

7. Giving Up The Ghost

This should calms things down a bit! Very haunting - love the violin? Cello? The atmosphere is stunning. How does he do it? The pitch shreiks is gorgeous. I can see the Grammy's calling...Love the women singing backup - again, Amy? Or someone else. I have to say I think after a few listens this will become one of my favourite Cohn tunes. Reminds me a bit of Shawn Colvin's work, which is just lovely.

8. Join The Parade

I can tell I am going to like this. Different sounding from the other tunes - I think it's Marc voice. But I really like this. Really like this. Coming to chorus. Nice hook. Memorable "Please come and join the parade".

Nice guitar solo there. Just like the way the chorus builds up. Little gem of a song this one. Sounds like a chorus of voices there in the background. "Don't let it pass you by".

9. My Sanctuary

Piano in front on this one. Love the percussion on this, and the funky-Cohn bassline. Talk of the levee so another Katrina reference? Yep - makes sense the more you listen. Considering the subject matter this is uplifting - the instrumental interlude, with the horns, giving way to piano - almost bluesy piano. This song features some great lyrics. Take a listen. The ending, whilst I know it's coming just keeps building with a chorus of voices. "My Sanctuary, woah, woah". Almost makes one believe.

10 Life Goes On

Technically the final song on the album, although I will review You're A Shadow after this....

Ah, and calmness comes. Sad starting lyric, "without your father or mother, life goes on". How does he manage to grab your heart and tug at its strings.

Simple tune this one. Nice mention of Elvis there - I like the way he likens Elvis to Jesus! Oh yes, the more I hear of this one - this is another stunning Marc Cohn closing song - just like Companion, Handed Down and Elis Island. Wonderful instrumental. Now just down to piano. Stunning lyrics. I can see this being Marc's funeral song like Companion was the wedding song...

Stunning end to a stunning album. And I am not just saying that because it's Marc Cohn.

When you can, get hold of this album. I think it is his finest.

Shawn

This music makes me feel like I'm inside the center of a quiet storm. The chaos and emotional turbulence are within easy reach, but not so much that it's overpowering. I can't remember the last time I wanted to actually sit still long enough to listen to every note and every word. I barely moved throughout the entire CD. The first listen was indeed a sweet experience. It's just plain heavenly, Mr. Marc Cohn. I am so very glad to be a witness to your gift.

My brother called me very excited that Marc Cohn had a new CD. I decided to check out the reviews before buying it. I was almost fooled by a couple of the reviews.

MISTAKE! I almost did not get this CD because of the negative reviews. But I trust my brother and Marc Cohn. Now, I will put in a disclaimer here. I hope that those who wrote poor reviews did it because they honestly expected something other than what they got. I do not claim to have better taste than they do, just different.

BUT, I will say that Marc has changed and evolved. He has literally "danced back from the grave" after being shot, which by the way is my favorite song on the CD. There is also a touch of the Katrina disaster included in "Dance Back from the Grave."

If a listener expects the same music time after time, he or she should be a Grass Roots fan stuck in the bubblegum music of the sixties. Marc Cohn has grown and developed, not stayed the same. He has lived life and almost lost it to a carjacker.

My descriptions are simple; his music is beautiful, bluesy, thoughtful, and enjoyable. Incredibly well played, too. If you want to disagree, I don't really care. I have the CD and am very grateful that it is as good as it is.

My suggestion, buy it and enjoy it.

I can't get Sanctuary, Witness, Levon and String out of my head!! This is a great thing-- only 4 days after receiving the cd. It's classic Marc Cohn. Beautiful lyrics.

I have LOVED Marc Cohn's music since his first CD was released and have seen him tour many times. In fact the summer of 2005, I saw him and followed his tour three nights in a row. I'll tell you, while I have wanted many more Marc Cohn CD's in my collection, this album is so worth the wait! Listening to Levon, Let Me Be Your Witness, Live Out The String, My Sanctuary, and Life Goes On will awaken your senses and tap into your emotions as you feel the music. I proudly say I'm Marc Cohn's biggest fan, and all I can say is the music is beautiful, with Shane Fontayne on guitar, Amy Helm and Shelby Lynne on a few background vocals, the quality of music reminds you how phenomenal Marc's voice and talent is, and why he deserves a Grammy nod for this latest work of perfection. I know you'll thoroughly enjoy it! Can't wait to see him again live in concert!

As a person who has experienced emotional and physical trauma many times throughout my 40 years, this album has touched me very deeply. I heard the first song on the "Ellen" show and was blown away and purchased it the same day. As soon as it arrived, I put it on and played it 3 times back to back. The melodies and the words are uplifting as well as having the ability to take you right back to that point in time that you have suffered as well and makes you feel that you can overcome what you experienced. It is a wonderful collection of music that deserves the highest praise. Buy it and you won't be disappointed.