Customer Reviews

Live At The Variety Playhouse

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been listening to Mullins since Lullaby came floatin' by. There is real magic in this guy. There is magic in his soul. Everything he does has somethin' a little extra to it. A lot of his later releases have a "here's more product" feel to em, but not this. This is the greatest capture I've heard. This delivers my own past, present and future, beautifully, starkly, sadly with hope and regret. I freakin' love it! even though I'm typically more of an Alice in Chains/Soundgarden type of guy... but then there's Johnny Cash and don't forget Tom Waits.. Music is magic and this is it!

This collection of personal observations and memories offers a look deep into the heart and mind of an insightful, motivating and compassionate singer songwriter. He entertains with his own personal style of provocative lyrics and musical proficiency that is indicative of a man devoted to his craft. Supported on stage with a strong collection of talented musicians, Mr. Mullins' guitar work weaves its way throughout the album and leaves us all raising our cell phones asking for more.

Once in a while you find an artist / album that you really connect with. I had heard Shimmer, Beautiful Wreck, and Lullaby / Rockabye over the last few years on the radio, and liked them. But only recently, I accidentally discovered the greater scope of Shawn Mullins music on a DirectTV On-Demand video of the Variety Playhouse concert that is the same show as this album.
In addition to the great songs, the sound quality and acoustic clarity of Shawns guitar playing and vocals on this album is outstanding.
But what really sets this album apart is the repeat-playability of these story telling tunes. I have listened to this album on and off for several months now, and never get tired of listening to it.
Its impossible to decide if I like the intimate solo acoustic numbers like "Home", "Twin Rocks Oregon" and "Fraction of a Man" better, or the jammin, rockin out with the band on "All in my Head", "Santa Fe", "Shimmer", "Beautiful Wreck", and "Lullaby". They are all excellent.
WARNING: Listen with caution if you are prone to indulgences with alcohol or other substances. You may just want stop what you're doing, break open a bottle and settle in for the whole album. For an example of this just listen to "Twin Rocks Oregon".

My husband and I have been big fans of Shawn Mullins ever since we first saw him live in 2000. This CD is a perfect addition to the collection of any longtime fan, and also a good way to introduce new fans to his music. I only wish the CD included more of the between-song banter and storytelling that make his concerts so much fun.

If you enjoy Shawn Mullins' music, we HIGHLY recommend purchasing this CD -- and, even better -- seeing him in person if you can!

It is a treat to see Shawn with a full band backing him up, something he can't afford to bring on tour to town to town to town -- to your town. He makes performing look easy.

I guess he has found that his most introspective and mellow compositions, such as the Song of the Self, don't go over very well live, so, until Shawn goes on a sure-to-lull-you-to-sleep tour, you'll need to seek out the latter on his studio CDs.

"Lonesome, I Know You Too Well" is an instant classic, with its imagery: as fine as anything ever written by Shawn's musical heroes. Roll over Beethoven!

If you like Shawn Mullins, this is a must for your collection! It's a great mix of hits and newer stuff. The companion DVD is also great and you can see how talented his band is as well. What a great storyteller!

Shawn Mullin has released many wonderful CD's and this live show CD brings together his best songs over the years. This CD highlights Shawn's storytelling skills with the simple favorites he performs acoustically as well as with rocking out songs with his band (excellent mandolin work!). Excellent CD for both die-hard fans and folks who only know a few of his songs. Please note that the DVD of this show is also worth purchasing as it has one extra song, includes some of the "stage chatter" during the perfomance, and separates the acoustic and band sets.

I've enjoyed Shawn Mullins' music since I first heard him on "Oprah". Until this album, all my CDs had been studio recordings. This is the first "live" album I purchased. I guess the best thing about this live album, besides the music of course, is Shawn's obvious enjoyment with this audience. Mullins is sharing what he loves to do with a group of people who love his music. The live album makes me want to see a live show myself. Hopefully there will come a day!

Shawn Mullins is a wonderful song writer and musician. Each of his songs tell interesting stories and his soulful voice is wonderful. I love this live CD. I own the entire collection of his music, but this is by far my favorite. I strongly suggest that anyone purchase this CD.

Shawn Mullins writes great stories that go well with music, and delivers them with incredible phrasing. This live version exemplifies his style and has a great mix of songs. The whole band sounds great, and the guitar solos hit just right. The biggest strength may be the slower, soulful songs like "Anchored in You" and "Twin Rocks, Oregon". Even the couple I didn't know grew on me very fast. The cover of "House of the Rising Sun" is nice because it's slightly different. His comments are just right to add to the cd, and it seems like a fun concert. My only gripe is that there is not a real bluesy song like "Homeless Joe" or "See That Train", but still worth 5 stars.