The 9 Volt Years: Battery Powered Home Demos & Curios (1979-198?)

Marshall Crenshaw

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 11, 1998)
• Original Release Date: August 11, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Razor & Tie
• ASIN: B000009HQX
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #104,826 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Marshall Crenshaw's meld of rock & roll archaeology and empathetic songwriting remains striking lo these many moons since his debut. The 9 Volt Years, which collects demos and the odd radio performance, is a reminder of just how startling Crenshaw's forward-thinking retro style was in the early '80s. Fans will be familiar with some of these titles--"Someday Someway," "You're My Favorite Waste of Time," "Something's Gonna Happen," "Rockin' Around in NYC," heard here in versions similar to but different from the previously released takes, along with substantial retoolings of a couple of others--while more will quickly become new favorites. A pretty good "I'm Sorry" (Bo Diddley's, not Brenda Lee's) and a terrific reading of Sam Cooke's "That's It, I Quit, I'm Movin' On" are the obligatory covers. For even casual Crenshaw watchers, a must. --Rickey Wright

Entertainment Weekly

9 Volt recalls an era when a chiming guitar, a winsome voice, and a charming hook could soothe any romantic despair.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Crenshaw's roots revealed, August 20, 1998

By	Mark Wukas (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews

This album is a wonderful collection of well-crafted, ear-catching melodies, hitherto unknown gems and new versions of old favorites. Crenshaw fan(atic)s have come to expect no less from their man, but the very pleasant surprise on this album is "Everyone's in Love with You," a sweet little number written (and perhaps performed -- I'm not sure) by Marshall's brother, Robert. Also of interest is an instrumental version of "Blues Is King" from "Downtown" titled "Bruce Is King." This album is, of course, a must for any Crenshaw fan, but the curious music aficionado will find plenty here to learn and love. Easily worth the price of admission.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Basic Rock Fun, March 9, 2000

By	Alf Kremer (Denver CO) - See all my reviews

A good quick exposure to Marshall Crenshaw in action. Since some of his album's were produced to a perfect polish, it's sort of fun to hear them with more edge to them. High props espcially to "Someday Someway" (rockier), "Favorite Waste of Time", "Bruce Is King" and "Stay Fabulous". Quick note - "I'm Sorry" is NOT "I'm Sorry (But So Is Brenda Lee)", but rather the Bo Diddley song. Since "A Collection" is apparently not in print, this may be a good way for neophytes to check out what Mr Crenshaw's all about.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A nice little rock-n-roll CD that actually rocks., May 2, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Naples, Florida) - See all my reviews

If you are a fan of Marshall Crenshaw, you'll love listening to this CD of his favorite demo tapes. We like to put this CD on while we are lounging around the pool. It's fun to imagine that Marshall is out in our garage playing and practicing. This music is light-hearted, soul-warming, and just really great rock-n-roll. Phil Wilkerson, Naples, Florida.