Review 1 of 3

razz089 writes:

4of 5 Stars

Although not a fantastic follow up to Shawn's album 'Soul's Core', 9th Ward Pickin Parlor is good enough for me to advise you to purchase it if you like any of Shawn's previous music. What many critics forget is that artists do not write music to impress critics, they write music because they love it and their fans love it. If you aren't a fan of their music, fair enough, but many people are and that is why Vanguards gave Shawn a new album opportunity. I first heard this album on a plane journey to New York from Manchester, UK, where the songs 'Blue As You' and 'Beautiful Wreck' were playing on the plane radio. It stuck with me, and I never forgot the tune to 'Beautiful Wreck'. Now I am a Shawn Mullins fan, and hope Shawn continues to write songs for a long time to come.

My advice to anyone is to go and buy 'Soul's Core' first...if you like that, buy 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor.

Jul 12, 2007 04:50:10

Review 2 of 3

daveyd writes:

4of 5 Stars

Owning, an artists full set of discs so far allows you to see the evolution of his music, or at the very least see where the similarities lie with certain tracks across his albums.
I was waiting and waiting for a new Mullins Album, having initially disgarded his hit "Lullaby" as a one hit wonder. I Purchased the single, and the B-Side cover of Changes hit a chord. I purchased Souls Core and with the Hits, Twin rocks, Shimmer, Lullaby and Ballad of Billy Jo McKay, Mullins seemed to have found a blend of spoken country tunes, come alt-rock. His follow up the first ten years, and Velvet sun, were equally just as good albums, however his fourth album seemed to be inspired by the events surrounding New Orleans. The hit song Beautiful Wreck is a foot tapper if ever there was one whilst the song Talkin' goin to Alaska Blues sounds very much like a song from a man trying to escape something.
All of mullins Albums so far have been awesome, never going to be Chart toppers, but as long as he continues in this vein he will sell records.

Feb 6, 2007 12:31:25

Review 3 of 3

4Nature writes:

1of 5 Stars

Shawn is a talented musician who just can't seem to cut an album that doesn't present as dull, contrived and too meticulously crafted. I've met Shawn and he came across much like his albums do- it's not so much, "Here's who I am", but more, "Here's who I want you to think I am." He works hard to put out a persona of a working-class, southern Springsteen, telling people, "I know what it's like because I'm just one of you," but in truth, he's not. Also, his songs might resonate with an older crowd, but they fall flat on younger ears. I caught his Portland show, and at 38 I was one of the youngest people there. I will say he is better live than in the studio. My friends and I have played "guess that lyric" with some of Shawn's tunes and it’s remarkably easy. Try playing that with Ryan Adams—it’s near impossible. My guess is Ninth Ward Pickin' Parlor won't be blowing anyone away. After 3 complete listens I was pretty much done with it.

May 3, 2006 11:40:08