The Bottom Line
But what often happens after a record like that is that artists tend to try too hard to retain the fame they earned. Unfortunately, this is one of those records that comes across that way.
Pros
- "Kelly's Song"
- "Blue As You"
- "Lay Down Your Swords"
Cons
- "House of the Rising Sun"
- "Alaska"
Description
- A few really good moments
- An unfortunately flat version of "House of the Rising Sun"
- A fair set of songs that would have been better served as an EP
Guide Review - Shawn Mullins - 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor
Despite some truly sweet moments ("Kelly's Song"), Mullins just isn't on. I suppose if you've never been to New Orleans' 9th Ward, this could pass off as a tribute record to the now-struggling city. But it's hard for me to imagine how this song has anything to do with the Crescent City or, more specifically, the part of the 9th Ward I imagine Mullins is referring to (a.k.a. the Bywater neighborhood - where bohemian artists and musicians abound).9th Ward isn't all bad, though. Mullins makes an honest effort at recounting his experience during Gulf War, part I, by making a very subtle anti-war statement in "Lay Down Your Swords." On "Blue as You," he manages to tap the great, easy lyrics that so characterized his earlier, better work ("I like my daylight to be silver. I like my night skies to be blue as you").
But then he comes in with "House of the Rising Sun," which is so overdone by now, that it really has to be perfectly performed to resonate anymore.
Mullins is a great player, and it's hard to believe his talent was tapped after Soul's Core. 9th Ward has some truly bright moments, but as a whole, it falls short of what Mullins is capable of. It may have been better served as a really tight EP; but as a full-length CD, unfortunately, it leaves a lot to be desired.
Listen/Download 9th Ward Pickin' Parlor
