I personally think "Hold It" is one of the coolest things Crenshaw has ever done, and it is because of Lillywhite's gonzo production in the outro. Field Day rules.
This was a fun read. I've always wanted to interview Marshall, but ever since he shot me a withering glare at a concert, I've been a bit afraid of him.
DwDunphy
· 4 months ago
Requests of "Play Freebird!" will get that.
DavidMedsker
· 4 months ago
Marshall: You guys are nice. This is a lot better than our show in Detroit. Me: What happened in Detroit? Marshall: (gives withering glare) I don't want to talk about it. Me: Sorry. Marshall: It's okay. Me: Mental note: don't ever talk to Marshall Crenshaw. Ever.
kingpervus
· 4 months ago
I never have understood the occaisional criticisms of "Field Day" (usually from fey indie-pop types deathly afraid of amplified sound). I, for one, always champion the now-maligned "eighties sound," which to me means something a bit more substantial than some tinny, compressed, downloaded mess that sounds like it was recorded in a closet. It is important for the kids to remember that back in the day everyone from The Sisters of Mercy to Prince knew that a kick drum went BOOM (+reverb) and nothing like the anemic farts we hear today.
WHarrisBullzEye
· 4 months ago
Nice work, sir. I've never heard him talk about the WB years in such detail.
Old_Davy
· 4 months ago
This was a great read. Always been a big Marshall Crenshaw fan. His version of 2541 from "Miracle of Science" is wonderful. Going to order the new album tonight.
rob
· 4 months ago
One of the all-time best interviews. You did a great job, Jon. I've always liked Marshall Crenshaw. Now I like him even more.
A few random things: • I actually saw Crenshaw headline his own "arena" show. Not quite a full-sized arena, but it was Georgetown University's McDonough Arena in 1985 during my senior year. The biggest highlight was him covering Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite." Totally amazing.
•I'm among those who have publicly knocked "Field Day." Not so much because it's a criticism of Steve Lillywhite, but because I was so impressed with what Richard Gottehrer did with the first record. "Field Day" has grown on me, particularly in light of Crenshaw's quirky career arc. But I still would probably give my firstborn to hear Gotterher's take on "Whenever You're On My Mind."
•To credit Mr. Lillywhite (who graciously commented on my blog when I did a tribute to him a while back) he was pretty busy in 1983. And I can forgive whatever sins from "Field Day" because of the incredible job he did that same year on Big Country's "The Crossing."
•Crenshaw's recounting of his visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland brought a smile to my face. Next month, I enter the University of Michigan's School of Information where this ex-journalist will pursue a master's in Archives and Records Management. One of the graduation requirements is that you spend six weeks on a practical internship during the summer – and one of the places that advertises with the S-of-I's career and internship office is the rock hall. No pay, but "FREE PARKING" and discounts on merchandise. I think I'll be going for it.
All Comments
This was a fun read. I've always wanted to interview Marshall, but ever since he shot me a withering glare at a concert, I've been a bit afraid of him.
Me: What happened in Detroit?
Marshall: (gives withering glare) I don't want to talk about it.
Me: Sorry.
Marshall: It's okay.
Me: Mental note: don't ever talk to Marshall Crenshaw. Ever.
A few random things:
• I actually saw Crenshaw headline his own "arena" show. Not quite a full-sized arena, but it was Georgetown University's McDonough Arena in 1985 during my senior year. The biggest highlight was him covering Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite." Totally amazing.
•I'm among those who have publicly knocked "Field Day." Not so much because it's a criticism of Steve Lillywhite, but because I was so impressed with what Richard Gottehrer did with the first record. "Field Day" has grown on me, particularly in light of Crenshaw's quirky career arc. But I still would probably give my firstborn to hear Gotterher's take on "Whenever You're On My Mind."
•To credit Mr. Lillywhite (who graciously commented on my blog when I did a tribute to him a while back) he was pretty busy in 1983. And I can forgive whatever sins from "Field Day" because of the incredible job he did that same year on Big Country's "The Crossing."
•Crenshaw's recounting of his visit to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland brought a smile to my face. Next month, I enter the University of Michigan's School of Information where this ex-journalist will pursue a master's in Archives and Records Management. One of the graduation requirements is that you spend six weeks on a practical internship during the summer – and one of the places that advertises with the S-of-I's career and internship office is the rock hall. No pay, but "FREE PARKING" and discounts on merchandise. I think I'll be going for it.