A distinguished member of the Better Records Rock and Pop Hall of Fame.
This is my favorite roots rock record of all time. I love the album. It starts off with the driving This Is Easy and never lets up until the very last song, a beautiful ballad, “They Never Will Know.”
The All Music Guide had this to say about MC’s first 3 albums: “…an irresistible combination of masterful pop and vibrant, timeless rock & roll.” They weren’t that impressed with this album.
I am of the opposite opinion. I think this is the album where Marshall got it all together: his best songs, his best production, his most tightly knit band, his best guitar solos — the best the guy had to offer is right here.
I’ve listened to this record well over 100 times. How does somebody play the same record 100 times? I have it on tape in my car, backed with one of my favorite Bonnie Raiitt albums, Nine Lives. I can sing along with every song and know every guitar lick by heart. This music may sound simple on the surface, but it has the essence of great popular music. The songs are heartfelt and catchy.
If you like Buddy Holly, or any of the people that have been influenced by him to produce straight ahead rock and roll, you should like this. (more…)