4Play: Don Henley, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Marshall Crenshaw, Iron & Wine

June 28, 2009

4Play
Kristi Kates 6/29/09
Don Henley - The Very Best of Don Henley - Geffen
Eagles singer Henley went through three record labels (Elektra, WB, and today’s Geffen) throughout the course of his recording career, and almost as many genres; ‘70s rock, ‘80s chart-pop-rock, and his late ‘80s foray into more sophisticated folky pop-rock among them. Regardless of what category he’s in, though, Henley always had a knack for the hooks, which are evident here in songs like the heartfelt romancer “The Last Worthless Evening,” the metallic pop track “All She Wants to Do is Dance,” the edgy-for-its-day “Dirty Laundry,” the desert-evoking “Sunset Grill,” and Henley’s biggest and most timeless classic, “The Boys of Summer.”


Crosby Stills and Nash - Demos - Rhino
This nifty set gives the listener a kind of behind-the-stage peek at the songwriting process of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, and Graham Nash, one of the most interesting folk-harmony collaborations of the late ‘60s-early ‘70s. Some of these previously-unreleased demos can be heard later in the trio’s career as actual CSN studio album tracks; some of them feature the trio working together, and a few showcase members performing on their own; all configurations are equally interesting. A dozen tunes are included here, from “Marrakesh Express” to “Long Time Gone,” to “Chicago,” all recorded in a skeletal and intriguing fashion.


Marshall Crenshaw - Jaggedland - 429 Records
One of America’s most underrated, overlooked singer-songwriters is perhaps Marshall Crenshaw, who gets sidestepped for the likes of the more overdramatic Tom Waits and the more clever Elvis Costello. But Crenshaw’s skills are not to be minimized; his dynamic and well-crafted tunes and his resonant voice still hold strong. The set opens with the peppy “Right on Time,” which catches both ear and feet immediately; but things even improve form there. Highlights include the simplicity and sincerity of “Never Coming Down,” the introspection and familiar-sounding refrain of “Live and Learn,” and Crenshaw’s jazz-pop take on the title track.

Iron and Wine - Around the Well - Sub Pop
This double CD is particularly cool for dedicated Iron and Wine (aka Sam Beam) fans, as it brings together singles and rarities that fans have already been collecting for years. It’s also a good intro for new fans, as it’s a decent overview of Beam’s sound. Beam covers plenty of songs here, too, which makes for an interesting listen; a few covers that stand out are his versions of Death Cab for Cutie, Stereolab, and Flaming Lips (“Waitin’ for a Superman”) songs, to which he brings a more folky, lo-fi vibe. Of his own tracks, “The Trapeze Swinger” and “Love Vigilantes” are two that could’ve easily made the grade on a regular full-length disc.