Marshall Crenshaw - #447 (CD)

Facts Reissue of this 1999 album from the veteran singer/songwriter. This fine album finds Crenshaw moving through middle age with grace and ease. Eschewing punched-up radio friendly mixing and mastering, this set embraces a warm sonic middle. #447 is full of a rich, woody resonance-in fact there's a string bass on many of the songs. Crenshaw still turns out wonderful and bracing pop reveries ("Right There In Front Of Me," "Tell Me All About It"), but he has also fashioned some somber and slow numbers ("Dime A Dozen Guy," "Television Light"), as well as a few gorgeously moody instrumentals ("Eydie's Theme," "West Of Bald Knob," "You Said What?") When Crenshaw burst on the scene in the early '80s, he was a breath of radio-ready fresh air. That he's managed to evolve into as compelling a songsmith without aiming his material so directly at the shine and sheen of the hit parade, is a testament to his enduring and evolving artistry.