REVIEW: Mary Lou Lord, Got No Shadow (WORK)
- Al Muzer
As much a showcase for the brilliant songwriting (seven credits) and distinctive guitar buzz of Bevis Frond frontman Nick Saloman as it is for the London-born, Boston-bred subway busker and occasional Courtney Love hate object that is its namesake; Mary Lou Lord's long-awaited major label debut is not only a truly great record sure to turn up on more than a few rockcritic's year-end "best of" lists, it also proves that top-notch tunes (in addition to Saloman's contributions, Lord wrote or co-wrote seven tracks and turns in definitive versions of "Shake Sugaree" and Freedy Johnston's "Lucky-One") played with heart and earnest conviction can rise above even the glossiest (layered on by Tom Rothrock and Rob Schnapf) of production sheens.
Although a bit of the joy, vibrancy and wide-eyed innocence of their prior incarnations is diluted in the updates presented here, the previously-released "Lights Are Changing," "Western Union Desperate" and "Some Jingle Jangle Morning" are still potential sing-along hits just waiting for their chance to hook you; while "His Latest Flame," "Lucky-One," "She Had You," "Two Boats" and (especially) "Supergun" are thoughtful, folk-fueled, jangle-centric, irresistibly-catchy contenders for major chart action as well.
Requiring at least four listens before it becomes an essential addition to your CD collection, Got No Shadow is a star-studded effort that features inspired guest appearances from Saloman, Elliot Smith, Nels Cline, Money Mark, Will Goldsmith, Jon Brion, long-time MLL inspiration Shawn Colvin and 12-string guitarist, Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Famer and former Byrds frontman Roger McGuinn.
If you enjoyed Mary Lou Lord's first full-length CD, Got No Shadow , you're bound to appreciate these still available blasts from her past:
Various Artists, Shreds - The Best of Underground American Rock (Shredder, 1994). Worth whatever this thing costs for the Mary Lou Lord ["Some Jingle Jangle Morning" - her first appearance on CD] and Karl Hendricks Trio tunes alone; tracks from the likes of Corduroy, Moist, Parasites, The Odd Numbers, The Mr. T Experience, Stink, Prisonshake and Tugboat Annie make this a rollicking, high energy, totally enjoyable sampling of some of the best independent singles released last year.
Mary Lou Lord, Mary Lou Lord (Kill Rock Stars, 1995). Destined for the big time even without the high profile battles with Ms. Cobain, Mary Lou Lord's wistful, longing, winesomely melodic voice shines on seven acoustic tracks and one cut, Bevis Frond's electrified "Lights Are Changing", that would be nominated for song of the year if this disc had any money behind it.
Mary Lou Lord, "Martian Saints" single (Kill Rock Stars, 1997). A repackaging of her final KRS seven-inch coupled with acoustic versions of Pete Droge's "Sunspot Stopwatch" and Pete Laughner's "Cinderella Backstreet"; the title track [yet another Nick Saloman tune] is a more-than-worthy successor to the joyous jangle of "Lights Are Changing" while "Salem '76", Lord's sole writing credit on the CD, is suspiciously similar to her own "Some Jingle Jangle Morning." A stripped-down rendition of Elliot Smith's "I Figured You Out" is the surprise highlight.
