Marshall Crenshaw - Marshall Crenshaw
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On this episode, we talk about the 1982 self-titled debut from Marshall Crenshaw. Arriving in New York after a stint with the traveling production of Beatlemania, Detroit born Crenshaw caught the attention of the New York music scenesters by writing and performing tight little pop tunes. Lauded by Critics, making several end of year “best of” lists. The album also stood out at the time. It was markedly different than the big radio anthems getting regular radio airplay. Musicians were also paying attention and several of Crenshaw’ songs were already recorded by other artists by the time he recorded his debut. Marshall Crenshaw is a stellar debut. Channeling pre-British invasion American roots rock (most obviously Buddy Holly) through the lens of post Beatles jangle pop, its full of hooks, instantly accessible songs, and fantastic guitar work.
THINGS WE DISCUSSED ON THIS EPISODE
Prior to his debut LP, Marshall Crenshaw was a member of the cast of Beatlemania, which was a Broadway musical revue dedicated to the Beatles. He was a member of both the traveling show, and the Broadway cast for two years, playing the part of John Lennon. That’s him on the right in both pictures below
Here’s a 1978 add for Beatlemania. Unfortunately, Crenshaw was not a part of the cast featured in the ad.
The Marshall Crenshaw band (Pictured L to R) Robert Crenshaw, Marshall Crenshaw, and and Chris Donato.
In 1982, Marshall Crenshaw made his televison debut on Late Night with David Letterman. He prformed “Someday, Someway.”
Neo- Rockabilly artist Robert Gordon had a hit with Crenshaw’s “Someday, Someway” before Crenshaw even recorded it. Here’s Gordon performing the song live on SCTV in 1981.
Crenshaw stared as Buddy Holly in La Bamba, the feature film about the life of Richie Valens. Her he is with Louis Diamond Phillips who played Valens in the film.
Listen to Crenshaw performing the Buddy Holly song “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” from the La Bamba soundtrack.
In 1988 PBS broadcast a Buddy Holly and the Crickets Tribute Special and Marshall Crenshaw got to play a couple of tunes with e original Crickets. Added bonus: Crenshaw is introduced by Kris Kristofferson.
