If you like jangly, guitar-based pop songs with heart, then one of your favorite singer/songwriters ought to be Marshall Crenshaw. Hit songs of his from the 1980s like “Someday, Someway,” “Whenever You’re On My Mind” and “You’re My Favorite Waste Of Time” are up there with the finest work of Squeeze and Crowded House. “Waste Of Time” has the distinction of having been covered by Bette Midler, Ronnie Spector, and also Matthew Sweet & Susanna Hoffs for one of their duet albums.
But songs like those are only the beginning of Marshall Crenshaw’s genius. Remember “Til I Hear It From You” by The Gin Blossoms from the Empire Records soundtrack? Marshall co-wrote that. Same goes for the Emmy-nominated title track from the movie Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. He played Buddy Holly in La Bamba, one of several acclaimed acting roles.
Rumors are out there that Marshall will be working on the upcoming HBO series Vinyl, a highly-anticipated collaboration between Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger. While Marshall’s last full-length album was 2009’s Jaggedland, he has stayed busy over the past few years with an EP “subscription series.” Initially only released digitally and on vinyl, six EPs came out over the course of two years. For those who forgot to subscribe, a collection of those EPs is now out via Red River Entertainment under the name #392: The EP Collection. In support of #392, Marshall will be playing at City Winery alongside Jonathan Edwards and Garland Jeffreys on September 13th. Marshall took the time to answer some questions about his past, present and future.
What do you wish more people knew about Marshall Crenshaw?
Marshall Crenshaw: That question just brought my mind to a complete halt, so let’s go on to the next one.
When you’re not on the road or recording, what do you like to do with yourself?
M: Some of my hobbies, that I pursue in my spare time, include restoring antique watches, designing children’s clothing, and pole-vaulting.
You were one of the first artists I can think of who switched over to a “subscription series” for new music. In retrospect, was this a successful experiment for you? Something you may do again?
M: Yes to the first question; it was fun for me, and it was well-received, too. I can’t say right now if I might do it again or not, but I loved doing it over the last three years, found it fulfilling.
You were also one of the first artists to push for vinyl over CDs, from what I remember. What is it about vinyl that keeps you loyal to it?
M: It’s not just me; it’s really a cultural thing at this point. Vinyl records are beloved and treasured. I really do think that they put energy in a room in a particularly cool way compared to other sonic media. I’m told that there’s a cassette revival under way, but I’d never get on board with that.
Of all of the songs you’ve written for other artists, do you have a favorite?
M: No. I think that about a third of the songs I’ve written are fucking great, another third I’ve mostly forgotten, and I’ll get back to you about the rest.
You co-wrote the title track of one of my favorite movies, Walk Hard. Did you write more material for the movie beyond what was used like Dan Bern and Mike Viola?
M: Yes. There were at least 20 song submissions for each song title in the script, so I’m told. I wrote one called “Take My Hand,” one called “Guilty As Charged,” and one called “Walk Hard.”
For someone who hasn’t seen you live before, what should they expect from your City Winery show? Do you often perform songs of yours that others made famous?
M: My next City Winery show is a “songwriter’s roundtable” thing with Garland Jeffreys and Jonathan Edwards. I think it’ll be great; I’m looking forward to hearing it myself.
Was your stint with Beatlemania the first time you had ever been to New York City? What do you remember about your first New York gig?
M: Yes, Beatlemania brought me to New York City for the first time. I’d headed west originally, and landed all the way back on the opposite side of the country, and have been glad about it ever since. But I was only ever an understudy with the show in New York, did the show for the first time at the Pantages in Hollywood, which I guess is ironic, or something.
What’s ahead for you once you’re done with this tour and the related promotion for The EP Collection?
M: As far as a personal recording project goes, I don’t have any plans right now; I may just concentrate on my hobbies for a while.
Finally, Marshall, any last words for the kids?
M: Yes. Always be sure to vote in every election, and put some informed thought into it, otherwise our country is screwed.
-by Darren Paltrowitz
