Too Tired to Write, So Here’s Marcy Playground
I am too tired and too busy to write anything today. I haven’t really got into any new stuff enough to have anything to say about it, not even anything as half-arsed as my usual reviews.
We are homeless while our house is being renovated to the tune of a kersquillion pounds, and have in the meantime squatted for two months with Mrs. Toad’s brother (he was away at the time), the next few days with a friend from uni, and for the rest of November we will be in a short-stay apartment. This blows goats like nothing else. Add to that the fact that I have done an extra two weeks of work during October over and above my contracted hours, and you can imagine I am feeling pretty spent at the moment. Once the money joys of a major renovation project are taken into account it’s a wonder I even find the energy to beat the servants.
Anyhow, as I like to do when given little time to think, I thought I might mention an old favourite. Marcy Playground’s eponymous debut album is known for little more than the hit single Sex & Candy, but it is one of my favourite records to listen to. There’s a laid back, gentle rock ‘n’ roll to it, slightly unusual imagery and a comforting loveliness that soothes my spirit. At the same time somewhere in there lurks a little alienation and a little tension. There’s an edge to the stories and a slight scratch to the guitar that makes it a slightly deeper sound than its one-hit wonder status would suggest. If I am ever stuck for something to play, this is often it.
They released a follow up – Shapeshifter – that did little, and eventually a third album called MP3 that did less. Lead singer John Wozniak apparently has a couple of solo albums, but I know nothing about them, and even if they never did another day’s work in their puffs they would always have an affectionate wee place in my musical soul reserved just for them.
You can actually buy this for less than a quid on Amazon Marketplace, so go and have a try. Honestly, there’s something that is just plain right about this album.
Marcy Playground – Dog & His Master
Marcy Playground – Gone Crazy
Marcy Playground – Sherry Fraser
marcy playground! i was wondering what happened to this lot (or that chap, perhaps) just the other day. hope the grimness lifts. your blogging throughout qualifies you as a “trooper”, i reckon.
Thanks, I would tend to agree with that last sentiment
Their second album Shapeshifter is not bad actually. I may post some more today. It’s more guitar-heavy and lacks some of the quirky charm of this, but it’s still enjoyable.
You need to post some pictures of your remodeled house!
And yes, marcy Playground is pretty f-ing good.
Oh I intend to. The ‘before’ shots can be found here.
i always wanted to like marcy playground, for obvious reasons, but never quite did. perhaps i should give them another chance.
Well just this album, Marcy. It should be right up your street I would have thought.