CRAZY MARY
Burning Into The Spirit World (Humsting)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Burning Into The Spirit World is the fourth release from Crazy Mary, and fans of the band's quirky psychedelia will be comforted to know that time hasn't tamed the quartet's adventurous spirit. On the other hand, time hasn't tempered their tendency toward uneven recordings, either.

I like this band enough to wish that they operated near their peak a lot more than they do, but as I've pointed out before, the DIY instinct toward self production can only take them so far. (Michael Caiati is listed as co-producer, but he's also the engineer and mixer and may be doing a bit more than he should as well.) I'd love to hear what might happen if Crazy Mary spent some time in the studio with a producer with the huevos to push for their best and the power to say no when they want to settle for less than that, because at their best they're damn near as good as it gets.

If they can get that good for more than, say, 70% of their next album then you'll start hearing about them even if there isn't an ultra-hip college radio station in your neighborhood. Meanwhile, they may be hanging out in a musical ghetto of their own making, but they're among the most talented people on the block. Hope to see them out of the 'hood next time around. [www.crazymary.com]

Track List:

The Rain In Memphis * Voices Of Freedom * Monkey Magic Medicine * Crazy Mary (But I'm Not) * Freak Out * Dose Me On Up * It Calls Your Name * Confusion Reigns * Moon Song * Chicken * Astral Telepathy * Voyage To Uranus * Dancin' With Snakes

© 2001 - Shaun Dale