Any hope that Marshall Crenshaw might release a deluxe version of his 1985 proto-Americana classic Downtown has now been officially dashed what with the appearance of a new LP entitled The Bootleg Sounds of Marshall Crenshaw. The album presser describes the record as a “curated … compilation of previously unreleased recordings, demos and live songs recorded between 1984 and 1989.” But fully half of the record is Downtown material. I count seven of the 14 tracks included here as alternate takes from that LP, with two from 1987’s Mary Jean & 9 Others, one from Field Day, and assorted one-off covers and live tracks. Three tracks have no vocals (“Little Wild One,” “The Distance Between,” and “Terrifying Love”), permitting you to get things ready for an MC karaoke at your next party. The alternative versions will be notable to Crenshaw aficionados. “Right Now” particularly has a different feel I’m enjoying. So the album has a decidedly Downtown flavour to it. From the non-Downtown material, the real treats here are the covers of Buddy Holly and Gene Pitney, two acts superbly suited to Crenshaw’s rock and roll style. Anyone who saw him play Holly in La Bamba will be pleased to have a copy of his take on “That’ll Be The Day.” The live cuts offer surprises too. Jackie Wilson’s “Reet Petite” kicks off with a modified opening that almost seems to conjure up a bit of “Someday Someway.” So for die-hard MC fans, The Bootleg Sounds of Marshall Crenshaw has definitely got some real highlights, even if the collection may have less broad appeal than his other album of unreleased curios, The 9 Volt Years.

Downtown was the first Crenshaw album I bought when it actually came out and it was the soundtrack of my first bachelor apartment as a young man as I was just starting to make my way in the world. So it has a strong sentimental value for me. But I also think it is a great album – fabulous songs, great production and playing, and an attractive design (right down to the vintage Warners record label). I thought it was worthy of a grand re-release but perhaps I’ve just got my Marshall Crenshaw-tinted glasses on.

Keep up with Marshall Crenshaw news at his website and get your copy of The Bootleg Sounds of Marshall Crenshaw at his bandcamp record store. Photo of blogger at 21 taken by James Koester c. 1986.