Released 20 years ago
9th Ward Pickin Parlor
Shawn Mullins · 2006
56 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A blend of introspective lyrics and acoustic-driven melodies that evoke a sense of longing and resilience.
Top tracks — play these first
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Beautiful Wreck — This track encapsulates the album's theme of finding beauty amidst chaos, showcasing Mullins' knack for vivid storytelling through evocative imagery.
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Cold Black Heart — Here, Mullins delivers a haunting exploration of emotional desolation, employing stark contrasts in both lyrics and melody that resonate deeply.
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Faith — In this song, Mullins blends hopefulness with vulnerability, creating an uplifting narrative that reflects resilience in challenging times.
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House of the Rising Sun — Mullins' rendition of this classic adds a contemporary twist while maintaining its traditional poignancy, highlighting his interpretive skill.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and acoustic arrangements but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features a consistent acoustic instrumentation, while the second half introduces more varied arrangements, including piano and subtle percussion.
- Several tracks incorporate storytelling elements in their lyrics, with a focus on personal experiences and reflections.
- The album closes with a cover of 'House of the Rising Sun', which shifts the mood to a more somber tone compared to earlier tracks.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt storytelling moments
- steady progression with peaks
- immersive acoustic reflections
- contemplative late-night listening
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time '9th Ward Pickin Parlor' was released in January 2006, Shawn Mullins had already achieved mainstream success with his hit 'Lullaby'. This album marked his return to a more roots-oriented sound after exploring alternative rock on previous records. It showcases Mullins' storytelling prowess while reflecting personal and societal themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Gray· Gavin DeGraw· John Mayer
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Cold Black Heart
The imagery shifts from darkness to a glimmer of light suggests a turning point in emotional struggle.
This shift not only enhances the song's narrative but illustrates Mullins' ability to craft complex emotional landscapes within his writing.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Blue as You 3:14
- 2 Beautiful Wreck 4:09
- 3 Cold Black Heart 4:24
- 4 Faith 4:21
- 5 Homemade Wine 4:04
- 6 Talkin' Goin' to Alaska Blues 3:49
- 7 We Could Go and Start Again 3:41
- 8 Kelly's Song 2:18
- 9 Find Love 4:09
- 10 All Fall Down 5:56
- 11 Lay Down Your Swords, Boys 6:45
- 12 Solitaire 3:21
- 13 House of the Rising Sun 5:57
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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