A Reassessment of Marnie Stern

I recently came across a review on Tiny Mix Tapes of virtuoso guitarist Marnie Stern's latest album, "This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That is That."  Phew. What a mouthful (mindful?). Anyways, moving on...Previously (ie: last year), I panned Marnie Stern's first album "In the Advance of the Broken Arm," perhaps unfairly, on the basis that I felt there just wasn't enough actual songwriting to sustain the record's 45 minutes of frantic fretboard wizardry. However, on reading about her new album, I couldn't help but feel that maybe I'd been too harsh on Ms. Stern. So, I decided to revisit her debut, while also digging into her latest disc.  And wow, was I ever wrong! 

I still stand by my opinion that her first album is partly a mess as far as the production values are concerned, but sweet damn are her licks hot! I'm also happy to say, "This Is It.." is every bit the improvement on it's predecessor. I haven't spent enough time with the album yet to justify a review, but I just thought I'd mention it, since both discs are definitely worth your ears attention. 

If you still require some convincing, coupled with some visual stimuli, just look below:

"Transformer" by Marnie Stern

from the Album "This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That." 

Kill Rock Stars, 2008.

I'm pretty sure Marnie Stern is on tour right now. If you're lucky enough to catch her live show, you have my envy.