9th Ward Pickin' Parlor
by Shawn Mullins
  • Record Label: Vanguard
  • Release Date: Feb 14, 2006
Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. PopMatters
    60
    Much of “Ninth Ward” takes twists and turns you’ll see coming a mile down the boulevard--the choruses swell when they’re supposed to, the guitars are right up front and the bridges arrive at all the right times.
  2. Uncut
    60
    Mullins is a solid, occasionally platitudinous songwriter whose rustic tales don't approach the wry, wise gifts of similar artists like Johns Prine and Hiatt. [Mar 2006, p.88]
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  3. Paste Magazine
    60
    [A] solid, satisfying effort. [Feb/Mar 2006, p.95]
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  5. Rolling Stone
    40
    The real problem with coffeehouse stuff like "We Could Go and Start Again" isn't that it's corny--it's just tofu-bland. [6 Apr 2006, p.69]
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User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
tbd

No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 3
  3. Negative: 1 out of 3
  1. MarkB
    May 12, 2006
    5
    Whether or not Shaun is talented, he can't get it across on his albums. It is boring tired music, great for background ambience at a Whether or not Shaun is talented, he can't get it across on his albums. It is boring tired music, great for background ambience at a Senior's rec center.… Full Review »
  2. GavinS
    May 3, 2006
    2
    Shawn is a talented musician who just can't seem to cut an album that doesn't present as dull, contrived and too meticulously Shawn is a talented musician who just can't seem to cut an album that doesn't present as dull, contrived and too meticulously crafted. I've met Shawn and he came across much like his albums do- it's not so much, "Here's who I am", but more, "Here's who I want you to think I am." He works hard to put out a persona of a working-class, southern Springsteen, telling people, "I know what it's like because I'm just one of you," but in truth, he's not. Also, his songs might resonate with an older crowd, but they fall flat on younger ears. I caught his Portland show, and at 38 I was one of the youngest people there. I will say he is better live than in the studio. My friends and I have played "guess that lyric" with some of Shawn's tunes and it… Full Review »
  3. GenevieveM
    Apr 11, 2006
    8
    I find this album quite enjoyable. Knowing the story of the making of this album and the cover name makes it even more enlightening. Shawn I find this album quite enjoyable. Knowing the story of the making of this album and the cover name makes it even more enlightening. Shawn just keeps going..........gotta love it!… Full Review »