Misguided Roses (CD - 1997)

Edwin McCain: Edwin McCain (vocals, guitar); Larry Chaney (electric guitar, cuatro, lap steel); Craig Shields (soprano, alto, tenor & baritone saxophones); Scott Bannevich (bass); Dave Harrison (drums, percussion).

Additional personnel: Kenny Greenberg (acoustic, 12-string, electric baritone & electric guitars, dobro); Matt Rollings (piano, Wurlitzer, organ, synthesizer, anvil); Eric Darken (percussion, pandero); Vicki Hampton, Michael McDonald, Russ Taff, Ashley Cleveland, Beth Nielsen-Chapman (background vocals).

Producers: Matt Rollings, Kenny Greenberg, Matt Serletic.

Recorded at House Of Therm Studios and Love Grotto, Nashville, Tennessee; Doppler Studios, Atlanta, Georgia.

Personnel: Edwin McCain (vocals, guitar); Kenny Greenberg (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, 12-string guitar, dobro); Larry Chaney (electric guitar, lap steel guitar, cuatro); Craig Shields (soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, keyboards); Matt Rollings (piano, organ, Wurlitzer organ, synthesizer); Dave Harrison (drums, percussion); Eric Darken (pandeiro, percussion); Michael McDonald , Russ Taff, Ashley Cleveland, Vicki Hampton, Beth Nielsen Chapman (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Richard Dodd; Bob Clearmountain.

Recording information: Doppler Studios, Atlanta, GA; House Of Them Studios, Nashville, TN; Shem's Love Grotto, Nashville, TN.

Photographer: Clay McBride.

Unknown Contributor Roles: Craig Shields; Edwin McCain; Dave Harrison; Larry Chaney.

Edwin McCain's second album, Misguided Roses, doesn't differ greatly from his debut. It has the same jangly, anthemic rock that made his music a favorite of such contemporaries as Hootie & the Blowfish, only with a slightly heftier electric kick. His songwriting and singing have improved and the best moments on Misguided Roses surpass those on Honor Among Thieves. ~ Thom Owens

Edwin McCain's second album, Misguided Roses, doesn't differ greatly from his debut -- it has the same jangly, anthemic rock that made his music a favorite of such contemporaries as Hootie & the Blowfish, only with a slightly heftier electric kick -- but his songwriting and singing have improved; the best moments on Misguided Roses surpass those on Honor Among Thieves. Unfortunately, the lows are lower than before, making the record a frustratingly inconsistent listen, since its best moments suggest that McCain is capable of more. ~ Thom Owens

Edwin McCain is a practitioner of the same brand of middle American-sounding Cinemascope folk-rock as Hootie & The Blowfish. Big, bold arrangements leap out of the speakers, hard-hitting drums are mated with ringing acoustic guitars and lap steel. An interesting addition to the mix is saxophonist Craig Shields, who adds some unexpected instrumental shadings to the proceedings. Much of McCain's lyrical focus is on introspection, bittersweet nostalgia and the occasional idyllic observation of the world around him. Each tune on MISGUIDED ROSES reinforces the proletarian musical vision McCain seems to be striving for, instantly accessible, but never pandering. minimize