The Christian Manifesto

GENRE: ACOUSTIC FOLK

LABEL: SPARROW RECORDS

RELEASE DATE: JUNE 24, 2008

RATING: 4 OUT OF 5

Nutshell Version:

“Roots Remixed” is what “Roots” should have been in the first place.  “Roots Remixed” has redeemed Shawn McDonald’s “Roots” project. There is very little to complain about. Even if you weren’t upset with “Roots,” this EP belongs in your collection. It’s good stuff.

Full Version:

As “Roots Remixed” is brief (clocking in at a mere 6 tracks), I will make my thoughts brief. When I first heard of this album I ad my reservations. First, I was not a fan of “Roots,” McDonald’s third studio release. I thought it lacked that certain something that his debut and sophomore releases had. Second, Shawn McDonald is an acoustic artist with folk tendencies. What does it mean to remix that kind of music? Is Diddy involved? If so, count me out.

But, I have to admit, I was very impressed. In fact, “Roots Remixed” is what “Roots” should have been in the first place.   

“Roots” starts things out and it is reminiscent of Shawn’s earliest album, conjuring images of a more contemplative and introspective Jack Johnson. On “Roots,” the track “Waltz in 3” was a snoozer. And if it wasn’t putting me to sleep, it was annoying me. I don’t know what they did to the track here, but they fixed everything that was wrong with it. Now the song runs like a well-oiled machine and I enjoy it thoroughly. A new ethereal backdrop accompanies “Light” and it seems to have a slight Mediterranean vibe that I liked. “Captivated” was one of the few tracks I liked on the original outing, so this one was a bit a strange. The chorus is fine, haunting even. But, the rest of the song drags a bit more than I would have liked. “Shadowlands” is totally overhauled. There seemed to be a bit too much going on here this time around, though. As a matter of fact, the vocals are often drowned out by the instruments. “hallelujah” will stick with you long after it is done. McDonald displays a vulnerability not evident in the original version. This track actually has “indie film” written all over it. It would fit in on a Juno or Bella soundtrack quite easily.

“Roots Remixed” has redeemed Shawn McDonald’s “Roots” project. There is very little to complain about. Even if you weren’t upset with “Roots,” this EP belongs in your collection. It’s good stuff.

Track Listing

1. Roots
2. Waltz In 3
3. Light
4. Captivated
5. Shadowlands
6. Hallelujah