Unlimited Streaming
Listen to this album in high quality now on our apps
Start my trial period and start listening to this albumEnjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription
SubscribeEnjoy this album on Qobuz apps with your subscription
Digital Download
Purchase and download this album in a wide variety of formats depending on your needs.
Self Help Serenade hit the U.K. in spring 2004, so it's been released domestically on a plush critical pillow, with bulbous sticker quotes bursting with words like "genius" and "classic." That's overstating it a little bit. Evan Slamka, the brains behind the band Marjorie Fair, has definitely written a pleasant collection of songs. They reflect the dusky light of his L.A. home, and his dream girl's figure is forever silhouetted against the sunset. But Serenade can't be marked a "classic" just because it taps classic pop elements (like the Beach Boys, for one; its album art even suggests Endless Summer), or because its contributors include crack session players Jim Keltner, Joey Waronker, and Kim Bullard, the piano and B3 of Billy Preston on the gentle "Hold on to You," and the work of Jon Brion, who's credited with "various custom sounds." No, Marjorie Fair's debut is just a pretty thing falling somewhere between singer/songwriter indulgence and clever chamber pop. "Empty Room" is an immediate standout. In lesser hands it'd be akin to John Mayer, but Slamka and his mates give it palpable depth and an unforgettable chorus. It's also the most upbeat thing here besides "Waves," and it's not even that upbeat. That's because Slamka prefers the slight twang in the waltzing "Silver Gun,"; he gives songs names like "My Sun Is Setting Over Her Magic." The snare drum in "Halfway House" is set to slow, and each piano chord resonates for a hundred years. It's an homage to sensitive '70s Northern California, but the contemporary era comes crashing in with a screeching solo of treated guitar. Same goes for "How Can You Laugh." It's beguiling like "Surfer Girl," but looks to the legacy of Pavement at the same time. So Marjorie Fair's debut isn't an immediate five-star classic. But its backgrounds are incredibly well-crafted (just look at that contributor list), and the songs' blend evening-sun comfort with a quiet forlornness that's somehow welcoming.
© Johnny Loftus /TiVo
You are currently listening to samples.
Listen to over 100 million songs with an unlimited streaming plan.
Listen to this playlist and more than 100 million songs with our unlimited streaming plans.
From $10.83/month
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Justin Meldal-Johnsen, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal) - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Luis Conte, Percussion, AssociatedPerformer - TOM LORD-ALGE, Mix Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Jerry Finn, Producer - Joe McGrath, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Seth Waldmann, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Roger Joseph Manning Jr., Keyboards, AssociatedPerformer - Evan Slamka, Composer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2005 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Drums, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, Mellotron, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Piano, Recording Engineer, Mellotron, Sound Effects, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Keyboards, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2003 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Bass Guitar, Recording Engineer, AssociatedPerformer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Jim Keltner, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Billy Preston, Organ, Piano, AssociatedPerformer - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Marty Rifkin, Pedal Steel, AssociatedPerformer - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Kim Bullard, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Rob Schnapf, Producer, Mixer, StudioPersonnel - Doug Boehm, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Joey Waronker, Drums, AssociatedPerformer - Patrick Warren, Harpsichord, Keyboards, Organ, AssociatedPerformer - Ted Jensen, Mastering Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Chris Reynolds, Asst. Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Tom Biller, Engineer, StudioPersonnel - JON BRION, Recording Engineer, StudioPersonnel - Evan Slamka, Composer, Guitar, Additional Keyboards, Organ, Piano, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - Marjorie Fair, MainArtist - Chris Tristram, AssociatedPerformer, Bass (Vocal)
(C) 2005 Capitol Records, Inc.. All rights reserved. Manufactured by Capitol Records, Inc., 1750 N. Vine Street, Hollywood, California 90028. Unauthorized Reproduction is a Violation of Applicable Laws. Printed in U.S.A. ℗ 2004 Capitol Records, LLC
Album review
Self Help Serenade hit the U.K. in spring 2004, so it's been released domestically on a plush critical pillow, with bulbous sticker quotes bursting with words like "genius" and "classic." That's overstating it a little bit. Evan Slamka, the brains behind the band Marjorie Fair, has definitely written a pleasant collection of songs. They reflect the dusky light of his L.A. home, and his dream girl's figure is forever silhouetted against the sunset. But Serenade can't be marked a "classic" just because it taps classic pop elements (like the Beach Boys, for one; its album art even suggests Endless Summer), or because its contributors include crack session players Jim Keltner, Joey Waronker, and Kim Bullard, the piano and B3 of Billy Preston on the gentle "Hold on to You," and the work of Jon Brion, who's credited with "various custom sounds." No, Marjorie Fair's debut is just a pretty thing falling somewhere between singer/songwriter indulgence and clever chamber pop. "Empty Room" is an immediate standout. In lesser hands it'd be akin to John Mayer, but Slamka and his mates give it palpable depth and an unforgettable chorus. It's also the most upbeat thing here besides "Waves," and it's not even that upbeat. That's because Slamka prefers the slight twang in the waltzing "Silver Gun,"; he gives songs names like "My Sun Is Setting Over Her Magic." The snare drum in "Halfway House" is set to slow, and each piano chord resonates for a hundred years. It's an homage to sensitive '70s Northern California, but the contemporary era comes crashing in with a screeching solo of treated guitar. Same goes for "How Can You Laugh." It's beguiling like "Surfer Girl," but looks to the legacy of Pavement at the same time. So Marjorie Fair's debut isn't an immediate five-star classic. But its backgrounds are incredibly well-crafted (just look at that contributor list), and the songs' blend evening-sun comfort with a quiet forlornness that's somehow welcoming.
© Johnny Loftus /TiVo
About the album
- 1 disc(s) - 12 track(s)
- Total length: 00:54:26
- Main artists: Marjorie Fair
- Composer: Evan Slamka
- Label: Capitol Records
- Genre: Pop/Rock Rock
© 2005 Capitol Records Inc. ℗ 2005 Capitol Records Inc.
Improve album informationWhy buy on Qobuz?
-
Stream or download your music
Buy an album or an individual track. Or listen to our entire catalog with our high-quality unlimited streaming subscriptions.
-
Zero DRM
The downloaded files belong to you, without any usage limit. You can download them as many times as you like.
-
Choose the format best suited for you
Download your purchases in a wide variety of formats (FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF...) depending on your needs.
-
Listen to your purchases on our apps
Download the Qobuz apps for smartphones, tablets, and computers, and listen to your purchases wherever you go.