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Another Side of Jeff Daniels |
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Written by EWAN D. MILLS-MEELS
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Wednesday, 01 September 2010 |
You read the title correctly: actor Jeff Daniels (The Squid and the Whale, Terms of Endearment, Dumb and Dumber) has made a live album of songs he’s written over the course of his career, performed live at his theatre, The Purple Rose (after the Woody Allen film), in Chelsea, Michigan. No stranger to the stage, Daniels started his career at Circle Repertory Theatre off-Broadway during the heyday of the late seventies, and recently made his Broadway debut in Yazmina Reza’s God of Carnage, alongside Marcia Gay Harden, Hope Davis, and James Gandolfini, collecting a Tony nomination for Best Actor. He lost to Denzel Washington, who, in his acceptance speech famously forgot the word “thespian,” and awkwardly thanked “you…you theatre people…”
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Neil Young
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"Le Noise"
(Reprise)
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While I really admire his body of work, it’s really unfortunate that Daniels isn’t as good of a writer as he is an actor. His play Apartment 3A, which I caught at the Clockwork Theatre Company’s revival of last year in New York, has some stellar moments (including one where the main character, in a fit of fury, threatens on live television to kill Big Bird if no one donates to her station) but in spite of a decent production, never really rises to the occasion. The album remains incredibly uneven and at times even tacky.
His music suffers similarly; the opening, “Here’s a Little Something,” feels like a chemistry project an uninspired high schooler might throw together during homeroom on the day of presentation. He has some really clever lyrics here and there, but my instinct tells me he comes up with the line and bases the song around it.
Daniels skillfully wins the audience with his rough voice, stories told in his charming accent, and skillful guitar playing inviting them to awkwardly sing along to a song called “How ‘Bout We Take Our Pants Off and Relax.” The audience is only happy to sing along, seeing as most of them are friends and family of his; I say this not to put down performing for your family, but to highlight the fact that he’s not playing for the people who go see his movies.
A few of his better songs, (“When You’re Fifty,” “Getting Good at Being Bad”) are hints at what the songwriter he could be, but I don’t think he’s about to devote the rest of his life to music. He closes with an anecdote about being star struck by George Harrison, offering a short cover (he starts in the second verse) of “Here Comes the Sun.” Overall a nice sample of his multiple talents, though I don’t think this album is meant for the same audiences his films are marketed towards.
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Daniel's critique
Written by Guest on 2010-09-01 12:52:57
Ewan,
You need to work on your critique writing. Here's some points you need to consider. 1. Paragraph #2 (P2) is totally out of place and unnecessary. You are writing about Daniel's album - stick with the topic. "The album remains incredibly uneven . . " Compared to what? Your taste or factual evidence? State the basis for your assertion.
2. Daniel's does not possess a rough voice. His predominant singing voice is a rather clear tenor. But, like any well-trained stage actor, he can "color" it in many shades as needs be. Give credit where credit is due.
3. "God of Carnage" was NOT his Broadway debut. Please fact check. This error is inexcusable. You gotta do your homework, Ewan.
4. Daniels has done work for major film studios. However, currently he is more interested in doing vital films for Indie producers/directors. So his "audience" is much more diverse than you imagine.
5. "Live at PRT" is his 4th CD. Check out his other 3. I think that you will enjoy his work and appreciate it more.
Ewan, you have a very nice writing style and seem to enjoy what you do. With a little effort and attention you can take your critiques to a higher level.
Good luck!
An editor
| Edit of critique
Written by Guest on 2010-09-01 13:06:14
You don't have to like Jeff's work, but you do have to do your homework on the subject, and follow the critique format. |
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