Got No Strings

AMG Review of Got No Strings

Mark Deming
All Music Guide

Despite her many musical mood swings over the years, here's something no one was expecting -- Michelle Shocked recording a family-friendly set of songs from classic Walt Disney movies with a semi-acoustic luegrass swing band backing her up. And dipping even deeper into the well of surprises, Got No Strings turns out to be lots of fun -- the sassy warmth of Shocked's voice turns out to be a great match for songs like "Give a Little Whistle," "The Spectrum Song," and "The Bare Necessities," and she's able to add a bluesy drift to "Spoonful of Sugar," "Wish Upon a Star," and "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" that suggests that while this is safe for all audiences, this ain't a children's record by a long shot. The backing musicians (rounded up by Nick Forster of Hot Rize, who produced the set) are in fine fettle, finding some tasty nuances in these songs that are both unexpected and delightful. And if there's ever been a more positively emotionally manipulative song than "Baby Mine," I don't think I've heard it. Got No Strings is in most respects a modest album, but it's thoroughly delightful from front to back, and is as breezy and pleasurable as anything Shocked has ever committed to tape. [Got No Strings was released on the same day and date as two other albums from Shocked, Don't Ask, Don't Tell and Mexican Standoff, and the three were also made available as a set called Threesome.]