Born Under

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Born Under
Studio album by
Martin Zellar
Released1995
GenreCountry rock[1]
LabelRykodisc[2]
ProducerMartin Zellar, Steve McKinstry
Martin Zellar chronology
Born Under
(1995) 		Martin Zellar and the Hardways
(1996)

Born Under is the debut album by the American musician Martin Zellar, released in 1995.[3][4] Its first two singles were "Lie to Me" and "Problem Solved".[5] The album was rereleased, with bonus tracks, in 2004.[6]

Production[edit]

Recorded in Northfield, Minnesota, the album was produced by Zellar and Steve McKinstry.[7][8][9] Soul Asylum's Dan Murphy played guitar on "Lie to Me".[10] Many of the songs were inspired by Zellar's wife and son.[11] The album cover photo was shot in Grand Forks, North Dakota.[12]

Critical reception[edit]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[13]
MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide[9]
The Republican[14]
The State[1]

Trouser Press stated that "Zellar has a grit-strewn voice with a mannered catch better suited to the harsh honesty of his lyrics than the placid curves of his melodies."[10] The Chicago Reader wrote that the album's "not the sort of recording that's going to perk up your next party, but it is exactly what a lot of people say there isn't much of these days: adult, smart, perceptive, and emotionally genuine rock music."[15] The Milwaukee Journal determined that "Zellar's nasal, angular voice is a ragged standout here against all manner of plaintive backing, from lonesome guitar pings and mournful cello drones to swoopy organ fills."[16]

Stereo Review deemed Born Under "as moving a piece of confessional pop as you're likely to see these days, a tuneful, lovely-on-the-surface song cycle of reflective country-rock musings that only barely conceal some rather world-class emotional turmoil beneath."[17] The Santa Fe New Mexican noted that on some songs Zellar "sings in the voice of a drunken lout, albeit a drunken lout with a conscience that is only slightly weaker than the demons who hold him down."[18] The Los Angeles Times declared that Zellar "writes blue-collar tales about hard times and hard lessons that are reminiscent of the eloquence of the Blasters in their prime."[19]

AllMusic panned Zellar's vocals, but also wrote that "twangy roadhouse rock alternates with unabashed honky-tonk balladry, and real-life working class concerns dominate the lyrics."[13]

Track listing[edit]

No.TitleLength
1."Lie to Me" 
2."Something's Gotta Happen" 
3."East Side Boys" 
4."Falling Sky" 
5."Problem Solved" 
6."Cross My Heart" 
7."Lay This Down Gently" 
8."Summer Kind of Sad" 
9."Force a Smile" 
10."Let Go" 

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b Miller, Michael (March 17, 1995). "Back-to-Basics Fever Is Contagious". The State. p. D12.
  2. ^ Stewart, Alison (Mar 1995). "Reviews". CMJ New Music Monthly. No. 19. p. 44.
  3. ^ Rassenfoss, Joe (January 20, 1995). "Martin Zellar's Country-Rock Mix Is a Perfect Blend". Rocky Mountain News. p. 22D.
  4. ^ Bream, Jon (November 25, 1994). "Martin Zellar's debut solo album...". Star Tribune. p. 4E.
  5. ^ Anderson, Kurt R. (January 26, 1995). "Zellar Glows on His Own". Rhythm. Wisconsin State Journal. p. 15.
  6. ^ "Martin Zellar Born Under". Exclaim!.
  7. ^ Bream, Jon (22 Jan 1995). "Shifting Gears". Star Tribune. p. 1F.
  8. ^ "Album reviews — Born Under by Martin Zellar". Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 6. Feb 11, 1995. p. 62.
  9. ^ a b MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide. Visible Ink Press. 1999. p. 1267.
  10. ^ a b "Martin Zellar". Trouser Press. Retrieved 21 April 2022.
  11. ^ Walsh, Jim (January 24, 1995). "Growing Up in Public". St. Paul Pioneer Press. p. 8B.
  12. ^ Green, Carissa (January 27, 1995). "Solo Career Hits High Gear". Grand Forks Herald. p. C6.
  13. ^ a b "Born Under". AllMusic.
  14. ^ O'Hare, Kevin (January 22, 1995). "Martin Zellar, 'Born Under'". The Republican. p. D8.
  15. ^ Wyman, Bill (February 16, 1995). "Martin Zellar". Chicago Reader.
  16. ^ Maples, Tina (9 Feb 1995). "Country-rockers bask in glow of new fans". The Milwaukee Journal. p. D7.
  17. ^ Simels, Steve (Apr 1995). "The confessions of Martin Zellar — Born Under by Martin Zellar". Stereo Review. Vol. 60, no. 4. p. 79.
  18. ^ Terrell, Steve (27 Jan 1995). "Terrell's Tune-Up". Pasatiempo. The Santa Fe New Mexican. p. 16.
  19. ^ Hilburn, Robert (26 Feb 1995). "Martin Zellar, 'Born Under'". Calendar. Los Angeles Times. p. 66.
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