Larry Norman - Motorola Corolla 2

Reviewed by Ewan Jones

Many of the songs on this collection were contenders for a Birthday For Shakespeare musical and are inspired by scenes or events from Shakespeare's plays - however, there are no "these" and "thous" to be found - you'd be hard pressed to see the inspiration if it wasn't for the extensive liner notes that Larry wrote for this 2007 release. He had the ability to tape demos that saw his sense of humour and skill shine through despite (or even because of) the rough quality of the recording. However, as is often the case with compilations of demos and half songs, the results are mixed and often infuriating - some are fully fledged songs recorded with the band that would have been great to hear well produced, while others are fragments of ideas that fade out just as they're getting interesting. Still others are 15-30 second clips of ideas and practices that sound like they were recorded underwater. As an insight into Larry's writing and recording and idea sessions (there are quite a few that by his own admission Larry doesn't ever remember creating), there's some interesting stuff here - the barnstorming "1-0411-7-7" sees Larry embarrassed about the twee lyrics but it could have been a classic rock-and-roller. So, a release with some gems (a very early demo of "Nothing Really Changes" with some alternative lyrics) amongst the dirt, "Motorola Corolla 2" will likely get collectors and completists salivating, but may leave the casual Larry listener frustrated at the quality, inconsistency and lack of continuity.