Michelle Shocked

Michelle Shocked (birth name Karen Michelle Johnston) is an American singer-songwriter known for a blend of folk, blues, rock and bluegrass. The Texas Campfire Tapes (early live release) preceded the 1988 studio album Short Sharp Shocked; the song "Anchorage" is frequently singled out.

Stage name derived from the expression "shell shocked." The review reports she was born in Dallas and raised in Texas. The Texas Campfire Tapes was recorded by journalist Pete Lawrence with a Sony Walkman at the Kerrville Folk Festival and released as a sort of bootleg; Short Sharp Shocked was released in 1988. The review notes accompaniment including banjo, Hammond and violin.

The available review highly praises Michelle Shocked's 1988 album Short Sharp Shocked, highlighting her blend of folk, blues, rock and bluegrass and the song "Anchorage." The Texas Campfire Tapes is noted as an earlier, live-recorded release. The review is strongly positive and personal.

For:Fans of folk, Americana, acoustic singer-songwriters and 1980s roots-influenced music.