Search - Chris Whitley :: Long Way Around: Anthology 1991-2001

WHITLEY SAMPLER

S. Finefrock | Raleigh, NC | 04/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This collection does a superb job of chronicaling the enigmatic career of Chris Whitley. Whitley debuted over ten years ago with LIVING WITH THE LAW, an album that married country style blues to a majestic sweep worthy of prime U2. Whitley's direction from that point can hardly be considered a straight line, which has perhaps kept him from attaining stardom, but has certainly made his career interesting. From DIN OF ECSTACY'S corrosive power trio moves to DIRT FLOOR'S primitive blues feel to ROCKET HOUSE'S electronic experiments, Whitley has followed his muse to often great, and never less than interesting ends.
The selection of tracks included here does an excellent job of mapping the numerous avenues that this talented singer/songwriter and guitarist has travelled. The inclusion of several fine demos and outtakes will be of interest to the longtime Whitley fan without affecting the overall quality of the album to the novice. As with any anthology, a case can be made for additions and deletions of tracks, but overall this one is close enough for hand grenades or horseshoes. 4 1/2 *s rounded up to 5*s for the artist's vision."

Blues grit

R. J MOSS | Alice Springs, Australia | 08/17/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This decade's sampling of Chris Whitely's recorded music showcases his chameleon spirit. Alvin Youngblood. Keb Mo, Kelly Jo Phelps & Whitely have probed the blues envelope throughout the 1990s, winning fans who probably would never have ventured there had their approach been less adventurous. Whitely's track has meandered more than most. This anthology might test the staying power of fans who prefer country roots blues to Hendrix infused, urban din. Herein are fresher demos of songs from the CDs & hitherto unreleased material. Bradley Bamburger's enthusiastic liner notes provide a mudmap to Whitely's muse & points out that this taster anthology is aimed at recruiting new admirers. It stops shy of the wonderful set of interpretive work, 'Perfect Day', and gives only a hint of the direction more recently made in the thrilling,'Hotel Vast Horizon'. Having re ently read Alan Lomax's recollection,'The Land Where The Blues Began',of his field work days during the 30s & 40s in the Delta, I wondered what he might make of Whitely. Lomax was aggrieved at the prosperous UK blues bands of the 60s whose fortunes rode on the backs of those roots masters he'd first recorded. Closer to the present, what would he have made of Waits, Hiatt,recent Dylan (fill in your own artist)? Surely Whitely, here, in full career, would not fall to Lomax's charge(implied rip-offs by 60s artists)of inauthenticity."

Just a small taste of a career just beginning

Argyllsox | New jersey shore | 04/23/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Whitley plays music that is in its own category; what he communicates through his words and music is so strong, so real, that it almost seems that as he plays, the song is given to him from his guitar. This anthology shows that his talent is not a fluke, and the he is a master of many styles. but make no mistake, you still get that dark, smokey bar feel on every song; you can almost taste the Jack Daniels on your lips. The songs are taken from all forms of his career and recordings, demos, edits etc. If your new to Chris Whitley i strongly urge you to go buy this CD and if you ever get the chance, go see him live too. you will not be sorry."