Search - Chris Whitley :: Perfect Day

Yet another side of a growing artist

Nobody important | 07/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Three things stick about about Chris Whitley's latest superb effort. First, in case you haven't looked at the song titles (I didn't bother before buying it), he didn't write a single song on the album (in fact, any self-respecting music fan already owns the originals). If you are anything like me, an entire album of covers should be an enormous neon warning sign reading "STAY AWAY: DEVOID OF CREATIVITY." Let me assure you that this is not the case. We are talking about Chris Whitley here, and he knows full well that the only appropriate way to do a cover of another artist's song is to transform it into something completely different; to make it your own. Chris does just that. The songs may not be his, but the sound most definitely is, and his elegant voice and subtle but brilliant guitar work come across as beautifully as ever. In fact, the sound is so different from the originals that someone who had never heard the originals would think they sounded like vintage Chris Whitley. Next, for the first time since Terra Incognita, he has recorded with a rhythm section of more than his foot and a stomp box. Again, though, never fear. The backing band are none other than Billy Martin and Chris Wood of Medeski, Martin and Wood, who have proven that they are, in fact, capable of playing something that isn't just a Meters imitation. Their percussion and bass are, in fact, as important to the sound on this album as Whitley's guitar, and manage to support Chris Whitley without detracting from the wonderful, stripped-down atmosphere in which he sounds best. Finally, there is an aesthetic change here from much of Whitley's recent work. I have always considered his greatest strength to be his ability to play music that is gut-wrenching, intense and visceral. On Perfect Day, he shows that he can evoke peacefulness and serenity equally well. Dirt Floor is one of my all-time favorite albums, but it is intense enough that I rarely listen to it. This album has much more of a calming effect on me. It is yet another testament to Chris Whitley's brilliance that he can pull off both so well."

Praying for Love

Jane | New York, NY | 08/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amidst a saturated culture, where image and production preys on the consumer minded masses, it is difficult to even hear yourself, much less someone else. We question every descision made, every response given, and have turned cynical in our seemingly impossible quest for truth. "What's the point ?" is an overpronounced question these days and defeatest in origin. But then we turn on "Perfect Day", and are reminded of what it is to be alive on this earth, on this beautiful imperfect earth, and we are reminded of the spaces between where we used to plant our hands to feel the sky move, and we remember what it means to say VERACIOUSLY "I am alive!!!" Chris Whitley is no stranger to being on the outside, in fact he seems to have taken up residence there...yet somehow, being on the fringes doesn't stop him from reaching underneath and pulling out our souls..."

Fascinating, beautiful set of cover tunes

Kati Nanstad | Seattle, WA USA | 07/28/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a quietly mesmerizing record. If you are looking for rowdy and loud, this isn't for you. Except for two tracks - Hendrix's "Drifting", where I miss Jimi's presence, and the title track, which needs stronger lyrics and melody - this is a beautiful, deeply emotional set of cover songs. Whitley's voice runs from soulful falsetto to smokey and deep, at times a gorgeous gentleness too. In several of the old blues tunes, he creates a powerfully spooky atmosphere, like an old bluesman come back to life. Highlights are the two Dylan tracks, China Gate, Wild Ox Moan, and he recreates Crystal Ship in his own vision, very different from The Doors. Accompanying bass, drums, and assorted alluring sounds are quiet but strong. The songs come and go beautifully, complete, with even the silence inbetween feeling rich. Highly recommended if you love old blues, Whitley's voice and solo guitar, and like an intimate recording to pull in close to you."