Critics buzzed loudly over this slide-playing American storyteller's 1991 debut Living with the Law, but there was a decidedly muted reception for 1995's sophomore effort. Here Whitley is back on course with a strong, orig... more »inal effort. "Automatic," one of the more conventional tunes here, is the most impressive. --Jeff Bateman« less
Critics buzzed loudly over this slide-playing American storyteller's 1991 debut Living with the Law, but there was a decidedly muted reception for 1995's sophomore effort. Here Whitley is back on course with a strong, original effort. "Automatic," one of the more conventional tunes here, is the most impressive. --Jeff Bateman
"Everyone has a couple dozen CD's in his/her collection that are no-fail, play-anytime faves, and Terra Incognita is one of those standards for me. The things I love about this album have to do with continuity--the songs are felt in the seat of the pants throughout!--and Chris Whitley's sinewy snake of a voice is mesmerizing. This is an ideal summer sundown groove album."
A great overlooked misunderstood album
Edward | la,ca | 02/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"this album should have been given a chance with alternative crowd. It's what we've been waiting for. The mix of deep delta style blues blended with "what is good" about straight rock music with the honesty of good old fashioned experimental punk rawness. It is misleading at it's first hearing. I thought "rock music; blah, blah, blah..." but this album has a refreshing point of veiw. Really soulful vocals (but honest, convincing soul; not syrup), no rock twit "solo's", and feels like Robert Johnson and the spider's from mars. The album lives in the world of Tom Waits's "raindogs" but with a whole lot more "mid-range" grind. Orgainic, genuine and feels like a p-90 feeding back."
An Underrated talent.
Anthony Souza | 07/25/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Whitley combines dissonant electric guitar with acoustic and his songwriting style is uniquely his own. "Automatic" is the best thing here, but you can't go wrong on any of the others. I prefer this more full-bodied work to his other stripped down acoustic affairs, "Living With the Law" and "Dirt Floor"."
A must-have for any CD collection
Anthony Souza | 11/28/1998
(4 out of 5 stars)
"While Terra isn't Whitley's strongest work (see his Living With the Law or Dirt Floor for unparalleled, 5-star albums) that's like saying Michael Jordan had a mediocre game because he scored 40 points instead of 45. Tracks such as Weightless, Immortal Blues, Cool Wooden Crosses, Gasket and Aerial make this CD worth far, far more than the $$ you'll spend for it. Anything this guy does is worth owning; he's the most underrated artist out there. His talent for songwriting and guitar-playing goes unsurpassed."
Chris Whitley is a Master at work.
Anthony Souza | 07/01/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"He weaves the most spellbinding music I've ever heard. It is true, this is not his best album. But it is still amazing listening. I see it like "Led Zeppelin III". Not as good as "Led Zeppelin I, II or ZoSo(IV)", but still great, you get the picture. I love Chris' guitar work on "Cool Wooden Crosses" and "Immortal Blues". I'm shocked that "Automatic" wasn't a smash hit single and on VH1. I love the lyrics to "Alien". A true musicial genius and unmatched guitarist. His other 3 albums are better, "Living w/the Law", "Dirt Floor" & "Din of Esctasy", but if you like Chris Whitley, you should have ALL of his albums anyway."