CHRIS WHITLEY
Long Way Around: An Anthology 1991 - 2001
(Legacy)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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It seems like Chris Whitley's just on the verge of stardom, and never quite pulls it off. Seems funny to see a collection, but I guess, yeah, it has been a while, and it has been quite a few records now. Whitley's accessible bluesy roots rock, accentuated by his raw vocal and piercing steel guitar licks, have graced big time major studio albums and small solo indie projects. Unfortunately two of his most important albums, "Live at Martyr's" and "Perfect Day" are not represented here. Tracks from the stark "Dirt Floor" record and three rough demos show that Whitley is a major talent who should really be recorded live, off the floor, and big time producers like Daniel Lanois are sometimes better off sticking with U2.

© 2002 - John Sekerka