Customer Reviews

Soft Dangerous Shores

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've only listened to the album once so far, but here are my first impressions. It sounds something like Perfect Day and Hotel Vast Horizon. The songwriting is also not too far removed from his last album, War Crime Blues, as he does a new version of "Her Furious Angels" which is slightly more funky. The electronic production threw me off at first (Chris is a big Kraftwerk fan you know), but as the album progressed it reminded me more of his Rocket House sound. The best song here IMO is "As Day is Long". Other outstanding tracks include "Valley of Innocents", "Soft Dangerous Shores" and "Fireroad". If you're a long time Chris fan like me (since 1991's Living with the Law), this album is a must own. If you're not a fan yet or are new to Chris Whitley's music, you can't really go wrong with this latest album. Although I must admit, I'm really hoping he'll explore the sounds of Din of Ecstasy again, and crank up that distortion. I'd still have to say that Din of Ecstasy and Dirt Floor remain my two favorite albums. But what Soft Dangerous Shores does prove is that Chris is forever innovating and maintains a high standard of musicianship and songwriting that will always be a joy to hear.

Soft Dangerous Shores would be the last album that Chris Whitley would release during his brief lifetime. A true visionary, Chris challenged himself musically throughout his career, releasing albums that experimented in rock, grunge, jazz, folk, electronica, and especially the blues. Like his 2001 release, Rocket House, Soft Dangerous Shores mixes Whitley's stellar guitar work with elements of electronica. However, while Rocket House would dabble with various genres throughout the disc, Soft Dangerous Shores is more of a mood piece. The haunting keyboards and electronic drums are designed to provide a backdrop rather than be an equal part of the songs. Listening to this now, you can hear that Chris was suffering as his voice had lost most of its range. However, his voice still retained its soul and that's very apparent on Soft Dangerous Shores. Tracks like "Fireroad (For Two)", "City of Women", and especially the title track show Chris at his most sensual and the mood for each track fits perfectly. "As Day Is Long" and "Last Million Miles" return to the passionate fury of his previous work in both the guitar work and arrangements while "Medicine Wheel" gives the vision of how most of us go through the motions throughout our lives, just hoping to move a little further ahead. Well, that's what I get out of it. The version of "Her Furious Angels" recalls the track originally recorded on War Crime Blues, only with sparse guitar work and the drums and keyboards providing color. In retrospect, the last two tracks "End Game Holiday" and "Breath of Shadows" as well as the unlisted brief reprise of "End Game Holiday" at the album's closing sound as though Chris was saying goodbye. Hearing Chris sing 'too late to find a way' during "End Game Holiday" can't help but bring strong emotions after learning what he was going through. All told, Soft Dangerous Shores is a piece to be listened as a whole on several occasions to be appreciated. New fans may want to pick up Living With the Law, Dirt Floor, and Din of Ecstasy before diving into this.

In addition to being a riveting performer, Chris Whitley was one of the most compelling and unique musical artists that I've ever heard. Chris always seemed to be searching and breaking new ground stylistically. Soft Dangerouse Shores continued this trend as he successfully blended the organic feel of blues and folk music with the coolness of techno pop. The end product is a very adult record with overt references to death, sex, & love. I had read Chris described this album as a collection of individual movies, seperate and distinct in the story they tell. This is as fine a description of the record that I could think of. However, the record was not immediatley appealing to me, as alot of Chris's music could be at first. Like all intelligent music some effort from the listener is required to discern it's virtue. The music on Soft Dangerous Shores is sometimes etherial and distorted, and conjures feelings of fear,lust,and longing. Chris Whitely was in a league of his own and I for one will miss his music, and feel lucky to have known the legacy he left behind.

From the exquisite guitar playing on songs like "Valley of the Innocents" to the Philly Soul tinged masterpiece "Her Furious Angels," this album deserves the consideration that has been afforded his best albums including Rocket House, Dirt Floor and Living with the Law. His vocals are ethereal, the lyrics begging for introspection, and the guitar work will appeal to the most discriminating musicians who consider Chris the rightful heir to Hendrix. Malcolm Burns really worked magic with the eclectic musicians backing Chris up. From trip hop, to blues to soul, this album firmly establishes Chris as one of the finest singer/songwriters alive. This album punctuates a five-year period where Chris deviated with albums where he seemed at odds with his muse. No longer. Chris is back!

If you're a fan, buy this album right now, you'll thank yourself. If you're a radio programmer, here's the memo that didn't come down from the corporate headquarters: Wake up and stop playing the insipid and soulless crap that is being served up to the masses as art -- here's the real deal (a quote from Dave Matthews on the Rocket House album.) This album is part of the Chris Whitley legacy; this is not about trendiness, although it's as hip as Radiohead-this music is timeless, and will outlive us all.

Chris Whitley does not have anything to prove. Not anymore. I was moved by the solo, footstompin' introspective songwriting of War Crime Blues to the point that I kept hearing the production of Rocket House skimming through my head. Now with Soft Dangerous Shores we have a final combination of them both. He landed on the songwriting/guitar virtuoso scene way over a decade ago, and has shot listeners a duty of candor to his craft. Each album dignifies it's own character. Way back from Living With the Law up to the present. But as of late, it's the maturity that settles in up front more than the craft. He drips a style all his own.

Soft Dangerous Shores is not Rocket House part 2. It's further on. Further away. I think the only time he revisits any style of recording, or production, is when he sits down with his guitar and a microphone. However, when he does decide to hit the studio, the outcomes are like Soft Dangerous Shores.

Whitley's '05 release on Messenger Records was produced by Malcolm Burn, who turned the knobs on his debut, "Living w/ the Law." But it's not another "Living w/ the Law," if that's what you were hoping for and I doubt you'll ever get it. Whitley is always pushing himself into new directions and experimenting with different sounds while always retaining his own unique vision & vibe.

"Soft Dangerous Shores" has some more topical, political & war-related titles and songs but is also very much a romantic release. That's obvious from the cd's artwork and from some of the songs, of course. Kind of an understated album. Maybe a bit of "Perfect Day" along with the quietness of "Hotel Vast Horizon." If you're a Whitley fan/collector, you'll want it. If you're not, get it anyway. You wanna grow as a person, don't ya?

This is CW's final masterpiece. For new listeners, buy with Livin With the Law. For any CW fans who haven't bought this yet, you must buy it now. It's hard to believe he was dying of cancer while he made this CD.

Its hard to find or describe a good jumping in point with Cw's music since you'll find each disc is very different. If you prefer his alone/acoustic music, this is not the one. His almost grunge-like guitar period isnt here either. This CD melds a bit of electric/acoustic with a nice splash of sequenced electronica. Sadly, his voice seems to be failing a bit here-weather it was intentional or due to hard living, the effect is sexy & striking. The songs really defy description. They are somewhat dark, moody, spacial. As I've said, if your looking for that first disc to buy, this is a good one. I mourn his loss since I never saw him perform.

As a longtime fan of Chris Whitley, I always anxiously await his newest CD. Soft Dangerous Shores was worth the wait. The one thing I always love about Chris is that he follows no pattern or style. He is truly a unique musician combining so many different musical styles. This CD definitely shows what he loves. Atmospheric songs bordering on so many different styles of music. There is no way you can call him a blues musician or a rock guitarist. He is above all labels. My favorites are Fireroad (For Two), City of Women, End Game Holiday & Breath of Shadows. This CD is one of his best recordings for sure.

It is sad, but in a way fitting, that this album about "love and death" (according to Chris) will be known as the final album of this musical genius. Chris this world will be a darker place without you, and you will be forever missed. The world will never know a musician that can hold a candle to you. Go peacefully...