Underneath

David Wilcox | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 23, 1999)
• Original Release Date: February 23, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Vanguard Records
• ASIN: B00000I0FH
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #145,420 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Old Genius in New Clothes, July 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Underneath (Audio CD)

After Turning Point, I was greatly worried that David was getting away from plumbing the depths of his experience as Soul in this wild world, and starting to become predictably "sensitive" or folky. I liked some of the album, but I missed the perfectly crafted gems on his early recordings, and felt he hadn't found a good style with which to replace them.

My first spin of Underneath relieved all my fears. The second meanings have gone back to being sly and tricky, and the emotion is raw and honest again (though not as innocent as in days of old -- and who is?).

The instrumentation is not as grungy as on Turning Point (for which I'm glad) but features more energy and expansiveness than most of his older material. His voice sounds as gorgeous as ever.

The David I knew and loved is back, though he's changed and grown older. His beautiful new recording makes me willing to forget the old days, open my ears and heart, and grow with him.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Real Meaning is "Underneath", March 2, 1999

By 

Dave Friedli ([e-mail]) (Nebraska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Underneath (Audio CD)

The downfall of any of David Wilcox's studio albums is that they can in no way capture the essence and energy of Wilcox in concert. Only 'East Asheville Hardware (Live)' comes close, and by the artist's own admission, those songs are the one which don't fit the typical album effort.

'Underneath' is a return to what makes Wilcox great, however...a depth of lyric which challenges and defies the listener to capture the full meaning. Obviously, Wilcox means "Sex and Music" to be the explanation that he has given up trying to please the masses and instead will follow his musical heart. The words of advice Hamlet received might be most appropriate to Wilcox's latest effort: "To thine own self be true."

If Wilcox threw in a few overt references to God, this might be a best seller in the Contemporary Christian marketplace. As it is, the Wilcox's Quaker influence isn't front-and-center enough for the religious and sounds preachy to the secular. "Down Here" could be the plight of everyman who seeks to find eternal redemption in a better place. Or, it may be that only through our friends can we find redemption 'down here'.

Songs with the depth of "Spirit Wind" demand full attention, perhaps in a secluded place with headphones. Don't expect to be entertained by these songs which require full attention and some dedication to personal interpretation in order to understand and appreciate them. But then again, very few gold nuggets are ever found on top of the ground in broad daylight. That kind of treasure must be excavated.

If you are after unbelievable accoustic riffs and lyrics which keep you awake at night pondering their depth of meaning, 'Underneath' will fill the bill nicely.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Going back to what works, April 23, 2000

By 

Tim Drake "Author and Journalist" (Saint Joseph, Minnesota) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Underneath (Audio CD)

After a departure with his album, Turning Point, David Wilcox has gone back to what works - simple guitar melodies, meaningful storytelling lyrics, and the background vocals of Jennifer Kimball.

Wilcox offers an intelligent alternative to what is offered by pop music's Top 40. If you're a Wilcox fan you will appreciate this album. It's reminiscent of David's earlier work. I can tell this one will become one of my favorites along with "How Did You Find Me Here?"

Do yourself a favor. Purchase this album.