Search - Vic Chesnutt :: Drunk

" I was just about as drunk as i could be"

Stanley Beaker | Beachy Head, England | 04/26/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If Vic's previous two albums (`Little` and `West Of Rome`) had been lyrical exorcisms of his blackened history `Drunk` brings the grief into the present day. The oft' told story goes that Vic and his trouble and strife had a marital spat, Vic upped and left with a couple of cronies, they drove to a farm, got drunk, and recorded this album in three days. The results are not steeped in as much imagery as previously, the songs are honest and direct, more obviously autobiographical. In keeping with the storyline they are self-berating and apologetic (`Kick My ...`). The transition from `West Of Rome` is further accentuated by Vic's bold move into distorted electrics, which is, considering his punk-folk tag, unsurprisingly successful. The `farm` songs are interwoven with songs recorded elsewhere, including `Sleeping Man`, a duet with Syd Straw, and the brilliant `Supernatural`. `Drunk`, therefore, in its cut-and-paste spontaneity, is ultimately haphazard and patchy, but as a compelling portrait of its fascinating engineer, it is sublime."

Vic's Weakest Effort Still Worth a Listen

Stanley Beaker | 08/29/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Vic claims he recorded most of this album drunk, hence the title, and I believe it. It's a bit sloppy, a bit underdeveloped, but still a notch above most of the other singer-songwriters. Of course, I'm partial. "Supernatural", "Gluefoot", and "Kick My Ass" some of his best tunes. If you haven't heard him yet, check out "West of Rome" or "The Salesman & Bernadette" first. If you like Vic, chances are you already own this album, as well as your own opinion. 3 for Vic, 4 for the rest of the music world."

A Classic !

Stanley Beaker | 06/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This guy is probably the best songwriter of the 90's. If you're never heard one of his 6 albums (+ the Brute project), try now."