Search - Vic Chesnutt :: Little

Vic's "art-therapy" class

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

(4 out of 5 stars)

"`Little` is Vic's first album. He's referred to his early songs as "art-therapy", an exorcism of the demons of his middle-Georgia upbringing through his adopted art. Safe in his wheelchair, and in his new Athens G.A. bohemia, Vic was free to vent the bristling inner torment, long suppressed. "I am not victim/I am an atheist" he sings in `Speed Racer` with his devoutly Christian parents now distanced. The resulting catharsis is harrowing, erratic and suitably bare-boned and minimal. It is a relief that it is also offset by Vic's wit (`Soft Picasso` is about a modern love affair, "completely cool and casual/they hardly knew each other was there") and idiosyncratic wordplay, and complemented by his non-repetitive story-telling technique. This is Vic before his voice was tempered, before the tunes were polished, before arrangements were made and before he started writing with an attentive audience in mind. This is the purists' record, and brilliant and unique it is."

And the modern girl was elated...

Kelley Gadberry | Atlanta | 11/25/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Warnings are in order for the uninitiated - this album is addictive! Raw and unrefined, *Little* may very well be the essential Vic. I first heard this work on vinyl many years ago; I finally wore the grooves off the old LP and decided to break down and buy the CD. It is a piece of art that I have continued to enjoy over many years, and through many changes in musical taste.This listener finds Vic's edgy lyricism to be a beautiful thing. However, if you are a fan of slick, highly produced recordings, this may NOT be the album for you. Also, if you are one of those who do not enjoy hearing the accents of the rural South, you may want to give it a pass. Everybody else, dig in!An all-time favorite."

Simple

Steven Bailey | 03/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just a guitar and wonderful lyrics. The few added tonal arrangements that are on the album seem like an intrusion on a quiet prayer session. The lyrics are quite unique I think. Not about fire and love and loss or anger, but simply describing the little things in the world. This effecting album reminds me of t.s. eliot's description of the end of the world--as a whimper, rather than a loud bang. I wish vic chestnutt would make some other simple albums like this one."