Search - Vic Chesnutt :: West of Rome

Unique and Wonderful

E. Klein | Decatur, GA | 07/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my very first Vic Chesnutt album so I am not going to compare it to any of his others - I can't even compare it to any other album that I own (and I own many). Why? Well, Vic is a very unique singer/songwriter. The closest comparison I can make is to Bob Dylan mixed with REM (which makes sense when you consider Michael Stipe produced this album). Two musicians I love, but would not necessarily put together in my CD player. Somehow though, it works (and works well).

Standout tracks include...

#1 Bug - the song makes me laugh and the chorus gets stuck in my head, but in a good way.

#6 Florida - such a pretty sounding song that says some not so nice things...I swear Michael Stipe sings a bit on this one too, but no credit is given to him for vocals.

#7 Stupid Preoccupations - a catchy self-deprecating song.

#10 Steve Willoughby - again with the self-deprecating, but this one pokes funs at others too.

#13 Soggy Tongues - I absolutely love the music, the words are a pleasant bonus.

#15 Nathan - haunting...I feel like you could make a movie based on this song. Bonus Track

#16 Where's the Clock - My favorite song on the album. Poetic and lyrical. Bonus Track

#18 Flying - Not much music, it's more of a sing-talk thing. Very melancholy. Bonus Track

#21 Confusion - There is a beautiful symmetry to this song with the lyrics and the instrumental. Bonus Track

#22 Shipping Out - Vic's voice isn't what you would call pretty, but it sounds very sweet on this one. A great album ender. Bonus Track (can you tell I liked the bonus tracks?)

In general the 22 songs on West of Rome are witty and melancholy. I am hopelessly and completely addicted and have filled my wish list with the rest of Vic?s recordings. Highly recommended album.

"

Feel Like A Squirrel?

K. H. Orton | New York, NY USA | 09/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

""When the bug hits, that's the time to scratch it"...



That's the opening sentiment of this record. In terms of WEST OF ROME, that's good advice. Vic Chesnutt's world is one where front porches are "filled with greasy, greasy grannies". Where Florida is "The Redneck Riviera". Not to mention the perfect place to "retire from life".



3 songs in, he's singing about the world being a spronge. & Chesnutt pretty much writes like one. Soaking up all the eccentricities of the world around him & then wringing out every last drop for your entertainment. Without a doubt, he is one of the most original & compelling songwriters to come out of the 90's Indy revolution. The same era that spawned the likes of Will Oldham & Elliott Smith.



If "Bruce" sings for the working man & Tom Waits is the poet laureate of the gutter, well then, I'll go far as to say Chesnutt's the small Southern town equivalent. Fans of REM, who miss the quirky Southern charms of their early work, can find more than a few fables of the Reconstruction here. One listen & you'll not be surprised to hear Mr. Stipe produced this gem.



WEST OF ROME is without a doubt, considered a heavy contender among Chestnutt admirers. And the bonus tracks alone are going to be enough to rope them in again. Especially "Flying", "Dying Young" & "Shipping Out". For those just getting their feet wet, this is probably THE best place to start. The perfect introduction."

Two reviews only? Come on!

Jim Baude | Montreal, Qc, Canada | 07/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit i'm quite surprised to see only 2 reviews for such a great album (at least, 2 five stars). Talking about melodies, Vic has always impressed me with his ability to create gems out of a few notes or chords. "Less is more" (Mies van der Rohe) is what comes to my mind in the first place when i listen to Vic's material. But there's more. The splendid lyrics, of course! If you're hooked, you'll never get tired of it. My all time favorites are withering and panic pure. Give it a chance and let it grow on you. Also, please check out Sweet relief 2 compilation with great covers of Vic's material by REM, Madonna, Live, Dog's eye View, Sparklehorse, Kristin Hersh..."