Whitley – Even The Stars Are A Mess [REVIEW]

Jul
23
posted by James Blackwood

So this is the fourth time I’ve written this review and it’s been what some would call a learning experience. I’m finally returning to it now, a month later to finally put it to bed. And now, well… I have to decide whether or not I like it. This is what I was stalling on – aaaaaaaaaah. Here’s my dilemma: I’m a huge Whitley fan. I first received Whitley after seeing him solo at a Sydey Uni O week deal in ’08. I went straight to JB HiFi (back when that was a thing) and asked for “Whitman, or Whitey or something”. i got pointed to “either the Whitlams or Billy Idol’s White Wedding“. Being a red blooded hipster I ignored Megadeth’s suggestions and perused ‘alternative’ until I found The Submarine. I loved that record. It really brought something to my nineteen year old self, like a sweet melancholic cocoon that I need never leave. The sort of record that constantly reminds you that every silver lining has a cloud. MY SORT OF RECORD.

 

 

When I heard ‘My Heart Is Not a Machine’ I went straight back into that place. Tommy sent me the record and I was pumped – ready to go. But it just didn’t grab me; and I got sad. That space is still Whitley’s territory. He’s still just trying to figure it out and I really like that. But for me? The pieces aren’t there on this record. It hasn’t stuck with me- and I haven’t listened to it more than I’ve had to for this so called review.

Whitley is a great musician, his songs are actually songs (a rare thing at the moment) and his heart is honest – but this record didn’t hit the mark the way I was expecting it to but that may say more about my own state affairs than the emotion compass of this record. Listen to it. See if it aligns with you – then flood Tommy’s blog with comments telling him why it’s awesome or hatemail for my misdirected opinions because honestly, I’d love you to prove me wrong.

 

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