Left to His Own Devices
Vic Chesnut's return to home recording on this release is by no means a step backwards. After working with the likes ofLambchop, Chesnutt returns to what sounds like the most natural of recording situations: doing it himself at home.Left to His Own Devicesis a rather stunning lo-fi document. Rather than coming off as underproduced or slapdash, Chesnutt uses recording at home to full advantage. Songs like "Twelve Johnnies" and "Thought You Were My Friend" are fully embellished productions (with keyboards, guitar effects, etc.), while the charming "Wounded Prince" is delivered with just guitar and voice. The murky sound adds to the proceedings by lending an air of timelessness and mystery, or perhaps it's just Mr. Chesnutt's timeless and mysterious songs. While being referred to as the Leonard Cohen of Athens is a bit of a stretch (his style is closer to that ofCat Stevens), Vic Chesnutt has once again shown himself to be a singer-songwriter of uncommon depth.--Mike Johnson