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 Love & War Jun 07, 2009
Whitley's '05 release on Messenger Records was produced by Malcolm Burn, who turned the knobs on his debut, "Living w/ the Law." But it's not another "Living w/ the Law," if that's what you were hoping for and I doubt you'll ever get it. Whitley is always pushing himself into new directions and experimenting with different sounds while always retaining his own unique vision & vibe.
"Soft Dangerous Shores" has some more topical, political & war-related titles and songs but is also very much a romantic release. That's obvious from the cd's artwork and from some of the songs, of course. Kind of an understated album. Maybe a bit of "Perfect Day" along with the quietness of "Hotel Vast Horizon." If you're a Whitley fan/collector, you'll want it. If you're not, get it anyway. You wanna grow as a person, don't ya?
 Final Masterpiece Nov 26, 2006
This is CW's final masterpiece. For new listeners, buy with Livin With the Law. For any CW fans who haven't bought this yet, you must buy it now. It's hard to believe he was dying of cancer while he made this CD.
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Chris challenged himself right to the end Oct 18, 2006
Soft Dangerous Shores would be the last album that Chris Whitley would release during his brief lifetime. A true visionary, Chris challenged himself musically throughout his career, releasing albums that experimented in rock, grunge, jazz, folk, electronica, and especially the blues. Like his 2001 release, Rocket House, Soft Dangerous Shores mixes Whitley's stellar guitar work with elements of electronica. However, while Rocket House would dabble with various genres throughout the disc, Soft Dangerous Shores is more of a mood piece. The haunting keyboards and electronic drums are designed to provide a backdrop rather than be an equal part of the songs. Listening to this now, you can hear that Chris was suffering as his voice had lost most of its range. However, his voice still retained its soul and that's very apparent on Soft Dangerous Shores. Tracks like "Fireroad (For Two)", "City of Women", and especially the title track show Chris at his most sensual and the mood for each track fits perfectly. "As Day Is Long" and "Last Million Miles" return to the passionate fury of his previous work in both the guitar work and arrangements while "Medicine Wheel" gives the vision of how most of us go through the motions throughout our lives, just hoping to move a little further ahead. Well, that's what I get out of it. The version of "Her Furious Angels" recalls the track originally recorded on War Crime Blues, only with sparse guitar work and the drums and keyboards providing color. In retrospect, the last two tracks "End Game Holiday" and "Breath of Shadows" as well as the unlisted brief reprise of "End Game Holiday" at the album's closing sound as though Chris was saying goodbye. Hearing Chris sing 'too late to find a way' during "End Game Holiday" can't help but bring strong emotions after learning what he was going through. All told, Soft Dangerous Shores is a piece to be listened as a whole on several occasions to be appreciated. New fans may want to pick up Living With the Law, Dirt Floor, and Din of Ecstasy before diving into this.
A good 1st disc to buy to discover CW's music. Sep 19, 2006
Its hard to find or describe a good jumping in point with Cw's music since you'll find each disc is very different. If you prefer his alone/acoustic music, this is not the one. His almost grunge-like guitar period isnt here either. This CD melds a bit of electric/acoustic with a nice splash of sequenced electronica. Sadly, his voice seems to be failing a bit here-weather it was intentional or due to hard living, the effect is sexy & striking. The songs really defy description. They are somewhat dark, moody, spacial. As I've said, if your looking for that first disc to buy, this is a good one. I mourn his loss since I never saw him perform.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
A Compelling Recording Jun 13, 2006
In addition to being a riveting performer, Chris Whitley was one of the most compelling and unique musical artists that I've ever heard. Chris always seemed to be searching and breaking new ground stylistically. Soft Dangerouse Shores continued this trend as he successfully blended the organic feel of blues and folk music with the coolness of techno pop. The end product is a very adult record with overt references to death, sex, & love. I had read Chris described this album as a collection of individual movies, seperate and distinct in the story they tell. This is as fine a description of the record that I could think of. However, the record was not immediatley appealing to me, as alot of Chris's music could be at first. Like all intelligent music some effort from the listener is required to discern it's virtue. The music on Soft Dangerous Shores is sometimes etherial and distorted, and conjures feelings of fear,lust,and longing. Chris Whitely was in a league of his own and I for one will miss his music, and feel lucky to have known the legacy he left behind.
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