Hear what people are saying about Forrest Whitlow:
Review of Land of X by Arlo Burnett, Alternative American Magazine
Land of X presents us with sixteen tracks, touching all the bases of why music was fun back in the early 1990s before everything went so horribly wrong. Sidestepping the usual comparisons to Neil Young (which are easy to see), Land of X sees Whitlow and crew (John Bersuch, drums; D.J. Clem, base) lurch to the musically heavier, not-so-nice side of the radio dial.
Songs like "Demerol" sound like the missing link between Beck's "Midnite Vultures" and "Sea Change." Other tracks, like "Kip's Confession," have a driving melody reminiscent of the Meat Puppets. The track "Perfect World" is a truly twisted take on the classic pop song. The closing track, "Land of X," is an interesting composition that can only be categorized, if such a feat is doable, as "sci-fi-folk."
Producing five albums in a span of four ears is a significant feat. To have each album meet the same level of consistency is nothing short of a miracle. Land of X is yet another solid effort from one of KC's more steadfast acts.
Reviews of Forrest Whitlow's CD, Love and Garbage
Andrew Miller of Kansas Cities' Pitch Weekly says of Love and Garbage, "Forrest Whitlow's second self-released album showcases his impressive vocal range. Musically, the album ranges from harmonica-driven country rock to dreamy slower songs to blistering Violent Femmes-style pop."
David Hakan, founder of the Kansas City Songwriter's Circle says, "This will be a favorite CD on the first hearing and the songs have lots to give on the tenth time through the well-crafted stories." This album was largely recorded live with his backing band The Futility Gods. So it has that live feel. The songs range from folky narratives to rock/pop. There's something here for almost everyone. Check it out!
Barry Lee of KKFI radio comments, "I would describe Forrest's music as David Lynch meets Neil Young. Forrest writes and sings from the heart and it comes through in his performances and on this album."
Reviewer: Christina Cox
I think this is a REALLY GREAT CD!! My friends and I "cruise"
to this WONDERFUL music!!! That's a really great compliment, considering
that teenagers are SO hard to please!!! Good JOB Forrest!!
Reviewer: Jaime Milby
I enjoy this CD EVERY weekend!!! 5 Watt is my FAVE!!!!
Reviewer: Brandon Webb
Forrest's music reminds me of Pearl Jam! It's easy listening and
I REALLY enjoy it!!
Reviewer: Rechelle
Forrest is one of my favorite songwriters. His tunes have an edgy
unsettling quality while at the same time there is a familiar
comfort to them. It's like eating a bowl of spicy chili. He asks
the big questions and often shakes his fist at the sky, but he
never demands answers and all to the beat of a solid rock and
roll vibe. He's the Neil Young of Generation X.
Reviewer: Dave from Lawson
I really enjoyed this CD Myrtle and Billy, Dumbshit and Slowin'
Down make it worth ten bucks The rest is gravy .
Review of Forrest Whitlow's CD, Vacation in the New Times
Forrest Whitlow starts at the x,y axis of self and dives left and down into introspection, observation and simple examination in his first recorded work. Like many other talented artists in Kansas City, Forrest is a less-is-more coffeehouse rat who surfaces unobtrusively to do his songs, then silently exits out the back door. This tape is a must-listen for anyone who truly grasps what independently-produced music is all about: no budgets, no backing, no label, no room at the inn.
Vacation is comprised of a series of emotional snapshots capturing romance, future shock, body parts and lost opportunities. Rick Gray embellishes simple chord structures with notable lead guitar, lap steel and piano work. Rechelle Malin's lilting harmonies (where is her tape?) blend well with reticent lead vocals blending into something felt but faraway.
Material-wise, "Frank" describes in first person
visits to a sometimes-catatonic alzheimer's sufferer; "The
Cynic," "Ever Had" and "Gravy Still Hurts"
are other favorites for their variety in melody, tempo and subject
matter that keep the project fresh.
- Dan Vogler
Review of Forrest Whitlow's CD, Patch of Blue
Reviewer: Suzanne Bolin
K.C Never sounded So Good!
Patch of blue is one of my favorites,I play it for everyone who will listen and everyone from my freinds to my mother has liked what they hear.Patch sometimes has a moody,melancholy,feel to it,and the next song is playfull and direct.The wonderfull part is that I like both sides of the spectrum and am happy that such talent is in my own back yard!As my mom said, Beautifull!!!Sing while you may!
using the brush of Neil Young, and a color pallete that embraces Nick Drake, Jon
Reviewer: Peter Max Lawrence
This was an amazing listening experience. Forrest has drawn a musical masterpiece using the brush of Neil Young, and a color pallete that embraces Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan. It actually frightens me that a record this good could be released in the first year of this century. You owe it to yourself to hear the ear candy that he has created. Patch of Blue is obviously a sparkeling diamond in the rough that is the current American musical landscape. I fucking loved this album and you will too.
Every Mellencamp fan, every Steve Earle fan, and especially every Neil Young fan
Reviewer: Rechelle Malin
Patch of Blue is a great American record. My only wish is that more people could hear it. Forrest writes songs dealing with manic depression and tobacco farming. Lost love, and wanderlust. Every Mellencamp fan, every Springsteen fan, every Steve Earle fan, and especially every Neil Young fan will love this record. It is as solid, simple and as everyman as they come.
Reviewer: David Hakan, Founder Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Forrest Whitlow's CD, Patch of Blue, establishes Forrest as a vibrant new genre all unto himself. Fans of singer/songwriters will have plenty of great images, rich language and lyrical gems here. Yet you can, also, crank this CD up and dance or fly down the highway, singing along to the rock 'n roll choruses.
Coproducer and engineer Steve Phillips has successfully reined in the Crash so the band gives lots of energy and drive to the CD without stomping all over the lyrics. With Todd Wiseman on bass, John Bersuch on drums and Scott Mize on electric guitar, Forrest has plenty of talent behind him to crash on to the national charts. Rechelle Malin, a talented songwriter herself, gives fine vocal support on harmonies without interfering with Forrest's awesome vocals on this CD.
Forrest's signature song, "Depression's Highway," starts out with a nasty, dissonant chord pounding away to cynical hopeless lyrics when all of a sudden a melodic, folksy "patch of blue" comes into the song to pull us out in time. When I'm stuck in a hazy fog of sound-alike music, I reach for Patch Of Blue. I'd rather be in Madagascar.
Review of Forrest Whitlow's CD, Into The Gloaming
Those who have been lucky enough to spend an evening with Forrest Whitlow at his solo performances will love this CD. For those who haven't, be prepared to enter the ambiance of a coffeehouse and enjoy "folk/alternative" at its best. The clean production of relaxed vocals and solo guitar showcases his trademark dissonant "nasty" chords better than when they are blended in with the wall-of-sound arangements of his talented band, the Crash.
Paris Train is what I call an "instant classic." You may well come back to this CD because you just have to hear that song again. The Villa is a slice-of-life song that firmly puts Forrest in the top pack of new talented singer/songwriters.
His lasted effort, Into The Gloaming, may be about that inevitable passage into the twilight, but as an artistic effort it shines.
-David Hakan, Founder of Songwriters Circle of Kansas City
Forrest makes the Pitch again for the Music Awards:
A member of the Kansas City Songwriters' Circle, Forrest Whitlow is also the cornerstone of the tightly knit 39th Street musical community, gigging at Prospero's regularly as well as at nearby spots such as the Westport Flea Market and the Westport Coffee House. His backing band, the Crash, features members of such slightly askew ensembles as Minds Under Cover, Big Jeter and Trouble Junction, but Whitlow works best with straight-faced subject matter. On his latest disc, Patches of Blue, Whitlow sings in a conversational tone, addressing agricultural themes with songs that resonate with personable warmth.
-Andrew Miller, PitchWeekly, April 4, 2002
Forrest's Home Page * Forrest's Photo Gallery * Forrest's CD "Vacation" * Forrest's CD "Love and Garbage" * Reviews