As a general rule, my favorite albums tend to be full of varied sounds and rich dynamics. Because of this, these albums usually involve layered instrumentation and intricate melodies. However, every once in a while an album will fit these criteria because of its sheer simplicity. My favorite example of this sort of record is Chris Whitley’s “Dirt Floor.”
”Dirt Floor” features nothing more than a man playing a dobro and banjo throughout nine tracks. Coming in under 27 minutes, Whitley’s record is a short listen, but it is also an achingly beautiful one. Whitley has the ability to break emotions down to their most relatable, and the thoughtful chords of his instrument act as an extension of his voice. On a song like “Wild Country,” you can hear Whitley’s urgency as he drives the lines home with melodic and straightforward riffs.
Whitley’s songs range from the thrill of escaping the toils of every day life to the comfort of reconciliation. The album’s most poignant moment comes in the form of the simple message found on the title track, where Whitley sings. “There’s a dirt floor underneath here/To receive us, when changes fail.” I must admit that after thousands of listens and multiple worn out copies of this album, the line still resonates.
On “Dirt Floor,” Whitley blends a fusion of folk, jazz and traditional song to create a record both timeless in sound and lyrical content. It is an album so direct in its delivery that these songs could not benefit from extra instrumentation or detailed arrangements. In fact, because it is an album that shines on the strength of songwriting and musicianship, I must call it my favorite album of all time — for this week.
