When it comes to intelligent music that is meaningful as well as
entertaining for adults, we don't have a lot of choices. That is where
Willy Porter steps in...
Since 1990,
Willy Porter has
been quietly wowing audiences around the world with his virtuoso
acoustic guitar playing, soulful voice, and emotive lyrics. The guitar
is stunning - a cross between the guitar gymnastics mastered by
Michael Hedges and the pop sensibilities of
Lindsey Buckingham. With his latest release, "How To Rob A Bank",
Porter has
outdone himself. Everything he's learned during his two decades in the
trenches culminates here, resulting in one of the most consistently
mesmerizing discs of his notable career.
I can't understate how
terrific "How To Rob A Bank" is, and it just gets better with each
spin. The tunes that don't quite grab you the first go around will sink
their subtle hooks into you shortly, and you'll be glad for it.
Porter
covers a lot of ground on this CD, from his insightful looks into
interpersonal relationships through experienced eyes, to a heart
wrenching story about a multi-generational family of soldiers, to the
despicable corruption in corporations and politics. Musically, he
infuses numerous genres with ease while maintaining his characteristic
sound, largely due to his acoustic guitar being front and center. These
are the kinds of smart, hip songs you'd expect to hear at the end of an
episode of
House, M.D. Vocally, I would liken
Porter's skills to the talents of
John Mayer and
David Mead.
There
isn't a song I don't appreciate, but the tracks I am particularly fond
of include the tuneful "Colored Lights", "The Lemon Tree" (probably
prompting
Paul McCartney to check his catalogue for possible pilfering), the
Bob Dylan flavor of the sad but true title track, and the catchy "Psychic Vampire", which seems to be inspired by
The Band.
I would recommend
Willy Porter for fans of
David Mead,
Glen Phillips, and
Dave Matthews Band. "How To Rob A Bank" will rob your other CDs of their share of your listening time.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10
Original article at: http://billsmusicforum.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-willy-porter-how-to-rob-bank.html
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