Search - William Topley :: Mixed Blessing

What a Voice

Russell Diederich | Littleton, CO United States | 09/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard William Topley when I borrowed this cd from a friend. After I returned it I found that I could not live without it. I had to buy my own copy. I listened to it for three straight months before I was willing to let other cds share the airtime. Three years later this album still gets more than its fair share of airtime in my house, car, and job. Since then, my Topley collection has grown and now includes The Blessing as well. The first thing you notice when you play this album is the deep, throaty voice of Topley. It's half hypnotic and half addicting. You can hear passion dripping from each word that he sings. It turns the song's lyrics into something more than words --it turns them into feelings. It's more than the way he sings the words but how he sings them as well. In the same song he'll sing a phrase really fast and staccato like, and then slows down the next phase by holding each note. This keeps things interesting, and turns his voice into a real living instrument. The style of the album ranges from the reggae feel of "Soul Love" to the bluesy "Sycamore Street". My favorite songs of the album are "Song of a Seabird" and "Highway 5", but don't ask me which one I'd like to drop because these are all keepers. Very rarely does one find an album that you love most of the songs on it, but I love every single note of this album. If you like a gravelly voice that can sing with feeling, a good supporting band, and just plain good music, then check out Topley. You won't be disappointed."

A must-have.

Russell Diederich | 05/30/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The song Delta Rain (absolutely beautiful song) is what enticed me to buy this album. I liked the song so much, that I didn't care if the rest of the album was any good -- and that's where I got a pleasant surprise -- it's also great! My husband also loves the cd, so we have to fight over who gets it in their car. If you like Robbie Robertson (particularly his first solo album), then you'll like William Topley. Kind of blues-y, kind of not... hard to categorize, but worth getting. You'll be hooked the first time you hear it (especially track 10)."

If Ian Fleming Were A Rock Star...

Russell Diederich | 07/10/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"With the release of "Mixed Blessing", William Topley explores the "Tradewinds"..."The Map of the human heart"& "Deep Southern Gothic Soul". Topley's literary style will make you crave repeat listenings. Topley's voice is the most impressive instrument present...all whiskey and Ray Charles...cigarettes and blues. Topley's music has touched me since I first heard the debut album of his previous band, The Blessing, He continues to capture my ear and my imagination with a steamy mixture of Epic Rock,Reggae,Blues & the best part of any George Jones "cryin,lovin & leavin song. In a modern music industry of style over substance, market share over texture, Topley stands out like a Hemingway short story in a sea of tabloid rockers. "Mixed Blessing" is a soudtrack for "Lover's Land-Locked For Too Long".. Check out his other recordings as well."