Customer Reviews

Feasting With Panthers

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have never reviewed a CD before, but I've inspired to spend a few minutes to give my opinion after 1,000 or more listens to this particular disc.

If you've never heard of William Topley, take a chance on this disc. It's simply fantastic stuff. Of all of the "unknown" artists I've ever picked out of a CD bin, he's the best, and this CD is the best of all of his work.

At first his deep voice took some getting used to, and then I couldn't get enough of it. I don't have a bad thing to say about the entire album and it is definitely one of my favorites of ALL TIME.

When you first hear Topley's baritone, you're wondering who the heck is this? I thought Richard Thompson-only a little more rocked out and bluesy. Friends said Hiatt, Dr. John, etc. The more you listen, the more you identify Topley for what he is, British roots with American soul overlaid.

Is there a best song on the album? I liked most: "Los Largo" with its amazing Spanish intro will blow you away. "Soul Into You" is a great dance, funk. This group of songs is eclectic and fun--with stories mixed in--overall, a very good listen and worthy of your time.

I have listened to Wiliam Topley and the Blessing since they began and in my opinion there is no better artist writing or recording at the moment. If you have never heard of William you must take a chance on this CD. I have purchased Prince of the Deep Water 15 times because when i lend it out I don't get it back. This album will be the same way, his best work yet. 'No excuses' on first listen is a very classy track with a reggae feel but after a few listens it will bring you to tears as will So Bright. The man is "blessed" with a voice described by Aretha Franklin's producer as "The best he has ever heard" and the writing lives up to the vocal. The man is a genius.

William Topley and his music makes CD's that are of a dying breed, the kind where EVERY SONG IS GREAT!! Each song is a hit of it's own. The most amazing counter melodies are present, and an inspiration to a million unwritten songs! To musicians and writer's everywhere, give it a listen. He is an artist's artist so to speak, and full of never ending surprises, as you listen over again and again.
You will be hooked! William Topley - We can't wait to hear more!

I SEEN WILLIAM TOPLEY ON THE CBS EARLY SHOW AND WAS IMMEDIATLY IMPRESSED. I HAVE NEVER HEARD ANYTHING LIKE HIM. I BEGAN SEARCHING FOR HIS CD'S. THEY ARE HARD TO FIND IN MICHIGAN,THIS CD WENT BEYOND MY EXPECTATIONS. IT IS SO ORIGINAL IT IS TO HARD TO DESCRIBE. THE ONLY WORD EVEN CLOSE IS 'EXCELLENT'.YOU WILL LIKE ALL THE TRACKS AND LOVE AT LEAST 6.IF YOU HAVE ONLY HEARD A FEW TRACKS AND ARE WORRIED THE REST OF THE ALBUM WON'T DELIVER BE REST ASSURED-IT DELIVERS IN A WAY YOU'VE NEVER HEARD BEFORE.

William Topley is an Englishman who used to be the lead singer of a band called The Blessing. Topley came to the states several years ago and recorded a solo CD, Black River. It was a very good debut although it failed to reach much of an audience. Now Topley has released his third, Feasting With Panthers, which is his best so far. Unlike Spanish Wells (his second), Panthers takes the feel of Black River and expands it. So what does Topley sound like? He has a little Delbert, Sting, Dr. John and sometimes Lynnard Skynnard. He combines several American musical influences into a style all of his own. Topley is an Englishman who has adopted the American South with a voice that is sometimes close to a growl. This CD may not sell any better than previous releases as Topley falls into the cracks of American Radio today. However, if you are looking for a new artist to compliment your collection, let me suggest Feasting With Panthers.

I never HEARD of this guy, and leave it to WXPN in Philadelphia to introduce him to me. Instant like. He reminds me in some places of yes, John Hyatt, but also a little-known CD called The Fun Lovin' Criminals and 100% Columbian, with the smart, sophisticated kind of hip-hop urban feel. To learn that he's British, just blew me away. There is no END to what the Brits can turn out, and I love them for it.

As an Internet DJ, it is rare that I get excited about a new artist. I spend countless hours looking for a great new discovery. Well, in this case I am happy to settle for a not so new artist that has yet to be discovered. When guest DJ "Mild Bill" Davidson played "Back to Believing", I jumped up and wondered aloud why I had never heard of Topley.

Most fans of American Roots Rock could spin all of Panthers
without guessing Topley is actually British. His baritone growl falls somewhere between Van Morrison and Stevie Ray Vaughan. There are a few misses on this CD, to be certain. However, "Back to Believing" and "So Bright" are stunning standouts. Topley has the talent to sidestep the cliché guitar solo in "So Bright", adding to its dramatic tension. "Back to Believing" is a straight ahead rock number that radio played way back when your parents were cool. Was it that long ago?

This CD is must for fans of the Wallflowers, Ryan Adams, and Bruce Springsteen. Topley has the same bare bones rocking appeal without the media overexposure or any media exposure, for that matter!

Order it today, because even without the benefit of mainstream media, the word on Panthers is out and it is going to go gold fast!

--...

First time listening, I thought it was downright weird. But
Topley's distinctive voice won me over. Now, I can't get enough
and have ordered all of his CDs. Folky, but not too country or
hillbillie. ...