Customer Reviews

How to Rob a Bank

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

 

 

Although comparisons are difficult, this may be Willy's best work yet. It combines his humane lyrics, infectious rhythms, beautiful vocals (the current master of falsetto), gorgeous harmonies, and surprising melodies with his quirky sense of humor and humility. His virtuosic guitar playing serves the music, rather than the other way around. Highly, highly recommended.

It's a shame that this CD will probably not be on most critics' best-of-the-year lists of 2009, simply because Willy Porter has (unjustifiably) flown under the radar for over a decade and counting. Porter's closest brush with mainstream recognition was in 1995, when the breakup song "Angry Words" met with some reception on adult alternative radio stations. Since then, Willy Porter has produced a series of low-key acoustic albums exhibiting his virtuosic guitar skills, tuneful melodicism and unique, thoughtful lyrics. Content to maintain a cult following, Willy tours small venues with his acoustic guitar in tow, offering even more stripped-down versions of his album material (I have seen a number of these performances and highly recommend them).

This album is yet another in a series of great releases, but to these ears is even more compelling than its immediate predecessor, Available Light. This one features a broadened sound palette (courtesy of guest musicians on strings and electric instruments) and a somewhat more diverse selection of songs. The title track is one of the best political folk tunes this side of Woody Guthrie, and makes me laugh and shake my head at the same time. "Learning The Language" feels like an updated, more holistic take on the message of "Angry Words" (Willy is now learning the language of letting go). "Hard Place" is a unique wartime tale that addresses the plight of military servicemen and -women with sympathy and understanding. "Colored Lights" and "Wide Open Mind" sound like great road songs. Each song stands on its own yet together they contribute to a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

This is very highly recommended music and is one of my favorites so far this year. By all means give it a listen, and I suspect that pretty soon you'll be hooked. It might not be receiving the accolades that other flavor-of-the-year indie releases are right now, but a work of this depth and creativity very much ought to.

Willy Porter is a stunning guitarist, great lyricist, and amazing live performer. His albums are often brilliant, but many people fully understand what he's doing only after hearing him live. Like most of his fans, I discovered him by accident, hearing a promo spot on a local public radio show and catching his concert later that night. It took me a few songs to get the drift, but once I got over my initial surprise, I was converted. In my opinion, Willy is a rarity in the contemporary music scene: a true genius. If you get a chance to see him live, don't miss it. And drag your musician friends along.

This CD is AWESOME! I love listening to Willy on 96.5 WKLH when he comes to town to visit, he is such a great soul, and his band is just as great.

Thanks Willy, for continued wonderful, soulful music. I look forward to more to come!

Jen

To say Willy Porter is the most unsung artist today (pun intended ;) is an understatement. Willy continues to elevate his game with How to Rob a Bank. Insightful lyrics, stellar musicianship, and on this outing an expanded sonic pallet all add up to a great disc. I have seen Willy several times in Philadelphia and he always makes himself accessible after shows which only serves to personalize the experience all the more. In a landscape over crowded with bubblegum pop and imitators it is nice to know guys like Willy can still make a go of it. Thanks for that Willy, my words fall short but I hope my love and respect fill in the gap, all the best and please keep on doing what you are doing!

Get this album people!- Special K