William Topley - Mixed Blessing (1998)

Singer/songwriter William Topley and Sting session man/guitarist Dominic Miller exude a passionate bluesy seduction on Mixed Blessing. This collection includes seven songs by Topley's former band, the Blessing, as well as four new solo tracks from the British country-soul man himself. He delivers a Southern drawl matching the grit of Tom Waits ("Sycamore Street"), holds a soul-tinged heartache ("Sweetheart"), and struts with a sassy swagger on the twangy sweetness of "A Drink Called Love." Reflective and soul-searching, Topley doesn't wallow in the process. His craftsmanship as a solo act and as a bandleader showcases his attractive musical mix.
He's not wholeheartedly reserved, although he seeks solace in a common peace. He doesn't slow down either, hearkening like a brooding Nick Cave on "Wake Up (Your Dream Sounds So Sad)." Life's lessons are his template, and Mixed Blessing is Topley's finest inclusion to what he's capable of. He doesn't sell himself short...ever.  by MacKenzie Wilson



1. Wake up (Your Dream Sounds So Sad)
2. Sycamore Street
3. Song of a Seabird
4. Sophia
5. (I Don't Wanna Go) Uptown
6. Drink Called Love
7. Soul Love
8. Sweetheart
9. Highway Five
10. Delta Rain
11. Hurricane Room