press
Aquarius records http://aquariusrecords.org/cat/local12.html
Chris Porro Lampreys and Gigolos (Self-released)
Lampreys And Gigolos is the debut album from this SF storytelling songsmith,
and quite an impressive introduction it is! The songs that Chris Porro crafts
run the gamut from earthy heartfelt folk ("Secret Story") to straight-up
catchy pop ("Pop Star") -- often akin to the broad scope of Robert
Pollard of Guided By Voices. His warm, lilting voice is sometimes reminiscent
of Ken Stringfellow and Jonathan Auer of The Posies and other times of Chris
Isaak. Along the way, Porro embellishes his path with interesting lil' noise
details and lush string and organ treasures here 'n' there. Nice!
performermag.com http://www.performermag.com/wcpReview.php
Chris Porro Lampreys and Gigolos (Self-released)
If Neutral Milk Hotel's masterpiece In the Aeroplane Over the Sea is any indication, it can be said with all confidence that the backbone of a solid theme album lies in a singer's choice of bizarre fixations. Jeff Mangum had his transcendent love for Anne Frank. Chris Porro has his choice of parasites in the lamprey, which ranks high enough in his interests to be listed as the sole dedication on the album insert. That eerie, jawless fish takes up a satisfying presence throughout the album, from the cover art and the lyrical theme of soul-sucking that appears on various songs, to the feel-good trippiness of the title track. With hooks that whirl like a dervish, the track recalls Maharishi-era Beatles. This is not to say that Porro makes himself the lamprey by leeching off of other musicians, but his influences are clear. A hint of Neutral Milk Hotel once again arises in the background horns of "Bitch Parade," and Porro's amped-up tenor echoes a Ziggy Stardust-era Bowie...
left off the dial http://www.leftoffthedial.com/ChrisPorro_Lampreys.htm
Chris Porro Lampreys and Gigolos (Self-released)
... there are some really good songs on this album, and minus the sound effects and the field sounds (unfortunately all too common on this record), Lampreys and Gigolos would be highly laudable. “Pop Star” is sparse and right on the money, and “Real Gold” is surprisingly beautiful with a hint of sincerity, which is a welcome break from the chesire cat smile of the rest of the album. Ultimately, the whole second side of this record is very solid and shows a lot of promise for the future of Chris Porro. So, if listened to on shuffle with the courage to skip tracks, Lampreys and Gigolos will present some real gems of lo-fi, anglophilic, indie rock.
delusions of adequacy http://www.adequacy.net/review.php?reviewid=4861
Chris Porro Lampreys and Gigolos (Self-released)
Lampreys and Gigolos would be almost perfect if it would only lose some of the
lesser tracks and all those godforsaken field recordings. As it stands, Porro
has released a solid debut that, even with its faults, is definitely worth hearing.
While the record is far from perfect, it definitely captures the immense potential
that Porro is capable of. This is one to watch, kids.
blue mag http://bluemag.com/reviews/archives/001195.html
Chris Porro Lampreys and Gigolos (Self-released)
Chris Porro's self-recorded Lampreys and Gigolos is a hearty collection of earnest,
home-grown first-person pop songs slightly reminiscent of XTC or Duncan Sheik.
Lyric-driven pop songs with throaty, crooning vocals are well garnished with
atypical DIY instrumentation like actual trumpet (not Casio), warm-sounding
organ, and pizzacatto strings. The appropriately titled "First Song"
opens the disc with a cool reverby guitar run that immediately dispels any lo-fidelity
assumptions made about these basement recordings. From song to song the sonic
variety and overall clarity of the instrumentation and vocals seperate Lampreys
and Gigolos from the crowded sea of Sebodah or GBV-inspired home recordings.
"Sundays Little Flower" opens with a short 80's-sounding guitar riff
on top of a drum machine and bass synth, sounding like Daft Punk for a moment
before descending into a more conventional pop feel. There's a quick "far
away radio" guitar and vocal part in the song that's really nice. The mid-tempo
"Real Gold" boasts the album's best melody and "Pop Star",
with it's vintage power-popisms (a la the Knack or the Raspberries), lays claim
as the album's "single". "Merry Go Round" sounds vaguely
like an outtake from Elvis Costello's Goodbye Cruel World , minus any curious
Darryl Hall contributions.
Let it be known that I'm a sucker for field recordings, and Lampreys and Gigolos
is peppered with short field recordings from crowded cafes, answering machines
and hand held voice recorders. The abstract roughness of these inclusions are
a nice departure from the proper songs and help the disc mosey along through
the daunting 19 tracks. Those 19 tracks make for an almost hour long excursion
through interesting sounds and earnest personal songwriting topped off with
a suprisingly polished sonic sheen. Pick it up here.
Flavorpill issue #24 http://sf.flavorpill.net/mailer/issue24/index.html#porro
Tonight's performance is proof positive that San Francisco's live music scene
is alive and well — and even more to the point, that there are still a few brilliant
singer-songwriters lurking around, if you know where to look. Chris Porro is
one of the city's undiscovered gems, with a richly melodic style in the tradition
of the Beatles, David Bowie, Archer Prewitt, and Richard Davies. Singing dreamlike
songs of love, loss, and corporate lackeydom...
...Porro puts on one of the most melodically and emotionally satisfying shows
in town...
BLUE MAG Reviews http://bluemag.com/reviews/archives/000531.html
October 22, 2002
Concerts: Morning Spy / the Chris Porro Collaboration @ Tongue & Groove
by Jens McNaughton
... The Chris Porro Collaboration finished off the night with a wonderful combination of solo, duo and quartet numbers that made me remember why I go to live shows in the first place. Initially, the thought of a trumpet/guitar duo may strike potential audiences as a schtick to be left in the jazz realm, but Chris Porro and Peter Lenn make it gel. Expect big things from these guys. For fans of Ben Harper or Jack Johnson, the CPC offers a unique sound that San Franciscans must check out if given the chance. Check out spoonerdesign.com for demo tracks.