Richard Thompson, Electric

[jkelman]

My review of Richard Thompson's just-released Electric, today at All About Jazz.

The legendary British singer/songwriter has managed a career few have; while some records are, indeed, better than others, he's never released what could be considered a bad record. In fact, his weakest records are still stronger than some folks' best.

Electric is one of the great ones: terrific songs, great playing (with a greater emphasis on his marvelously idiosyncratic electric guitar work than on his equally fine acoustic playing, though he doesn't completely desert his unplugged instrument), and produced by Buddy Miller, who brings a kind of thickness not unlike his work with Robert Plant on 2010's Band of Joy.

Following a particularly strong record like Dream Attic, Thompson's last release, is a tough challenge, but he's managed to do it, with an album that's just as good, but different, with a smaller core trio driving most of the music.

Review here.

[DraperiesOfNight]

Check this album out on a whim the other day, never even heard of this gentlemen before. But from the first song I knew this was really something quite different from your normal recording. In a way it sort of reminds me of what Thin Lizzy probably would sound like had they made it this far. Its got all the elements of a rock record that bursting out of the seems to be its own monster. Musically, it encompassess a vast array of ideas, but mostly the undertone seems to be celtic. Though on first listen some may think the music is really what this is all about. But the lyrics themselves delve very deep into a man who has taken a journey down a very long road. This is the kinda music the current generation should take note of. Not only is it catchy, deep, and meditative. But it also has a well rounded air about it, like a four way tug o war match where everyone is of equal caliber. And this is what will stick the most with you in the end about this record, that you were touched by a musical idea that most times you just might shrug off. Truth of the matter is, this record will pull in front first note, and not let you go till the journeys threw.

[jkelman]

Originally Posted by DraperiesOfNight

Check this album out on a whim the other day, never even heard of this gentlemen before. But from the first song I knew this was really something quite different from your normal recording. In a way it sort of reminds me of what Thin Lizzy probably would sound like had they made it this far. Its got all the elements of a rock record that bursting out of the seems to be its own monster. Musically, it encompassess a vast array of ideas, but mostly the undertone seems to be celtic. Though on first listen some may think the music is really what this is all about. But the lyrics themselves delve very deep into a man who has taken a journey down a very long road. This is the kinda music the current generation should take note of. Not only is it catchy, deep, and meditative. But it also has a well rounded air about it, like a four way tug o war match where everyone is of equal caliber. And this is what will stick the most with you in the end about this record, that you were touched by a musical idea that most times you just might shrug off. Truth of the matter is, this record will pull in front first note, and not let you go till the journeys threw.

You really need to check into his back catalogue (which is massive - I know, I've got it all). He's one of England's most noted singer/songwriters (if not THE most noted), and he's also a monster guitarist to boot.

Curiously, his writing is largely not autobiographical in nature, but is incredibly incisive and insightful about the human condition, to be sure.

If you're new to him, here are a few older titles I'd strongly recommend:

I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
Pour Down Like Silver
First Light
Shoot Out the Lights

Above all with his now ex-wife Linda Thompson.

Strict Tempo! (all instrumental, and quite diverse)
Rumour & Sigh
Mirror Blue

There's also a great box set, no rarities, just stuff from across his career, that's a great intro, also including his time with Fairport Convention, with whom he was a founding member. It's called Walking on a Wire from 2009 and really is a great starting point to get a handle on various stages of his career, almost up to the very immediate present.

But I envy you, because if you're just starting, you've got a long and wonderful road ahead....

Best!
John

[HutchFan]

Originally Posted by jkelman

If you're new to him, here are a few older titles I'd strongly recommend:

I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight
Pour Down Like Silver
First Light
Shoot Out the Lights

Above all with his now ex-wife Linda Thompson.

Strict Tempo! (all instrumental, and quite diverse)
Rumour & Sigh
Mirror Blue

Great recommendations, John.

If I had to pick only one RT recording, I'd probably choose Pour Down Like Silver.

[walkin]

I started out with the Watching The Dark:A History Of Richard Thompson 3 cd set and went from there
I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight,Pour Down Like Silver and Shoot Out The Lights are top 3 for me

Don`t overlook:

Henry The Human Fly
Hand Of Kindness
Amnesia

Fairport Convention`s Liege And Lief is essential though Thompson does`nt sing any,his guitar playing is a big part of their sound