There is not much more that can be said about this superb release from former Fairport Convention guitarist Richard Thmpson. He just gets better each time out. "She Sang Angels To Rest" is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. If the test of a great song is its ability to stir emotion in the listener, then Thompson has certainly accomplished that with this beautiful tune. The album moves perfectly from the rocking "Needle and Thread", which was a great choice to open up the album, to the hilarious "Mr. Stupid", to the tongue in cheek "Dad's Gunna Kill Me"---a tune about everyone's REAL Dad, to the excellent shanty, "Johnny's Far Away", which makes me want to go order a Guiness in a little Irish Pub ever time I hear it.
Truly not a bad song on the entire collection. This may be Thompson's best effort, to date.
July 2, 2008 |  | A stellar release from a great artist |  |
I just found out about Richard Thompson last year when I picked up his album with his ex-wife Linda: "Shoot out the Lights" Since then I have started to collect more of his CD's. This latest release from last year is my favorite recording of the year. This recording has everything from political songs to haunting songs about death. Richard manages to make songs about these subject with great melodies and wonderful song structure. Do yourself a favor and pick this up. (And go to his live show if he is your area...he is one of the best guitar player I have ever seen)
June 6, 2008 | | not as good as his last works | |
I think that the cd's he put out in the 90's and '00's are better then this offering. This does not have the guitar solos and storytelling that I love so much in RT's music. Just my opinion! Also - why is "Dads gonna kill me" listed as an I-tunes exclusive? It is on my cd!
Get this cd if you are a die-hard but if you are looking for some winning cd's check out: Rumor, Mock, Kit bag and Austin live from RT.
May 3, 2008 | | Great art is often hard to access | |
It's great to hear RT rock out again. But he's a tough, often inaccesable artist. If you're not an RT fan, this may be a tough sell. If you are a RT afficiando, turn the volume up and enjoy!
I saw RT in DC as he sold this LP. He opened---as does this CD---with "Needle and Thread" and blasting volume. That's how the whole CD should be played. The old themes are here; The old instrumental tendencies are here. Great, energetic RT stuff.
Log on to NPR.org and look for the June 2006 DC show on the archives. He ended with "Wall of Death," "Feel So Good," and encored with "Tear-Stained Letter", but the bulk of the show was this bad boy. Listen to the concert/ Buy/download the CD.
April 23, 2008i've got a close freind who has been a long time fan...recently read an article in acoustic guitar about richard which piqued my interest further..this is a very well played`and musical cd..his lyricism reminds one of dylan but less obtuse(not to knock bob)...highly recommended
October 17, 2007More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(38 reviews)