Richard
Thompson is one of those road warriors you can’t help but to admire. From his
early work with Fairport Convention to his expansive solo career, it seems like
he is showing no signs of slowing. He traveled a road that never hit “the big
time” even with some big record label backing. In 2001 Richard finally parted
ways with the labels and decided to head the independent rout releasing his
albums himself. Ironically the move resulted in a bigger promotional push and
healthier album sales, proving once again you are better off fighting your own
fight than being just a number in some big labels boardroom.
Richards
Latest album “Acoustic Classics” was a collection of his earlier songs recorded
with just acoustic guitar and his voice. To me personally even though Richard
Thompson is a fantastic electric guitarist, his acoustic work is some of the
finest around. This album is stripping the songs down to their basics, which I
believe is the best way to hear the true talent of Richard Thompson. The Album
was originally meant for his live acoustic shows, as Richard there was nothing
there that represented the solo shows. Debuting no. 16 on UK album charts
obviously the album has become more than that.
This
is how I like my “best of” albums. I was never a big fan of collections of songs
from artists previous albums released as a way to sell the tracks that true
fans would already have. But if the artist is willing to do something else with
the songs, then I am interested. There are many great songs on “Acoustic
Classics”, like “Galway to Graceland”, “Beeswing”, “Valerie” and 1952 Vincent
Black Lightning”. The songs spanning a career over 45 years, there is bound to
be lot’s of treats, especially from an artist the caliber of Richard Thompson.
And
just because the album was meant to be mainly sold as merchandise at the live
shows, don’t be in any doubt about the quality or the performance of this
album. This is a must have album for any Acoustic guitarist and songwriter.
Richards acoustic guitar work on “Acoustic Classics” is a fantastic display of
skill combined with dynamic play and emotion. He comfortably jumps from skillful
finger picking to strumming his guitar to almost a roar. There are also few
tasty guitar solos on tracks like “Wall Off Death” and “When The Spell Is Broken” among others. Also Richards singing voice is in as good shape as ever.
He has one of those voices you recognize in an instant.
“Acoustic
Classics” is an album you should check out straight away. If you like good
songs with stories and tasty acoustic guitar, you will not be disappointed.
This performance of "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" is from 2012 Americana Awards
J.P. Kallio is a singer/songwriter
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