Amnesia - Richard Thompson

Advantages: An accessible introduction to the work of Richard Thompson
Disadvantages: The album lacks the spontaneity of earlyer records.

...For many Rumour and Sigh marked a return to the form Richard Thompson was during the early 80's period of "Shoot out the lights" and "Hand of Kindness". Those classic's in Thompson's cannon were as much the result of the fine production work of Joe Boyd as the brilliant songwriting and guitar playing of Thompson. The mid 80's produced a serious of albums which today sound dated by the production techniques employed on them, although this is not to say that they are completely flawed; Many tracks improved upon there introduction into Thompson’s live shows, yet album version of crowd pleasers such as Valerie (from the 1986 album “Daring Adventures”) sound weak and diluted in comparison. This probably has more to do with the introduction of new producer Mitchell Froom than Thompson taking influence from the Human League... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Re issues of old tracks
Disadvantages: defiantly unhip

...This curio of an album charts Linda Thompson's early career. From the early seventies we hear her tackling songs by Leonard Cohen and James Taylor, as well as a couple of tracks from an aborted musical by her then husband Richard Thompson. Her strong, plaintivevoice is heard to good effect and as much as it is easy to admire her artistry, it is difficult to know who the album is aimed at. The record company might suggest tha it stands 'as a prelude to Thompson's reinvention as an artistic force for years to come' but I would prefer to wait for a new album. She can certainly sing a good sad song but this is for archivists and die-hard fans only.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Tim's harmonies add to the CH sound
Disadvantages: n/a

...This the third album has all it tracks written by Neil Finn but brother Tim gets his first credit on backing vocals. Other credits include Keyboard player/composer Mitchell Froom who collaboarated in the past with Neil writing tracks for earlier albums and Richard Thompson of Richard and Linda fame has a great guitar solo on the Stray Cats-esque track 'Sister Madly' The Crowded's softer sounds comes to the fore in the tracks 'I Feel Possessed' and 'Into Temptation' and 'Better Home Soon' with the well described lyric this is a fine album from a fine band.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful