End Of The Rainbow (An Introduction To Richard & Linda Thompson) - Richard & Linda Thompson

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: Great songs, must-have in serious record collections
Disadvantages: Some might not listen to it thinking it's "too folky"

...No such redemption in “The End of The Rainbow”. Thompson is looking at a baby at his mother’s breast and wondering at all the things which will go wrong his life. The bleakness of the refrain: “There’s nothing at the end of the rainbow There’s nothing to grow up for any more” is self-explanatory and showing how despair doesn’t even leave hope for hope itself. “The Great Valerio” is a haunting masterpiece. The Victorian, music-hall, freakshow atmosphere is back with a vengeance here but without fireworks, a chillingly quiet, reflective song with pensive vocals from Linda about a tightrope walker: “How we wonder, how we wonder Watching far below we would all be that great hero” Even though, as you might expect the tightrope walker “tumbles to he net” – even... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Weel written, heartfelt, folk-pop
Disadvantages: nothing major enough to say

...Like many new artists and bands Teddy Thompson really got his biggest break by appearing on Jools Holland's program. This is, indeed, where I came accross this outstanding folk artist. The son of folk ledgends, Linda and Richard Thompson, it seemed almost inevitable that Teddy would follow in the family business. Like the Wainrights before him the second generation of family folk is much more mainstream, with a contemporary production. This allows the record to appeal to a much broader spectrum of listeners; and not just the folk niche of their parents. The record itself is a very light, melodic sound, that really allows his voice to shine through. The rough, passionate, and well performed vocals lend themselves to the expertly constructed and thought through lyrics. The first track; Shine So Bright, seems to lead us to belive... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful