Grizzly Man - 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

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Advantages: varied, an intersting portrayal of a great band.
Disadvantages: not all versions include Crazy man Michael.

...Fairport convention began life back in 1967, and sine then have had as complicated a history as Whitsanke/Deep Purple, Rainbow and all the other in that set. Their line up has over the years included some of the great names of folk: Ashley Hutchins, Sandy Denny, Richard Thompson, Dave Swarbrick, Dave Pegg, and John Kirkpatrick, (but never all at the same time sadley.)having started life during the great sixies folk revival, they like other bands have mixed traditional music with electric modernity, and have done so to great effect. The istory of Fairport Convention is an album that seeks to capture their different sounds and line ups over the years, and as such is an admirable effort to do the almost impossible. This a good introductory album for anyone who has not previously encounered the group, and as a first foray into folk it would... Read review

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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