Illogical Life - Richard John Thompson

Advantages: Superbly played, written and sung - and what a variety of moods
Disadvantages: None

...When Richard and Linda Thompson's marriage and professional partnership hit the rocks in 1982, both went solo - Richard had done so once before, after leaving Fairport Convention at the start of the 70s. In my view, the result was the best of his long career to date. He had a first-rate band behind him, consisting of three of his former Fairport colleagues, with folk stalwart John Kirkpatrick on accordion and concertina, and sax players Pete Thomas and Pete Zorn. Add Richard and his often underrated but incredibly potent lead guitar, and you've got an amazing rock'n'roll meets Cajun outfit. The songs were equally incredible, some of them naturally reflecting the traumas of his personal life at the time. "Tear Stained Letter" ('My heart was beating like a song by the Clash, it was writing cheques that my body couldn't cash... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average off topic

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

...;tumbles to he net” – even heroes have their come-uppance, or come-downance, in this unerringly pessimistic view of the human condition. Although this was not a band effort Thompson surrounded himself with top-notch musicians. Simon Nicol, John Kirkpatrick and Pat Donaldson are just some of the musicians who receive credits. Richard Thompson is perhaps too much of an individualist to work within the constraints of a band or even a partnership, perhaps that’s the problem with his private life as well. Although he went on to record a couple more albums with Linda, and he has participated ably in many collaborations, he tends to be a loner forced to tread his own musical path. An unsung hero who would probably be a megastar if he flaunted his wares, Thompson is undoubtedly one of the finest and most consistent British... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

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

...as well as the wonderful Accordion player John Kirkpatrick. So, if you’re fed up of being told that Richard Thompson is the forgotten jewel of English songwriting, or one of the greatest guitar players on the planet, then go out and discover him!! This album is as good a starting point as any…... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful