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 ... Read review
A review by TeddyT on Separate Ways - Teddy Thompson January 24th, 2006
Author's product rating:
Originality
Average
Lyrics
Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks
A couple of weak links
How does it rate alongside the competition
Good
Value for Money
Good
Advantages:
Weel written, heartfelt, folk - pop
Disadvantages:
nothing major enough to say
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
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 Thompson has a quest for stardom. But this hasnt meant that the record has turned into a piece of over-produced, mass marketed James Blunt-esq accoustic pop. Indeed the very rawness of the opening track not only reassures the listener to the direction Thompson is taking, but also works as an excellent precurser to the rest of the album.
As with many albums of this type (Fiona Apple, Ray LaMontagne, Dar Williams.....) the first few tracks are far less folky, and much more beat driven. This is by no means any bad thing. Thompson brings his sublime lyrical skills into play in Should Get Up, and the infectious accoustic track Everybody Move It shows that he is not leaving his roots. The album then turns much darker for 3 or so songs. [I love the premise behind I Wish It Was Over; think we have all been in this situation, and Thompson brings a much brighter feel to an otherwise much more hopeless circumstance.] After this little dive into insecurity the album then rises into a more upbeat, lighter take on life (nearly all within the legnth of one song; Altered State). The album ends leaving you wanting more, and certainly playing it again.
In summary, the record is by no means a masterpiece, but hopefully an early premise to future acclaim, and public awarness. A host of respectable folk artists have collaborated on this record, including both parents; Richard and Linda, and the Wainright siblings. This amount of talent on one record really can't fail, and it doesn't. And by bringing them in now, will only open up the road to many more, equally as good, collaboartions and productions with musical ledgends.
Album Notes: Personnel include: Teddy Thompson (vocals, guitar, keyboards); Richard Thompson (guitar); Brad Albetta (keyboards); Matt Chamberlain (drums); Jenni Muldaur, Martha Wainwright, Rufus Wainwright (background vocals). As the son of folk-rock legends Richard and Linda Thompson, singer/songwriter Teddy Thompson has his work cut out for him. Fortunately, Thompson has tons of talent to support his pedigree, and that talent is evident everywhere on his sophomore release, SEPARATE WAYS. Thompson's music is graceful and melodic, with a lovely folk-rock feel that recalls his parents' finest work. More importantly, Thompson proves himself an accomplished tunesmith with a penchant for wistful, melancholic, and, at times, sharply confessional songs that carry an emotional charge in their finely constructed fabric. Guest appearances from his parents, the Band's Garth Hudson, and Martha and Rufus Wainwright add to SEPARATE WAYS' special color.
Album Reviews: Entertainment Weekly (p.64) - "[With] taut songs enshrined in equally tense, atmospheric arrangements..." -- Grade: A Mojo (p.98) - 4 stars out of 5 - "The title track's heart-on-sleeve atmospherics make for the most affecting break-up song heard in a long time..."
Titles on disc 1
1.: Shine So Bright
2.: I Should Get Up
3.: Everybody Move It
4.: I Wish It Was Over
5.: Separate Ways
6.: Sorry To See Me Go
7.: Altered State
8.: Think Again
9.: That's Enough Out Of You
10.: No Way To Be
11.: You Made It
12.: Frontlines
Ciao
Listed on Ciao since : 04/01/2006
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