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.
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I'm always, but often wrongly, wary of musical offspring. I guess there's that suspicion that they might not have made it without parental influence and the familar name. But, maybe with the excpetion of Julian Lennon, they're often surprisingly good, Rufus for one, and by the sound of him TT too. Thanks for the introduction. Paul
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