Watching The Dark: Best Of (3cd) - Richard Thompson > Reviews > Most of the best from one of the greatest

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money

Advantages:	Full of variety and superbly packaged
Disadvantages:	Expensive  -  and really for the committed fan

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

At first glance, this mammoth retrospective looks a trifle baffling. It's not a greatest hits set (Richard has never had a hit in his life, unless you include Fairport Convention's "Si Tu Dois Partir" which isn't included), not exactly a 'best of', but a motley collection of rarities, live performances, out-takes and a few gems from Fairport days, as well as a sprinkling of cuts from albums he recorded solo and with his then wife Linda. Only when you listen to it and study the carefully-compiled booklet (including a full illustrated biography and discography) does it all fit together. With 47 songs spanning the years 1969 to 1992, it's like a huge patchwork quilt, an encyclopedia, a record to dip into. With a playing time of around 220 minutes, it's hardly one to play at a single sitting! The rich voice of the late great Sandy Denny dominates the three Fairport numbers, especially the exquisite "Genesis Hall", and Linda's lead vocals are to the fore on the brisk "Hokey Pokey", the poignant "Dimming Of The Day", and an alternate version of "The Wrong Heartbeat". Richard's mastery of styles, moods and instruments is breathtaking, from a live version of the traditional "Poor Wee Jockey Clarke", on which he accompanies himself on hurdy-gurdy, and the wistful "Waltzing For Dreamers", to the stomping, bittersweet "Borrowed Time", and the angry "Tear Stained Letter". If you're new to his work, I wouldn't recommend this as a first purchase for all the obvious reasons. But Richard is one of the most versatile singers, songwriters and musicians of the last 30-odd years. The critics who have dismissed him as 'an earnest, dour folkie' have missed the plot completely (don't forget that it his early days he was in a band with Hugh Cornwell, later of the Stranglers, and that later he was rumoured to be invited to join the Eagles). It really does take a massive collection like this to do him justice.