Sixty years into a career that began with Fairport Convention and has spanned decades as one of rock’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters, Richard Thompson is still chasing surprise. On Hippies, Thugs and Heroes, he lets his subconscious take the wheel, pulling from a cast of old friends, false gurus, former selves and invented characters…
The first of this week’s sparklers is Gravity Stairs, the eighth album from Crowded House, on which the band’s current incarnation – Neil Finn, Nick Seymour, Mitchell Froom, and Finn’s sons Elroy and Liam – prove to be as sharp as ever, feeling musically adventurous and still capable of reaching the staggering highs that have…
When Richard Thompson began writing songs for his latest album, Ship to Shore, he was instinctively drawn to his own musical roots, employing them in the service of fashioning a deep and diverse 12-track collection that pulls from various styles, genres and eras, but remains unmistakably Richard Thompson. Note: Copies of the CD and LP…
The first of 11 September’s releases comes from Everything Everything, whose approach to Re-Animator was to streamline the creative process by focusing on harmonies and melodies over synths and programming. Inspiration came thick and fast: wonderment at the wider world despite the horror of its politics; existentialism and the prolonged, if fading, youthfulness of being…
It’s a vintage week, and our smashers start with Paul Weller’s fourteenth solo album, True Meanings, a record unlike any he has ever made before. It’s characterised by grandiose yet delicate, lush orchestration: an aesthetic to which Paul’s better-than-ever voice, singing some of his most nakedly honest words, is perfectly suited. Turning 60 this year…
This week’s batch of recommended releases is smaller than usual, but still perfectly formed. There are very few musicians for whom the description ‘legendary’ is appropriate, but Richard Thompson is one of those few; Live At Rockpalast features two shows recorded in ’83 and ’84, spread over 3 CDs and 2 DVDs, and is both…
We’ve got some really fine new releases out on 11 August for you. Poor Man’s Almanack is the third album from David Rawlings who, with long-time collaborator Gillian Welch, has produced a wry mixture of acoustic and electric music rich in an ageless American vernacular. The Districts are a real indie rock band; their latest,…
Release of the week for 29 June is the magisterial Still from Richard Thompson. Other new releases run from Neil Young through Sea Of Bees and on to Joy Williams by way of Trembling Bells, Tom McRae, Samantha Fish and Tess Parks & Anton Newcombe. Click here for more details and to order your copy.…
Welcome to a very special blog post! I’m delighted to announce a special pre-sale offer on the mighty Richard Thompson’s new studio album, which is due out on 29 June. The special pre-release prices are: CD £9.99 / Deluxe CD £12.99 / vinyl LP £16.99. If you pre-order the album, you will also receive an…
