By my count, Richard Thompson has been recording for the
last 45 years. After a decade or so
passes, how do you really evaluate his output?
He’s never had a prolonged spell as a recluse, with a big “comeback”
album after 8 or 10 years. He’s never
been one to follow the fads of popular music – no electronica albums, or dance
remixes. He’s just quietly released
consistently good guitar based recordings for years and years.
Electric sees
Thompson working with another notable guitarist, Buddy Miller, in the producer’s
role. Miller’s production techniques
have changed considerably since the quasi Daniel Lanois murk that he generated
on those Emmylou Harris albums. Now he’s
going for a simpler almost minimalist approach.
The production gives an almost analog vibe to the recording. It takes a back seat to the songs
themselves. Of course this is the
approach that seems to work best for Thompson’s music. Some of his 90s recordings ended up too
muddied for his aesthetic. When your guitar
work and songwriting are the core of your music, production that distracts from
these elements is a diversion at best.
Strangely enough, for a recording titled Electric, this is not Thompson’s
version of Shut Up & Play Yer Guitar.
There’s plenty of guitar here, of course, but it’s always in service to
the song. There are no extended solos or
instrumentals. Just quality songs.
Often I find that Thompson’s songs take multiple listens to
really sink in. That being said, early
on my favorites are the acoustic numbers.
“Saving the Good Stuff For You” in particular stands out as a future classic
in his repertoire.
Electric may not
be another Bright Lights or Pours Down Like Silver, but it is a
very worthy addition to his catalog.
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