Richard Thompson
Still (Fantasy)
Still, the latest album from British folk hero/former Fairport Convention-ist, was produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, though you wouldn’t necessarily pick up on that. The production is sparse, allowing the songs to lean heavily on arrangement and performance and, of course Thompson’s deep, whiskey warble. “Broken Doll” is an exploration into creepy balladry, where rhythmic guitar lines and elaborate percussion providing a groovy-gothic backdrop to Thompson’s croon. “Patty Don’t You Put Me Down” could easily be a bar-band blues rock classic, with a sing-a-long chorus and country rock sensibilities.
Thompson’s British folk veins come through in “Winding Road”, which rolls back and forth like an old sea shanty, and “Beatnik Blues”, which favours sparse production and acoustic instruments, allowing his guitar work to shine. Thompson is known for having a cheeky side, which can be heard on “Long John Silver”, a song about, what else, a pirate, and would not be missed, had it been left off the record.
Having settled in to the title “obscure” or “cult artist” for 40 years, Richard Thompson delivers another astonishing record that proves why he is, and always will be, the songwriter’s songwriter.
Rating: ★★★★
