A kind YouTuber has this old 1985 VHS posted up there, so I’ve been listening to it this morning. I think on balance it’s my favourite RT recording. His tone is great, nice subtle use of vibrato/ chorus at times (CE-1?) and he’s on peak form with the solos, balancing that fabulous biting Rock n Roll style he has on the 12 bars with the unsettled, semi-atonal stuff on the more edgy material.
I admit I am hot and cold with RT. Adore the guitar playing. He’s written some great songs. But his voice doesn’t always engage with me. On this VHS though he’s got the fabulous Clive Gregson and the even more fabulous Christine Collister on backing vocals, and I think that rounds things out wonderfully. So peak RT for my particular tastes.
Other views of course vary, so what are some of your RT favourites?
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I also think The Old Kit Bag is worth a mention in dispatches.
In fact whom I kidding...I'd pay to see the geezer play a biscuit tin with a string on it.
A national treasure.
That’s the thing about decorating- plenty of time to listen to stuff. I’m sure Richard would be delighted that his work is a perfect accompaniment to a spot of varnishing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2LYEZeUcpY
Seen him live twice, the first time was just him and his acoustic at the Conkers National Forest natural amphitheatre. He was fabulous, an astonishing player and some lovely songs.
Then I saw him at the Warwick Arts Centre with a full band on the Dream Attic tour and it was a very different experience, but just as good, despite the fact he occasionally failed to resist the temptation to get a bit widdly-widdly-widdly on the solos.
In fact, he was so good even the missus enjoyed both gigs, and when we first met she told me she couldn't stand him (which didn't bother me at the time because I wasn't a fan then).
I nominate the first RT disc that I purchased, Hand Of Kindness. Tear-Stained Letter and Devonside are reason enough.
And apropos nothing, my GF has recently bought my a print of the picture RT painted for 13 Rivers signed by him. It’s now beautifully framed on the wall above my telly.
Only managed to see him once as he doesn't tour Europe much. Very much enjoyed his series of home sessions during lockdown and now there is an EP to enjoy too: https://richardthompson.bandcamp.com/?fbclid=IwAR2g-VQAs_2jG7HVk7a8Ef-r6m80jH81D9cQw_tJgIUqAJ9SbYH2AhIKNeA