Description
Acoustic Classics, a collection of newly recorded Richard Thompson songs, features 14 tracks culled from four decades in music.
When you have four decades of superb music to draw on, it can’t be easy deciding which songs to re-record for new acoustic versions.
Richard Thompson has picked well for his new album Acoustic Classics, which sounds as clear as crystal thanks to new recording technology, includes the song Galway to Graceland, a disturbing and tragi-comic tale of a middle-aged woman’s obsession with Elvis Presley. There is a fine Shoot Out the Lights, which is a good example of how Thompson can make songs previously performed with a band sound fresh and original played solo.
The album is full of interesting guitar flourishes and rhythms which bring an imaginative touch to classics such as Beeswing and 1952 Vincent Black Lightning. Down Where the Drunkards Roll sounds even more mournful in the hands of a wise old bird of 65.
If (oh dear) you haven’t got a Richard Thompson album in your collection, then this is a great way to get to know a truly inspired songwriter. But even if you know his work inside out, then you will still find much to enjoy listening to a master re-touch some of his best works.
