richard thompson, electric

RICHARD THOMPSON, ELECTRIC
“[Thompson is] a superior guitarist who always plays with a clear tone and exquisite taste, and
provides no small amount of head-snapping surprises—features present in abundance on
Electric.”
“[Thompson] continues to romance audiences…”
“Richard Thompson plugs in and delivers his most generous helping of guitar solos in many
years, perhaps ever…Each time Thompson launches into one of his eclectic breaks, Electric
becomes electrifying.”
“[Thompson is] a folksinger who doesn’t sound out of place shredding like an arena-rock star...
and still writes songs that sting and storm.”
“…the excellence is undeniable.”
“Brilliant British guitarist and witty songwriter Richard Thompson emerges with his strongest
collection since 1999 standout Mock Tudor.”
“Folk-rock legend at the top of his game.”
“…Electric is a first-class showcase for Thompson’s spine-tingling solos…”
“…it’s up there with his best.” ****
“Richard Thompson is one of the great open secrets in rock ‘n’ roll...for more than four decades
he has been one of the most acclaimed musicians alive, as both an instrumentalist and a
songwriter. [Electric is] full of Thompson’s trademarks: blistering guitar work and frequently
acerbic lyrics.”
"Classic Thompson, in other words, and well worth plugging into.” "The plain truth remains that few writers and guitarists are in his league." ****½ (Montreal) "The british folk-­‐rocker’s latest is an energized affair driven by a power trio and Buddy Miller’s down-­‐home production." ***½ "Unlike most of his peers, Thompson is defying the march of time, continuing to write and perform at an exceptional level. Electric easily deserves a place alongside his best solo releases." 9/10 “Thompson’s new disc Electric finds him sounding as vital as ever, both musically and lyrically.
At the top of his game in a way that can only come with experience and wisdom, his new songs
are biting and perceptive…And it goes without saying that Thompson’s virtuoso guitar playing
is, well, virtuoso…”
“As the disc’s name implies, Electric finds Thompson fully plugged and solo-centric. The result
will thrill all those who favor this particular corner of Thompson’s triple-threat talent.”
“Thompson continues to mine Britain’s folk roots for ass-kicking hey-nonny-nonny as well as
darkly amusing social studies…”
“A red-blooded affair.”
“…the terse, tensile performances are fully electric in their intensity...another in a seemingly
endless streak of quality albums from Richard Thompson”
“…The songwriting, guitar work and vocals boast an abundance of depth and truth.”
“Thompson’s guitar contains multitudes, the raunchiest riffs morphing into spiraling solos that
suggest Scottish bagpipes, Eastern sitars or the backward psychedelic effect of Revolver-era
Beatles.”
“…classic Thompson, biting, tender and thrilling.”
“Richard Thompson’s playing is as inventive as it has ever been and the rhythm section of
Michael Jerome and Taras Prodaniuk match him note for note. An album every three years? If
that’s what it takes to produce a record as good as this, so be it.”
“Thompson offers an on-ramp for the uninitiated that also gives long term fans something to
cherish.”
“A seemingly perfect mix of Thompson’s styles…fans of all eras of Richard Thompson’s career
will find plenty to satisfy their musical passions.”
“Definitely Thompson’s best record in who knows how long, Electric solidifies his position as
one of the greatest—if not the greatest and most versatile—guitarist to emerge from England in
the 1960s. Electric is nakedly beautiful, thrillingly trippy, totally folky, and, above all, extremely
confident. You need this record now.”
“…arguably his most satisfying album since Mock Tudor in 1999…Thompson’s lyrical
eloquence [matches] the dexterity of his guitar playing note for note.”