Listening to Richard Thompson on Radio Paradise

A master working his craft.

Posted 1 year ago by RPJunkie [ Reply ]

Wait no more. Richard Thompson is the 2nd coming. This is as good as it gets ...for now.

Keep the faith y'all. Enjoy the gifts you have been given.

Posted 3 years ago by DW4554 [ Reply ]

Sounds like Joan Armatrading.

Posted 4 years ago by skuzzfud [ Reply ]

Ag3nt0rang3 wrote:

Ha. If you think that's bad, I feel the same way about the Beatles! Makes for some weird looks from my friends to say the least.

I've never liked the Beatles especially their early years where were utter crap. To those that don't like my opinion, oh well. Please by all means, get bent out of shape.

Posted 4 years ago by SmackDaddy [ Reply ]

too early in the morning for this song.

Posted 7 years ago by black321 [ Reply ]

hbs47 wrote:

This man is a god. Fantastic lyricist and guitar player. OK he may not be the greatest singer, but it fits his music.

Yes he is amazing live, solo, duo with Danny or with "his" band , truly awesome.

He is a bit like Marmite though.

Can't really get past the singing, unfortunately. Has he done instrumental stuff?

Posted 8 years ago by kcar [ Reply ]

And he plays a mean 12 string...like Bruce Cockburn.

Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind [ Reply ]

Terrific black humor lyrics:

Then the lightning streaks across the room
You smell like something fresh from the tomb
You squeeze too hard, you iinsist on kissing
When it seems like half your face is missing
And your hair's turned into reptiles hissing

Posted 10 years ago by kingart [ Reply ]

This is my theme song.

Posted 10 years ago by jkamm14 [ Reply ]

i personally thik this song and feel so goodi'm gonna kill somebody tonite are more representative of this dude than '52 vincent black lightning. but what a range. plus how very hot he looked in his beret on david letterman.

Posted 10 years ago by averybadcat [ Reply ]

oh my i have never heard of Richard Thompson

Posted 10 years ago by Lauriea [ Reply ]

Live Music: Richard Thompson’s “Cabaret of Souls” at Royce Hall

Richard Thompson gave a memorable performance of his folk oratorio Cabaret of Souls in a UCLA Live concert at Royce Hall on Friday night. Perhaps it was the tall stone walls and arches of the building, and perhaps it was the layers of costuming on everyone working at the venue, but as the audience simply walked into Royce Hall they just knew something different was awaiting them. The usher who checked my ticket was wearing a long cape and a wolf mask, and all the other ushers, too, had their own unique set of late 1800’s English togs and a different mask. Think of the masquerade party in the movie Eyes Wide Shut and you’ll get the vibe.

Cabaret of Souls began as a project that Thompson was commissioned to write by the International Society of Bassists for bass player Danny Thompson (no relation). It evolved from a suggested 6 minute passage into an hour and a half-long presentation of songs and narration. One hugely impressive aspect of the production was that on every level the concert hall was turned into the In Between — not heaven or hell, but a rather boring place with no chance of escape. With so much time on their hands the waiting souls in the In Between sang about their mortal lives and we listened. Everyone who was part of the show, onstage or off, in the lobby or in the theater, was in costume and it surrounded the audience to marvelous effect.

Extract of review by Mike Finkelstein
The International Review of Music

Posted 10 years ago by calypsus_1 [ Reply ]

Cynaera wrote:

Before I read any of the other comments, I have to say that I love Richard Thompson's music. He's one of those dangerous geniuses who sails wicked truths past a person who dozes through the broadcast.

Kaaa-chiiinnnng

seek out the brilliant notes of this dear mind, she always makes it worthwhile

Posted 11 years ago by hayduke2 [ Reply ]

That's not counting the Fairport Convention tracks...

WonderLizard wrote:

Posted 11 years ago by JasonQ13 [ Reply ]

Nice Song ♥

Posted 12 years ago by mrdak [ Reply ]

hbs47 wrote:

This man is a god. Fantastic lyricist and guitar player.

I got to meet him and shake his hand and tell him so.

Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra [ Reply ]

This man is a god. Fantastic lyricist and guitar player. OK he may not be the greatest singer, but it fits his music.

Yes he is amazing live, solo, duo with Danny or with "his" band , truly awesome.

He is a bit like Marmite though.

Posted 13 years ago by hbs47 [ Reply ]

It's a pity all his really good tracks have been rejected.

Posted 13 years ago by beamends [ Reply ]

WonderLizard wrote:

You must be new here...

Leave me alone :P
I just thought he was too... Folky.
And with the wide variety of music on here, I'm sure even with even Richard Thompson's repertoire he doesn't get played that often, relative in the scheme of things

Posted 14 years ago by Mosay [ Reply ]

Mosay wrote:

Richard Thompson on RP?!
My jaw dropped

YAYS!

You must be new here...

Richard Thompson	1952 Vincent Black Lightning	Action Packed
Richard Thompson	1952 Vincent Black Lightning (live)	Single
Richard Thompson	1985	1000 Years of Popular Music
Richard Thompson	Beeswing	Action Packed
Richard Thompson	Crawl Back (Under My Stone)	Mock Tudor
Richard Thompson	Easy There, Steady Now	Mirror Blue
Richard Thompson	I Can't Wake Up To Save My Life	Mirror Blue
Richard Thompson	I Misunderstood	Action Packed
Richard Thompson	Outside of The Inside	The Old Kit Bag
Richard Thompson	Put Your Trust In Me	Sweet Talker
Richard Thompson	Razor Dance	You? Me? Us?
Richard Thompson	Sam Jones	You? Me? Us?
Richard Thompson	Sibella	Mock Tudor
Richard Thompson	Turning of the Tide	Amnesia
Richard Thompson	Walking The Long Miles Home	Mock Tudor

Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard [ Reply ]

Richard Thompson on RP?!
My jaw dropped

YAYS!

Posted 14 years ago by Mosay [ Reply ]

Before I read any of the other comments, I have to say that I love Richard Thompson's music. He's one of those dangerous geniuses who sails wicked truths past a person who dozes through the broadcast.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera [ Reply ]

Tim_in_N_FL wrote:

I have much respect for RT's talent as a songwriter, performer, and player. However, I have tried for 20 years to enjoy listening to his music and I just cannot get into it. I almost feel guilty...almost.

Ha. If you think that's bad, I feel the same way about the Beatles! Makes for some weird looks from my friends to say the least.

Posted 14 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3 [ Reply ]

?? wrote:

I like 1952 Vincent, but what is the appeal about this song?

For me the appeal is the lyrics, guitar, bass, drums, and the overall production of the tune. I love it.

"I can't wake up to save my life..." Brilliant.

Posted 14 years ago by krich58 [ Reply ]

Tim_in_N_FL wrote:

I have much respect for RT's talent as a songwriter, performer, and player. However, I have tried for 20 years to enjoy listening to his music and I just cannot get into it. I almost feel guilty...almost.

I feel exactly the same way . . . except for the guilt.
Just cuz he's got talent doesn't mean you have to like him.

Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach [ Reply ]

RadioDoc wrote:

Congratulations for making it this far without having a box of knives dropped on your heart. Once that happens, you'll "get" Richard Thompson songs.

Oh, I get the songs. Hell, I even listen to Richard Thompson. But I don't enjoy it, particularly. Not a guy I really like to listen to while he sings. But I do, anyway. 'Cuz of that box of knives. . . .

Posted 15 years ago by Xeric [ Reply ]

Tim_in_N_FL wrote:

I have much respect for RT's talent as a songwriter, performer, and player. However, I have tried for 20 years to enjoy listening to his music and I just cannot get into it. I almost feel guilty...almost.

Congratulations for making it this far without having a box of knives dropped on your heart. Once that happens, you'll "get" Richard Thompson songs.

Posted 15 years ago by RadioDoc [ Reply ]

I have much respect for RT's talent as a songwriter, performer, and player. However, I have tried for 20 years to enjoy listening to his music and I just cannot get into it. I almost feel guilty...almost.

Posted 15 years ago by Tim_in_N_FL [ Reply ]

healyf52 wrote:

His songwriting is terrific and his guitar playing is on a plateau by itself, nobody can play like RT. I heard a saying once that goes something like "I know there is a God, I've heard Richard Thompson play a Stratocaster.".

In concert, he's all the above, plus witty, funny, and engaging. I would travel to see him perform again. And yet, I've never felt the urge to buy any of his music.

Posted 16 years ago by eskles [ Reply ]

?? wrote:

I like 1952 Vincent, but what is the appeal about this song?

Maybe he chose this one because he's following Belle and Sebastian's Sleepyheads... like a sleeping theme. Dunno

Posted 16 years ago by furao [ Reply ]

I like 1952 Vincent, but what is the appeal about this song?

Posted 17 years ago by ???? [ Reply ]

I know this guy is viewed as a great artist, but the melody in this tune, such as it is, really grates on me.

Posted 17 years ago by keller1 [ Reply ]

Here's another one of those artists that I know I'm supposed to like... I just don't.

Posted 17 years ago by rconway [ Reply ]

Great to hear RT anywhere, anytime. Way under-appreciated, a true artisan.

Posted 17 years ago by nigelr [ Reply ]

webslinger48 wrote:

Say what you will about the music...the guy CANNOT sing. I would like the music much more if somebody else was belting it out, but Thompson's vocals are extremely substandard. No range, very amateurish sounding voice. He sounds EXACTLY like the lead singer of a very poor band a friend of mine was in. Painful.

Actually, Richard can and does "belt it out", not routinely but when called for, he can 'holler' with the best of them. When I first heard his music, I didn't care for his voice, but over time, I came to really like his singing. His voice is so unique, it can take a little getting used to. His songwriting is terrific and his guitar playing is on a plateau by itself, nobody can play like RT. I heard a saying once that goes something like "I know there is a God, I've heard Richard Thompson play a Stratocaster.".

Posted 17 years ago by healyf52 [ Reply ]

beelzebubba wrote:

Richard Thompson just never did anything for me. Except Leige & Liefe w/ Fairport Convention. That was incredible

That's funny, I found exactly the opposite was true with me. I can't stand the Fairport Convention hobbit-music, and hearing it almost ruined all Richard Thompson's work for me, but I'm coming around.

Posted 17 years ago by Ag3nt0rang3 [ Reply ]

Amazing songwriter, way under appreciated guitar player, do yourself a favor and see him live! And Listen to lots of RT. A real treasure.

Posted 17 years ago by wally42 [ Reply ]

All this time I thought that was Bruce Cockburn.

Posted 18 years ago by Toner_Low [ Reply ]

Businessgypsy wrote:

Originally Posted by roguewarer: "I appreciate being exposed to RT via RP, but I'm not crazy about him, and this song is good example why. Ho-hum tune with some very sophmoric guitar work. " Cripes! I'm further behind than I thought! At this rate, my playing is embryonic - no, make that first date, not sure if they'll even hold hands. Unless, of course, you take emotion and expression (and not just technique or note/measure census) into account. Then Richard Thompson would qualify as second-from-the-left-assistant-to-God and I would be, um... first date, not sure if they'll even hold hands.

I liked your post. I had a buddy (sadly deceased) who was a fantastic guitar player, concentrating mostly on pre-war blues and ragtime in the time that I knew him. Apparently for a number of years he was a technique snob, and wouldn't listen to, for example, Nirvana, because their guitar was so amateurish. Later he would say "yeah, I'm embarassed I was ever like that" I love to listen to good guitar playing (I love Leo Kottke for example), but guys like Joe Satriani bore me to tears. All technique and no heart.

Posted 18 years ago by spacemoose [ Reply ]

funny -- the cover looks almost exactly like Fripp/Eno's No Pussyfooting. But the music is much different.

Posted 18 years ago by ChardRemains [ Reply ]

Say what you will about the music...the guy CANNOT sing. I would like the music much more if somebody else was belting it out, but Thompson's vocals are extremely substandard. No range, very amateurish sounding voice. He sounds EXACTLY like the lead singer of a very poor band a friend of mine was in. Painful.

Posted 18 years ago by webslinger48 [ Reply ]

The guy can play that guitar!!!!!

Posted 18 years ago by parrothead [ Reply ]

Richard Thompson just never did anything for me. Except Leige & Liefe w/ Fairport Convention. That was incredible

Posted 19 years ago by beelzebubba [ Reply ]

Posted 19 years ago by R_P [ Reply ]

nightmare of an ex? You squeeze too hard, you insist on kissin' When it seems like half your face is missin' And your hair turns into reptiles hissin'

Posted 20 years ago by Hopedaddy [ Reply ]

This guy consistently catches my ear. I like!

Posted 20 years ago by smilestoomuch [ Reply ]

I"ve been turned on to RT via RP and have really come to love his stuff. A sincere artist. Powerful music that stands out on my ipod mixes.

Posted 20 years ago by KALINEVE [ Reply ]

andrewpickford81 wrote:

Good song, great artist - his wife contributes backing vocals to the new ocean colour scene record, well worth taking a look at

This is an old post, but it caught my attention. Are you referring to his EX wife, Linda? And is "Ocean Color Scene" a CD title? Or are you referring to "Mirror Blue"? Sorry, I'm a bit confused....

Posted 20 years ago by Pyro [ Reply ]

" You smell like something fresh from a tomb!" A 9.

Posted 20 years ago by trekhead [ Reply ]

I certainly don't deify the man but I really like his work.

Posted 20 years ago by redeyespy [ Reply ]

Originally Posted by roguewarer: "I appreciate being exposed to RT via RP, but I'm not crazy about him, and this song is good example why. Ho-hum tune with some very sophmoric guitar work. " Cripes! I'm further behind than I thought! At this rate, my playing is embryonic - no, make that first date, not sure if they'll even hold hands. Unless, of course, you take emotion and expression (and not just technique or note/measure census) into account. Then Richard Thompson would qualify as second-from-the-left-assistant-to-God and I would be, um... first date, not sure if they'll even hold hands.

Posted 20 years ago by Businessgypsy [ Reply ]

I have always been curious about RT, and hearing this song, I'm looking for more. Not the *greatest* song in the world, but the lyrics really held me. Very John Hiatt-ish lyrics.

Posted 20 years ago by Rael_1975 [ Reply ]

more richard thompson, please! :)

Posted 21 years ago by DownHomeGirl [ Reply ]

Good stuff.

But RP could do with some of RT\'s recent CD. OK? ;)

Posted 21 years ago by brianlj [ Reply ]

Good song, great artist - his wife contributes backing vocals to the new ocean colour scene record, well worth taking a look at

Posted 21 years ago by andrewpickford81 [ Reply ]

Originally Posted by roguewarer: I appreciate being exposed to RT via RP, but I'm not crazy about him, and this song is good example why. Ho-hum tune with some very sophmoric guitar work. I've heard other songs of his on RP which merit airplay, but I think this one falls way short.

Thanks for summing up my thoughts :) - Don't get the 7.3 rating for this particular song.

Posted 21 years ago by justlistening [ Reply ]

Not my favorite Richart Thompson song(*) but you have to admit he\'s amazing. If he\'s not your favorite guitarist, he\'s probably your favorite guitarist\'s favorite guitarist. (*)I\'m partial to \"1952 Vincent Black Lightning\" myself.

Posted 21 years ago by Bill_Rockoff [ Reply ]

I agree with JustListening (the comment right before mine, I know I should have used reply -- but I can't wake up to save my life) but I do soooo love that title!

Posted 21 years ago by MylenerHead [ Reply ]

Not a favorite. Musically a little bland. Don\'t quite get the high rating but it doesn\'t deserve a dumpster rating either. About a 5 for me.

Posted 22 years ago by justlistening [ Reply ]

RT is a great addition. More please.

Posted 22 years ago by tallred [ Reply ]

Cool tune. The opening instrumental bit reminds me of Jethro Tull for some reason...

Posted 22 years ago by catsoup [ Reply ]

Been waiting to hear Richard Thompson--thank you. More, please.

Posted 22 years ago by Omega [ Reply ]

Proofs, you don't need to be young to be renewing. On the contrary, you know what went before and what did and didn't work. But Richard Thompson isn't just anybody of course!

Posted 22 years ago by Johray63 [ Reply ]

Originally Posted by Dagno-M: More RT, please, from all periods of his career. The man's a genius. And see him live each and every time you can, solo or with his band.....

Agreed - was fantastic live - my first exposure was live and been a fan ever since.