RICHARD THOMPSON – Still (Proper Records PRPCD131)

StillThe new album from Richard Thompson – Still – is scheduled to be released on June 29th 2015 although one can pre-order now and I suggest you do! It is a fabulous album that has wonderful new compositions from this renowned and gifted singer/songwriter and consummate guitarist. He has the BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Mojo’s Les Paul Award and to top that – Richard was been awarded the OBE in the 2011 New Year Honours List. Recently the Americana Music Association honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting.

Still was recorded in just nine days in a Chicago studio, Richard Thompson had Wilko’s Jeff Tweedy at the helm producing the album and various musicians from both of their past endeavours to be involved on the album. No ideas were preconceived before they all met in the studio and the album recording evolved naturally.

Thompson’s distinctive vocals are evident from the opening track, with ballads, haunting melodies, Celtic drumming, and his own rock and roll. All there in true RT style.

My favourite tracks are ‘She Never Could Resist A Winding Road’, ‘Beatnik Walking’, ‘Long John Silver’ – a belting rocky audience participation song at a gig I reckon – Celtic drumming on ‘Pony In The Stable’ and ‘No Peace No End’. This album has a unique pedigree and every track is a winner, so make sure you add this stunning album to your collection.

The Richard Thompson Electric Trio are touring the UK in August and September 2015 to promote this album, and I can’t wait to see him do justice to this album and his amazing back catalogue, at a live gig!

Jean Camp

Artist’s website: www.richardthompson-music.com

Label website: www.proper-records.co.uk