Jun 23 2024 70 mins
I could write a lengthy blurb for this episode of the show as I normally do, or I could just say, “Ladies and gentlemen, I present my interview with Richard Thompson”......what's that? You need more? Okay.
Welcome to episode 176 of Love That Album.
If you've listened to early episodes of the show or hung around the Facebook group for the podcast or know me in real life, you'd know that Richard Thompson looms large in my love of popular song. He's always been a triple threat: one of the greatest guitarists (acoustic AND electric) in contemporary music. He has a wonderfully expressive singing voice (a point not acknowledged as much as it deserves). Then.....the man has a gift with writing stories – not for books or films, but for songs. The thing is he paces his tales like an author or scriptwriter would, and that's what sets him apart from his peers.
There are dark songs about lack of hope. There's songs of an unhealthy obsession with Elvis. Songs of self deprecation, survivor's guilt, and refusing to be shackled to society's rules also exist in his songbook. Is that too dark? Okay then, there's also songs of Egyptian mummies, Kenny G, and celebrating a great night out....and yes, there's songs of love including THAT song about two lovers and a motorcycle. In case you get the impression it's all about his lyricism, there's a strong gift of melody abundant in his catalogue.
This year, Richard turned 75 and celebrates with his umpteenth new album, the excellent Ship To Shore. We discuss his new rekkid, some past favourite songs of mine (cos why wouldn't I?), his guitars, Margaret Thatcher, his parents' generation that went through World War 2, and character assassination (ummm....via song, not actual assassination).
This is a show I've wanted to do for years, so I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Please tell your friends about this one....then about every other episode.
Download this episode of LTA from your podcast app of choice (not Spotify). The wider back catalogue of episodes can also be found at https://lovethatalbumpodcast.blogspot.com
Love That Album is proudly part of the Pantheon Podcast network. Go to https://pantheonpodcasts.com to check out all their great shows.
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