Search - Teddy Thompson :: A Piece of What You Need

The rising star and his breakthrough.

Jazzy V. | 12/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Being the son of Richard and Linda Thompson, two of British music's most distinctive and original singers, it is hardly surprising that Teddy is equally vocally blessed.

Although, like his fellow folk spawn Martha and Rufus Wainwright, he is ploughing an increasingly interesting furrow away from his impressive heritage.

There was a tasteful collection of country covers less than a year ago, and now this album of originals that deserves to secure his breakthrough.

Picking up where 2006's Separate Ways, rather than last year's reworking of classic American country songs Up Front and Down Low, left off, it is a collection of thoughtful, catchy and ultimately satisfying songs, combining Orbison-inspired, uptempo melodies with smart, self-deprecating lyrics to addictive and moving effect.

There is smoky jazz on "Turning the Gun on Myself", toe-tapping country rock on the cinematic and lush "Jonathan's Book", whooshing Hammond organ on the catchy single "In My Arms" and bluesy guitar and squalling brass on overall standout "Can't Sing Straight".

Thompson's warm, rich voice is the lovely glue that binds it all together.

There are references to Thompson's wide-ranging influences, from mornings "bright as Rapper's Delight" through hopes to one day "walk the line".

Vocally he's a deeper, less flighty version of his mate Rufus Wainwright.

His style owes little to his parents, though, and "I Don't Know What I Want" boasts the delicious vocal traces of Crowded House's Neil Finn and Rufus Wainwright.

This is an outstandingly pretty record, beautifully performed, and sensitively produced by Marius De Vries.

While he self-produced his last two albums,he handed the duties over to Björk and Madonna producer, Marius de Vries - and it's the touches that Marius brings that push this album out of good and into great.

All tracks are written by Teddy and each song in its own way shows off his distinctive knack for blending classic songwriting with infectious melodies and the odd dash of black humor.

"My standards are slipping day by day/ I'll sleep with anyone who gets in my way," sings Teddy Thompson on this wry, heartfelt album that should finally see him earn the mainstream recognition he deserves. .

It's the best album of his career.

My highlights: "Don't Know What I Was Thinking", "In My Arms", "The Things I Do".



Sweet Warrior

Versatile Heart

Release the Stars

I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too"

Excellent album but...

Patrick Hurley | ireland | 07/02/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is classic Teddy Thompson and well worth the purchase.

Two complaints though. There are absolutely no liner notes with the CD - aside from listing the song titles. The CD sleeve invites you to go to the website but the credits are shown there in such a complicated way. (I wanted to print them and put them with the CD).

Second complaint... what is the point in having a hidden track (The Everly's 'Price Of Love') that to access requires you to fast forward 10 minutes along from the end of the final listed track. The easier solution (if you must have a hidden track) is to add it as an extra track, and thereby is readily accessible. Great album - sloppy finishing work."

I love Teddy Thompson, but....

Roderick Keech | Australia | 07/21/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"who had the brilliant idea of not including any lyrics or credits with the CD (you can access them on individual pages on his website) and leaving a 5 minute break before you 'discover' the hidden track. Why do record companies do that ? Why not just put a track marker in and call it a bonus track, as it is a real pain. Is it any wonder the music business is in trouble ?



That said, it is always a joy to get another album by Teddy, despite my grumblings. I just like to know who did what to who and when. After repeated listenings I have grown to love this album, somewhat more up-beat than his others. Teddy is an excellent and prolific songwriter, so it was a bit of a surprise when he released the album prior to this made up entirely of covers, plus one. The irony was that the only TT written track on that album Up Front and Down Low (Down Low, with Maria Mulduar's daughter Jenni singing background vocals) was the best track:)



As always I will look forward to his next release, hoping for lyrics and no 5 minute break at the end for a hidden track !"