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I would rate his chord playing talents in the likes of Bob Dylan or Willie Nelson (but not the song writing and singing talents). I gave this 2 stars because my computer won't play samples and I purchased the CD only on reviews. I've personally heard better performers at the city park. If I had listened to the CD I would of moved on to real talent. First of all I've haven't experience any talent on the guitar. This guy can't sing, definitly can't play a guitar, or arrange background music. If you Richard Thompson's fans want to hear a real guitar player, who can play, sing, and arrange great songs, listen to Shawn Phillips.
this guy was actually my second concert ever (the first was The Melvins). are you kidding. the collection is nearly flawless and to really appreciate RT you need to see him live and get into his ridiculous British humour. "cooksferry queen" and "52 vincent black lightning" on one CD. if you are uninitiated, get initiated now. SCHNELL.
If you are a loyal RT fan and possess "Rumor and Sigh", "Mirror Blue" and all the rest perhaps the only reason you have to lay your hard earned down is "Persuasion" the only previously unreleased material in this collection. superb guitar (a red fender never lets you down) & tight rhythm section(s). But what a reason; this is Richard and Teddy playing ,it singin' it, harmonisin' it and tellin' like it is. If you are not a die hard this is an excellent entry point all the classics are here Vincent Black Lightnin' ,Turning of the Tide ( a song for ex-wives everywhere) , I misunderstood (cosmic angst) The Ghost of You Walks and on and on. There are many treasures on this album and then there is the incomporable Beeswing. buy & enjoy.
If there are low points in Richard Thompson's long and distinguished career, I've yet to hear them. So, does a masterwork arise. While I'm not one of his devotees, I'd readily admit that all albums without exception, contain material other folk-blues purveyors would cry, if not die for. Yet the albums as entities are quirky, often jagged in their textures and tones. Not for me, since,'Across a Crowded Room', or possibly, 'Hand of kindness' which brings me to this Capitol compilation which does beg the issues above. In short, it offers a terrific overview of a decade's worth of Thompson - Vincent, Beeswing, Razor Dance, Bathseba, Can't Wake Up.all sensational gems, which, given some interpretations by contemporary luminaries, still find their crucial edge in Thompson's shivering vocals.
From the OBJECTIVE reviewer.to suggest Eric Clapton is more famous because of marketing mean some reviewer has too much wax in his ears. Richard isn't even close to the same league. Even as a "best of" it barely rises to the 3 star level.
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