It's been a good year for the Thompsons. Richard proved he is back on startling form with his Sweet Warrior album, his ex-wife Linda has a new set released later this month, and there's more from their son Teddy in October. Now, for the benefit of those wanting to check out their extraordinary history, there's this rousing reminder of how Richard and Linda sounded in their glory days together, 32 years ago. It's remarkable both for the musicianship and the variety. Richard's virtuoso electric guitar work is shown on the epic, 14-minute treatment of Calvary Cross, and he is spurred on by a band including Dave Pegg and Dave Mattacks from Fairport Convention, and the folk accordion star John Kirkpatrick. They cover songs from their classic albums I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight and Pour Down Like Silver, along with English Morris-dance tunes and American rockabilly and country - with Linda switching from brooding ballads to a jaunty treatment of Hank Williams' Why Don't You Love Me. Magnificent.
CD: Richard and Linda Thompson, In Concert November 1975
Robin Denselow
(Island/Universal)
Contributor
Robin Denselow
Robin Denselow is a journalist and broadcaster who specialises in music and politics. He is the author of When The Music's Over, a history of political pop
Robin Denselow
The GuardianTramp
