Folk-ing brilliant
Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Teddy Thompson looks set to finally make that all important commercial breakthrough with the assured countrified folk rock of new album "Separate Ways" (his first for new label Verve Forecast). Backed by a stellar line up of session musicians and assisted by his father (folk rock hero) Richard Thompson and The Band's Garth Hudson - Thompson is certainly not over-awed by the presence of the two legends here and marks himself out as 'the' potential alt-folk cross-over star for 2006.
Understated opener "Shine So Bright" is a minimalistic gem; its heavily treated guitars (or are they simply synths that sound like guitars?) picking out a delicate tune that showcases Thompson's wonderfully rich, powerful vocals that recall guest Rufus Wainwright (whose sister Martha cameos here too) at his best. "I Should Get Up" is an upbeat alt-country rocker that tips its cap towards Ryan Adams' during his Whiskeytown days while "Everybody Move It" is a more traditional folk number, delicate washes of banjo and pedal steel guitar blending to make a quite wonderful whole.
The compact "I Wish It Was Over" is one of the standout moments, a mid-paced country number complete with some splendid virtuoso lead guitar playing courtesy of Richard Thompson . The slow burning "Separate Ways" is an equally impressive paean to the end of an affair . The waltz time "Think Again" meanwhile is another lovelorn classic in waiting complemented by another heartfelt vocal performance .
This is by no means a flawless record though - "That's Enough Of You" is a rather generic rocker that veers worryingly close to the middle of the road and there is a minor dip in quality towards the latter half of the album. Thankfully Teddy regains control of the wheel on the gorgeous "No Way To Be"an aching Wilco-esque slice of alt-country. "You Made It" bears a passing resemblance to Bowie's "Heroes" and is raucously upbeat in comparison to the overall tone of introspective contemplation on show throughout. Needless to say this is highlighted none more so than on "Frontlines" a sparse acoustic lament on which Teddy pleads, "keep me from the frontlines I'm no match for them". Mother Linda crops up on the achingly gorgeous secret track "Take A Message To Mary" a fitting end to proceedings. "Separate Ways" is an impressive album and evidence that the Wainwright's place at the top of the rock family tree may face stiff competition from the Thompson's.