My Amazon Reviews: Richard Thompson "Across a Crowded Room"

Love is a Bitter Mistress
4 Out Of 5 Stars

Richard Thompson is an amazing guitarist, a passionate singer and a terrific songwriter. He's also a man who views love with a cynical eye. "Across a Crowded Room" is one of his albums that followed in the backwash of a nasty breakup with his wife and musical partner Linda Thompson. As such, Thompson's idea of a love song is to sing "love letters you wrote are pushed down your throat, and leave you choking." While this is a stunning musical achievement of an album, it's not a feel good collection.

Thompson's ruminations of love gone sour extend to the song titles; "Love In a Faithless Country" and "When The Spell is Broken" leave little doubt to where their loyalties lie. Even the perky "You Don't Say" turns itself on its head as Thompson listens to friends telling him about all the nasty things the ex is saying, but the moondog in Thompson answers all these accusations back with "you mean she still cares? You don't say?" Then a stunning guitar lead takes over. Which is the best thing about any given Richard Thompson album. Despite the way he looks at the world, you're in the presence of one of the world's most incredible guitarists. He can sting like he does on "Little Blue Number" or fill the room with atmosphere as he does on "Ghosts In The Wind" and "Faithless Country."

"Love In A Faithless Country" may be one of my personal top ten Thompson songs (this coming from a guy who's seen Thompson live five times, from 1986 to the present). Under a haunting guitar figure, he describes a love affair in terms of warfare and espionage. Claiming that "always make your best moves late at night, always keep your tools well out of sight," before breaking into the twist of the chorus's "that's the way we make love." The ghostly background singers and martial drums contribute to an overall sinister feel.

Thompson has written some songs that are folk classics ("Beeswing," "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" both spring immediately to my mind), but "Across a Crowded Room" is one of his best albums. I'll also recommend "Rumor and Sigh," "Front Parlor Ballads" and "Shoot Out The Lights" for some of his most enjoyable work.