Search - Richard Thompson :: First Light

Solid if uneven effort from the Thompsons

Wayne Klein | My Little Blue Window, USA | 03/12/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"After not having recorded for three years (Thompson lived in a Sufi commune during this time), Thompson returned after discovering that he couldn't give up making music. Although a bit uneven, "First Light" has a number of delightful Thompson songs on them. "Restless Highway" is the closest to a mainstream single with its catchy riff and melody. "Sweet Surrender" is probably one of the weaker tracks on the album with a nice vocal from Linda the highlight of the song. "Don't Let a Thief Steal into Your Heart" is a marvelous tune undone by the slick arrangements. "The Choice Wife" a traditional song that Thompson has played on and off throughout his career is nicely performed here. "Died for Love" features a memorable performance by Linda and a lovely arrangement particularly for the backing vocals. "Strange Affair" suffers from an overly slick arrangement and playing. "Layla" (as has been previously noted) is not the Derek and the Dominos song but is based on the same folktale. Despite it's upbeat arrangement it's not all that memorable. The sad "Pavanne" based on a dream that Linda Thompson had and has a lovely melody in addition to its very sad poignant delivery and lyric. "House of Cards" isn't as bad as its made out to be;despite a turgid arrangement Richard's vocal is quite good. The country influenced "First Light" has another lovely vocal from Linda and the arrangement is stately.



Hopefully Richard (who owns the master recordings)will reissue this so that fans won't have to pay the outrageous prices listed here for the release. It's a solid album (although Thompson views it otherwise--he believes it's his worst album which it may be but his worst is better than most people)that could stand to be reissued with a second disc of demos, live recordings (particularly for some of the better songs here that aren't arranged to their full potential). Perhaps Thompson will license it along with the underrated "Sunnyvista" for reissue available at his website at some future date. This is probably Richard and Linda Thompson's least essential album."

A Strange Affair

Wayne Klein | 06/04/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is a strange and minor album in the Richard & Linda Thompson catalog. It's both an uneasy attempt at popular appeal yet their most overtly spiritual (Sufi Muslim) album. It also is badly produced, with vocals mixed to near inaudibility at times, and muted sonic details.Linda is easily the star of the album; her singing is as fine as always, especially on "Strange Affair" and "Died for Love." The Richard-sung songs are, frankly, not very good. (Don't get your hopes up about "Layla"--it ain't *that* song!) The music on the album--played in part by L.A. studio types--is fairly dull, and is not helped by the flat production. The folk and Middle Eastern influences so important to the R&L sound are muted, but help when they're present. The best-known song on the album is "Don't Let A Thief Steal Into Your Heart," which has a near-disco beat, some cool duo vocals, and some nice guitar from Richard. As the album's most blatant "sellout," it actually works. And the Pointer Sisters even covered it.You could skip "First Light" and not miss much, but Thompson addicts will want it and find things of value. Still, it's their weakest LP, and a real letdown as the followup to "Pour Down Like Silver.""