Separate Ways - Dark Publications

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
Biological determinists who find a poster boy in this 30-year-old singer/songwriter will miss just what's exceptional about the talent emerging on his second album. Certainly if your father were Richard Thompson, you'd have him play guitar on your record too. The son, however, has made an album as crafty in pop, lush in roots, and unguarded in emotion as any of his peers--and his sound, while clearly indebted to the acoustic foundations of British folk-rock, is his own fusion of L.A. singer/songwriter sweetness and Wallflowers-esque AOR rock. He's also finding his own way into songwriting, turning quotidian phrases into deadpan wit--"Being happy is easy if you're dumb," he sings on "That's Enough Out of You"--or letting everyday speech reveal a troubled honesty. "I can change my mind but not my blood," he admits on the title track, as strings and scuffling snare build tension. His arrangements leave ample space for his voice, a bell-bright instrument with a deceptive range, to open up his melodies. By layering harmonies from longtime pals Rufus and Martha Wainwright, as well as his mother, Linda Thompson, Teddy gives those melodies the shine, even ambition, of pop outreach--even if, as he sings on the opening track, he wants to "shine so bright it hurts." --Roy Kasten

Album Details
2005 Studio Album from the Young Progeny of Richard and Linda Thompson, who Both Makes Appearances as Well as Rufus and Martha Wainwright, the Band's Garth Hudson, Jenni Muldaur (Daughter of Maria Muldaur) and Many Others. As the Times of London Exclaimed, "not Since Jackson Browne Issued from 1970s California a Succession of Mournful Masterpieces Has a Songwriter So Completely Nailed the Sense That, in Every Celebration, the Sense of Imminent Regret Hovers... Brilliant...". Or If that Isn't Enough, Q Magazine States, "Finely Crafted Songs...effortless Grace"

Customer Reviews: Read 26 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

4 1/2 stars for the other other Thompson February 25, 2006
27 out of 27 found this review helpful

Teddy Thompson could be like the kids of some musicians and coast on his parents reputation putting out likable music. Instead, he's crafted a terrific second album (the first is exceptionally good as well)of 12 songs (13 counting the secret track at the end) that travel all over the musical roadmap. For those that don't know Teddy is the son of famed writer/singer/guitarist Richard Thompson (a former member of folk-rock group Fairport Convention and solo artist) and folk singer Linda Thompson Kenis (she recorded a stunning series of albums with her former husband and has recently begun recording again).

"Separate Ways" features a number of stunning songs with Teddy's rich voice (which recalls his mom's warm and clear voice)and a number of great musical guests to help out. Dad Richard plays lead guitar on two tracks most notably on "I Should Get Up" and mom Linda appears on a secret bonus track a cover of the Everly Brothers' "Take a Message to Mary". Songwriter/singer Rufus Wainwright, his sister Martha and Jenni Muldaur (daughter of Maria Muldaur)appear on the "Shine So Bright" which tells the tale of the child of a famous star wanting to be...famous. It's a witty song with more than a touch of irony. Richard Thompson plays marvelous guitar solo on the rockin' "Altered States". Despite the fact that Teddy's the son of music "royalty" he's developed a distinctive songwriting voice and style of his own. Heck, I'd be willing to bet that some of these catchy songs would garner some radio airplay if stations were willing to take a risk (and if Verve were to make a big push for Teddy).

For those that are interested in Teddy's two albums, I'd also suggest Linda's "Fashionably Late" where Teddy co-wrote the bulk of the songs with his mom (and plays guitar harmonizing on occasion as well) and his Dad Richard's latest album as well which features his Dad's rich baritone and sharp guitar playing. By the way, Teddy appears on Richard's "Persausion" singing a duet with his Dad. It's one of Richard's best ballads and well worth picking up on Richard's "Action Packed!" Best of CD.

Highly recommended.

5 out of 5 stars

Our man Ted February 22, 2006
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

This is an exceptionally well crafted and well sung album. Teddy's first CD was good; this one is great! As others have stated, the songs are very catchy - at times I was reminded of early Crowded House. This is a CD I'll be recommending to many acquaintances. (In fact, I already told several people about it today, and it was just released yesterday!) I also rarely give 5-star ratings (unlike most Amazon customers, who casually give 5 stars to everything they like even a little), but this one deserves the top rating.

5 out of 5 stars

Marvelous December 3, 2005
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Teddy Thompson gives us a marvelous recording. The songs are catchy and memorable. He has an emotive and expressive voice, which is somehow very endearing. The arrangements are just right, varied, textured and clear.
The Wainwrights and Thompsons add charm and flavor. Congratulations Teddy, a real pleasure!

3 out of 5 stars

Hasn't won me over August 3, 2006
8 out of 15 found this review helpful

Teddy seems like a nice guy, his friends and family have produced some of my favourite albums, and his voice is plenty good enough, though rather maudlin. Despite his connections which have made me receptive to it, this CD just isn't working for me. The songs and arrangements are pleasant, but never engaging or challenging enough. Whilst none of the songs offend, nor are there any standouts beyond the mildly toe-tapping Everybody Move It.

The gulf between Teddy's and his pal Rufus Wainwright's songwriting talent is stark. He really needs to up his game and let rip on his next outing.

With regret, I have to award this CD an appropriately middling 3 stars.

5 out of 5 stars

This is the voice of the decade! April 25, 2006
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

Teddy Thompson is an incredible talent! This guy has a voice that is truly unique and his songs are all really good. This CD is one of my favorites. I think his voice blows the doors off both his parents' singing abilities, of course the combination of Richard and Linda produced this amazing guy! Check out this fabulous collection of songs. It will become addicitive.

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