Teddy Thompson

TEDDY THOMPSON
"A PIECE OF WHAT YOU NEED"
(Verve Forecast, 2008)


"In My Arms"*


I became aware of Teddy Thompson (son of veteran folk musicians Richard and Linda Thompson) by way of Rufus Wainwright, with whom he regularly collaborates, each making regular appearances on the other's albums. Until now, Teddy has been a rather subdued, semi-country-tinged (indeed, his last album was a collection of covers of classic country songs), folk-pop singer-songwriter. But all that time spent around the flamboyant Rufus appears to finally have had an effect on Teddy's music.

The ironic thing is that this is the first of his albums to which Rufus has made no contributions. With all the added flourishes, from the glassy echo of piano ("Turning The Gun On Myself") to the bouncy oom-pah of a brass section ("One Of These Days"), one could easily be led to think he was all over it.

The subject matter in Teddy's songs may still be somewhat sullen at times, but the instrumentation and arrangements frequently have a liveliness and catchiness to them that's quite uncharacteristic of what we've come to expect from him. Sometimes it hits you right from the start ("What's This?!!", "Jonathan's Book") and sometimes it sneaks up on you ("Can't Sing Straight", "The Things I Do"), but this album is an engaging and enjoyable listen from beginning to end. If you've ever even thought about checking out Teddy Thompson, this album is the perfect place to start, 'cause it's his best yet.

*Link provided by Sneak Attack Media, Teddy Thompson's promoter.