13 Rivers
New West, 2018
8/10
The Grammy nominated luminary Richard Thompson has done much in his lengthy and esteemed career, and here the troubadour offers a self-produced album, his first in over a decade, recorded in ten days to 100% analog.
“The Storm Won’t Come” starts the listen with Thompson’s deep vocals guiding the moody folk-rocker that eventually takes on jam band qualities, and “The Rattle Within” follows percussively strong and with spirited guitar work in the anthemic delivery.
Near the middle, “Trying” brings a soulful aspect with sweet female vocals alongside Thompson’s rugged pipes, while “Do All These Tears Belong To You?” isn’t quite as sad as the title implies, as the singings soars high on the melodic album highlight alongside much atmosphere. “You Can’t Reach Me” then bounces with a punchy and playful swagger where a sing-along chorus adds much to the memorableness of the tune.
Near the end, “No Matter” enters Americana territory with its breezy appeal as Judith Owen contributes harmony vocals, and “Shaking The Gates” ends the listen with a calm, dreamy approach of engaging song craft.
One of the pioneers of British Folk-Rock, few artists will ever be as consistently great as Thompson, who recorded 13 Rivers in his late 60s, and is producing work that’s just as relevant and urgent as his albums from the ‘70s. Penned during a dark time in Thompson’s family life, this installment is an eloquent, intelligent and powerful peek into the mind of one of the best living songwriters.
Travels well with: John Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Steve Earle & The Dukes- Terraplane