An Old Curmudgeon

This is a fairly recent picture of Richard Thompson. He looks well, doesn't he? Trim, lithe, muscled up and ready to go. If I'm in anything near this condition when I reach his age, well... it'll be a complete miracle, actually. Unfortunately the cap appears to be a permanent feature on his noggin - not unlike Australia's own Mr 70's Rock - Ian "Molly" Meldrum (but that's another story).

The one thing that seems to set him apart from most of the 70s folk crew is his obvious anger, bitterness, sadness and resentment towards just about everything. You can tell from the photo: the bulging tendons in the neck indicate that he isn't singing "hey nonny no" in a high, pretty voice. Rather, invectives seems close to his lips at all times awaiting a less public moment for them to explode. I have no idea why he's such a cranky old bastard (or COB - thanks Sue) but it easily makes him the most vital English singer / songwriter I've ever heard. His harsh, fluid guitar playing also helps enormously.

This track is from his first solo album "Henry The Human Fly" which, incongruous though the title may be, is easily up there with his best work. Be warned, it has a whistle solo.

mp3: Shaky Nancy