SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: RICHARD THOMPSON – SHIP TO SHORE

RICHARD THOMPSON
SHIP TO SHORE
NEW WEST RECORDS

Singer-songwriter-guitarist Richard Thompson is celebrating the release of new music with his album Ship To Shore. Thompson first made a name for himself in the 1960s as a pioneer of British folk-rock and was a founder of the band Fairport Convention while still in his teens – the fact that he is still active and vital is quite an achievement

Ship To Shore is Thompson’s first album of new songs since 2018’s 13 Rivers. His personal performance style and the presentation of his music on record have proven to be strikingly sustainable, and he delivers this new project with the same energy and commitment as any of his past efforts. The quality of both songwriting and the production are high, and the arrangements are varied and tasteful. This is a great-sounding collection, with themes and moods that are classic Thompson, but which possess a newness and freshness that belie the artist’s chronological maturity.

Things start off in exciting fashion with the minor-key rocker “Freeze”. With a strong lead vocal, a driving beat, and some rousing guitar solos, this song is a sonic declaration of sorts. It is as if Thompson is telling the listener, “I’m still here, I’m still strong, and I can still rock!”. The declaration made, Thompson proceeds to deliver the goods. For a songwriter who is famous for exploring humanity’s dark side, there are plenty of bright spots on this album. The lilting, waltz-time folk-rock song, “Singapore Sadie”, and the drum and guitar-driven “Trust” both evoke Thompson’s early solo work.

Another stunning song is “The Old Pack Mule” with its stylistic ‘Middle East-meets-Celtic romp’ motif. This track benefits from the added treat of Thompson’s signature stunning guitar work, which truly makes it rock. Also worthy of mention is the classic R&B-influenced “Maybe”. Fun and flippant, it might be the closest thing to a pop song on the album.

Ever the observer, Thompson offers up “Life’s A Bloody Show”, a take on fame in the modern age. Within the familiar sounds of his voice and guitar, there are also surprises and twists of tune and lyric. Using a cool guitar figure and effect, the artist also manages to fit in some fun genre- and tempo-shifting late in the song, going from common time, to bossa nova, and later to ¾ time.

While Thompson often writes his songs as character studies, there seem to be elements of autobiography late in the album with the songs “What’s Left To Lose” and “We Roll”. As they seem to go a little deeper into the artist’s personal thoughts, they are an appropriate way to conclude this collection.

With all of his back catalogue, his accomplishments, and his accolades behind him, Ship To Shore proves itself to be wonderfully astounding, and we can simply say, “Thank you!”.

Summer Tour Dates

Thu, June 6 Brighton Dome Concert Hall Brighton, United Kingdom
Sat, June 8 Royal Albert Hall London, United Kingdom
July 8 – 12, 2024 Frets & Refrains 2024 -Richard Thompson’s Acoustic Guitar and Songwriting Camp Big Indian, NY
Fri, July 12 Levon Helm Studios Woodstock, NY
Sat, July 13 Levon Helm Studios Woodstock, NY
Tue, July 16 Daryl’s House Pawling, NY
Wed, July 17 Earlville Opera House Earlville, NY
Thu, July 18 The Theater At Innovation Square Rochester, NY
July 20 – 21, 2024 Hillside Festival 2024 Guelph, Ontario
Tue, July 23 Stuart’s Opera House Nelsonville, OH
Wed, July 24 The Kent Stage Kent, OH
Fri, July 26 Musikfest Café Bethlehem, PA
Sat, July 27 Whitaker Center Harrisburg, PA
Sun, July 28 Cape May Convention Hall Cape May, NJ
Fri, October 18 The Town Hall New York, NY
Aug. 23 – 30, 2025 Gems of the Adriatic Cruise 2025 Langho, United Kingdom

Artist Links