While most rock
artists of the 1960s faded to mediocre long ago, Richard Thompson remains
vital. A batch of new songs recorded on tour, Dream Attic recapitulates many familiar elements of his sound
without succumbing to redundancy. Echoes of West Coast psychedelia ride
alongside the Anglo-Celtic folk rock he pioneered with Fairport Convention and
rueful ballads share time with country rock shuffles. There is rage in his
voice, as well as sadness and a sardonic glee. Many of the best moments come
from his short, incandescent guitar solos, yet his band is worth a close listen
for their use of flute, saxophone and violin in a subtle, almost prog rock
undertow.
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