If anything, the success of Richard and Linda Thompson‘s recent box set proved the equality of the duo’s talents as performers and highlighted the insufficient attention to the lady Linda’s songwriting skills which began to bloom once she went solo back in 1985. Fast-forward almost four decades, and Ms. Thompson can often be found in the audience of younger artists who see her as their fervent supporter even more than elder stateswoman. She may not sing a lot nowadays due to a vocal condition but her forthcoming fifth album handles this issue with rare elegance.
Planned for release on June 21st, the tellingly titled “Proxy Music” – the record that takes the titular pun into its artwork – makes a slight turn from 2014’s “Family” which was an ensemble work credited to THOMPSON and featuring former spouses and their adult kids Teddy and Kamila. Both children, with Teddy producing, and Linda’s ex-husband are present on the set of her fresh pieces – delivered by the songstress in their company and with a little help by such friends as Rufus and Martha Wainwright, John Grant and Eliza Carthy. Given the presence of THE UNTHANKS and THE PROCLAIMERS, the treatment of Ms. Thompson’s melodies must sound exquisite.
Proxy Music
1. The Solitary Traveller – feat. Kami Thompson
2. Or Nothing At All – feat. Martha Wainwright
3. Bonnie Lass – feat. THE PROCLAIMERS
4. Darling This Will Never Do – feat. Rufus Wainwright
5. I Used To Be So Pretty – feat. Ren Harvieu
6. John Grant – feat. John Grant
7. Mudlark – feat. THE RAILS
8. Shores Of America – feat. Dori Freeman
9. That’s The Way The Polka Goes – feat. Eliza Carthy
10. Three Shaky Ships – feat. THE UNTHANKS
11. Those Damn Roches – feat. Teddy Thompson
