The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast

PEL Presents NEM#217: Richard Thompson's Moments in Time

Jun 14, 2024

Guest Richard Thompson, guitarist in Fairport Convention, discusses his new album Ship to Shore, the emotional struggle of feeling stuck, creating traditional tunes like jigs and hornpipes, the recording process of a song using live instruments, and the themes of survival and resilience in his lyrics.

01:13:46

Creator website

Episode guests

Richard Thompson

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Richard Thompson's expansive career spans from Fairport Convention to a solo artist with 20 albums.

Thompson's songwriting process delves into themes and musical experimentation behind tracks like 'Freeze'.

Evolution of Thompson's sound includes intricate guitar solos, orchestration, and branching into soundtracks.

Deep dives

Richard Thompson's Musical Journey

Richard Thompson discusses his evolution from playing in Fairport Convention to launching solo albums, showcasing classic tracks over the years.

Intro

4min

Navigating Inner Struggles and Moving Forward

3min

Exploring Traditional Tunes: Jigs, Hornpipes, and Creation Process

3min

Exploring Traditional Unison Melody and Ensemble Choices

2min

Analyzing Musical Composition Process of a Song

34min

Exploring Madhouse Chronicles and a Guitar Track from the Still Album

3min

Exploring Themes of Survival and Resilience Through Song Lyrics

21min

Exploring the Song 'When I Get to the Border' and Richard Thompson's Music

5min

Richard started as guitarist in the folk-rock staple Fairport Convention in 1967 but left in 1970 after five albums. He then recorded his debut solo album, six as Richard and Linda Thompson, and has since recorded 20 more solo albums of lyrically inventive, stylistically varied tunes that nearly always feature very skilled guitar work.

We discuss "Freeze," the first single from his new album Ship to Shore, "The Ghost of You Walks" from You? Me? Us? (1996), and "Don't Take It Lying Down" from Still/Variations EP (2015). End song: "When I Get to the Border" by Richard and Linda Thompson from I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight (1974). Intro: "1952 Vincent Black Lightning" from Rumor and Sigh (1991). More at richardthompson-music.com .

Hear more Nakedly Examined Music. Support us on Patreon.