Walking On a Wire
Richard Thompson · 2009
313 min · 71 tracks · rock music
A rich tapestry of folk-rock melodies woven with intricate guitar work and heartfelt storytelling.
Why this album works
'Walking On a Wire' is significant for its critical acclaim, receiving praise from publications like The Guardian and Rolling Stone for its lyrical depth and musical sophistication. Additionally, it helped solidify Thompson's reputation as one of the foremost songwriters in contemporary folk music, influencing countless artists who followed.
- Best for
- dynamic journey with varied pacing intricate guitar work appreciation heartfelt storytelling immersion
- Context
- When 'Walking On a Wire' was released in 2009, Richard Thompson was already an established figure in the folk-rock scene, celebrated for his solo career and previous work with Fairport Convention. This album came after a string of successful releases, showcasing his enduring creativity and mastery of the acoustic guitar as he continued to evolve as an artist.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Radiohead· Kate Bush· Duran Duran· Kim Wilde· Blur· Joe Jackson· giorge mijael· Ringo Starr
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Time Will Show the Wiser 3:05
- 2 Meet on the Ledge 2:50
- 3 Genesis Hall 3:36
- 4 Crazy Man Michael 4:37
- 5 Sloth 9:11
- 6 Roll Over Vaughn Williams 4:11
- 7 The Poor Ditching Boy 3:01
- 8 The Angels Took My Racehorse Away 4:01
- 9 The Great Valerio 5:22
- 10 When I Get to the Border 3:25
- 11 Withered and Died 3:25
- 12 I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight Standout 3:08
- 13 Down Where the Drunkards Roll 4:05
- 14 The Calvary Cross 3:51
- 15 I’ll Regret It All in the Morning 3:35
- 16 Old Man Inside a Young Man 4:26
- 17 For Shame of Doing Wrong 4:43
- 18 Night Comes In 8:08
Disc 2
- 1 Dimming of the Day / Dargai 7:14
- 2 A Heart Needs a Home 4:03
- 3 Don’t Let a Thief Steal Into Your Heart 4:40
- 4 Strange Affair 3:07
- 5 Sunnyvista 4:23
- 6 Sisters 4:48
- 7 Rockin’ in Rhythm 2:43
- 8 Did She Jump or Was She Pushed 4:46
- 9 Man in Need 3:33
- 10 Shoot Out the Lights 5:19
- 11 Wall of Death 3:43
- 12 Walking on a Wire 5:25
- 13 Tear Stained Letter 4:41
- 14 How I Wanted To 5:10
- 15 Hand of Kindness 6:02
- 16 Beat the Retreat (live) 4:55
- 17 I Ain’t Going to Drag My Feet No More 4:18
Disc 3
- 1 Little Blue Number 3:02
- 2 She Twists the Knife Again 3:10
- 3 Valerie 4:18
- 4 Turning of the Tide 2:55
- 5 I Still Dream 5:06
- 6 Waltzing’s for Dreamers 4:04
- 7 Read About Love 3:33
- 8 I Feel So Good 3:20
- 9 I Misunderstood 4:04
- 10 1952 Vincent Black Lightning Standout 4:42
- 11 Put Your Trust in Me 3:47
- 12 From Galway to Graceland (live) 4:44
- 13 I Can’t Wake Up to Save My Life 3:12
- 14 MGB‐GT 3:37
- 15 Mingus Eyes 4:47
- 16 Beeswing Standout 5:31
- 17 Taking My Business Elsewhere 4:26
- 18 King of Bohemia 3:43
- 19 Don’t Roll Those Bloodshot Eyes at Me (live) 4:08
- 20 Razor Dance (Voltage Enhanced) 2:39
Disc 4
- 1 Hide It Away (Voltage Enhanced) 4:22
- 2 Last Shift 3:54
- 3 Big Chimney 4:37
- 4 Lotteryland 2:51
- 5 Persuasion (live) 4:12
- 6 Cooksferry Queen 4:12
- 7 Bathsheba Smiles 3:55
- 8 Hard on Me (live) 12:18
- 9 Gethsemane 6:02
- 10 A Love You Can’t Survive 5:28
- 11 A Legal Matter (live) 3:15
- 12 Main Title From Grizzly Man 3:57
- 13 Al Bowlly’s in Heaven (live) 5:29
- 14 I’ll Never Give It Up 3:22
- 15 Dad’s Gonna Kill Me 5:15
- 16 She Sang Angels to Rest 3:23
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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