Walking On a Wire
Richard Thompson · 2009
313 min · 71 tracks · rock music
An eclectic blend of rock and folk, infused with rich storytelling and emotive guitar work that transports listeners through vivid narratives.
Top tracks — play these first
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Time Will Show the Wiser Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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1952 Vincent Black Lightning — This track is a quintessential example of Thompson's storytelling prowess, weaving a tragic tale of love and loss around a motorcycle theme that resonates deeply.
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I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight — The song encapsulates the yearning for escape and exploration, featuring a haunting melody complemented by poignant lyrics that reflect on life's complexities.
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Beeswing — A fan favorite, this track captures the bittersweet nature of fleeting youth and love through its evocative imagery and lyrical narrative.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with varied pacing
- intricate guitar work appreciation
- heartfelt storytelling immersion
- wave-like emotional fluctuations
- for reflective afternoons
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, standalone tracks
- seek high-energy party vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Thompson's continued evolution and relevance in folk-rock after decades.
- Themes
- 1950s motorcycle culture· yearning for escape· bittersweet youth memories
- Career context
- Released in 2009, Walking On a Wire marked Richard Thompson's later career phase, showcasing his evolution as a solo artist after decades of influential work with Fairport Convention and as a solo musician. This album followed his acclaimed release, 1000 Years of Popular Music, further establishing his reputation for blending traditional British folk with modern rock sensibilities.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Lowe· John Hiatt· Elvis Costello
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Time Will Show the Wiser Start here 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 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 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 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
What to play next
Dream Attic
2010
Continues the blend of rock and folk with storytelling, expanding on the sound experienced.
Sweet Warrior
2007
Sets the stage for 'Walking On a Wire' with similar themes and energy.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Old Magic
Nick Lowe
Shares rich storytelling and a blend of rock and folk with a nostalgic vibe.
Secret, Profane & Sugarcane
Elvis Costello
Combines emotive narratives and diverse instrumentation in a similar reflective style.
Same Old Man
John Hiatt
Features introspective lyrics and a mix of rock and folk sounds, echoing themes of memory and longing.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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