Watching the Dark
Richard Thompson · 1993
217 min · 47 tracks · rock music
A rich tapestry of folk-rock, blending poignant storytelling with Thompson's intricate guitar work and emotive vocals.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with varied pacing
- poignant storytelling through song
- emotive vocals for reflective moments
- for long listening sessions
- unexpected shifts in energy
Maybe skip if you want
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1993, 'Watching the Dark' is Richard Thompson's first live album after a decade of studio recordings. This period marked a consolidation of his status as a respected solo artist following his departure from Fairport Convention in the early '70s and subsequent critically acclaimed albums like 'Hand of Kindness' and 'Amnesia.' The album captures the evolution of Thompson's sound, showcasing his storytelling prowess through both classic tracks and newer material.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nick Lowe· John Hiatt· Elvis Costello
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 A Man in Need 3:33
- 2 Can’t Win 9:13
- 3 Waltzing’s for Dreamers 4:07
- 4 Crash the Party 5:36
- 5 I Still Dream 5:09
- 6 Bird in God’s Garden / Lost and Found 5:43
- 7 Now Be Thankful 2:26
- 8 A Sailor’s Life 11:26
- 9 Genesis Hall 3:39
- 10 The Knife‐Edge 5:32
- 11 Walking on a Wire 5:28
- 12 Small Town Romance 3:43
- 13 Shepherd’s March / Maggie Cameron 5:00
- 14 Wall of Death 3:44
Disc 2
- 1 For Shame of Doing Wrong 4:30
- 2 Back Street Slide 4:27
- 3 Strange Affair 3:10
- 4 The Wrong Heartbeat 3:11
- 5 Borrowed Time 5:37
- 6 From Galway to Graceland 4:47
- 7 Tear Stained Letter 6:53
- 8 Keep Your Distance 4:12
- 9 Bogie’s Bonnie Belle 3:52
- 10 Poor Wee Jockey Clarke 2:31
- 11 Jet Plane in a Rocking Chair 2:49
- 12 Dimming of the Day 3:53
- 13 Old Man Inside a Young Man 4:28
- 14 Never Again 3:10
- 15 Hokey Pokey (The Ice Cream Song) 3:22
- 16 A Heart Needs a Home 4:00
- 17 Beat the Retreat 5:51
Disc 3
- 1 Al Bowlly’s in Heaven 5:12
- 2 Walking Through a Wasted Land 4:02
- 3 When the Spell Is Broken 6:56
- 4 Devonside 3:55
- 5 Little Blue Number 2:55
- 6 I Ain’t Going to Drag My Feet No More 5:12
- 7 Withered and Died 3:27
- 8 Nobody’s Wedding 3:15
- 9 The Poor Ditching Boy 3:03
- 10 The Great Valerio 5:25
- 11 Twisted 2:00
- 12 Calvary Cross 7:11
- 13 Jennie 4:02
- 14 Hand of Kindness 6:04
- 15 Two Left Feet 3:54
- 16 Shoot Out the Lights 5:32
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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