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.
Why this album works
'Watching the Dark' stands out for its critical reception, receiving praise for its artistry and live performance energy. It was particularly notable for featuring tracks from his storied career, bridging the gap between folk rock's past and its present, which solidified Thompson's influence on subsequent generations of musicians. The album has been lauded in various publications, including a positive review from Rolling Stone that highlighted Thompson’s lyrical depth and guitar finesse.
- Best for
- dynamic journey with varied pacing poignant storytelling through song emotive vocals for reflective moments
- 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
- 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 A Man in Need Standout 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 Standout 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 Standout 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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