Search - Richard Thompson :: Strict Tempo

What the Man Plays When He's at Home

JR Dunn | New Brunswick,, NJ USA | 06/11/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Usually, these "what I really dig" albums are an endless snoozefest ("wakeup call for Mr. Chaquico and Mr. Howe"), but this one is the exception.I'm not going to get into questions of Thompson's stature here--it's beginning to be a mystery as to why he's not well known for being not well known. This album wouldn't change things one way or the other, which doesn't affect its near-perfection one iota. Nobody but Thompson could have even considered making this disc, and nobody but Thompson could have brought it off. I mean, where else in the world are you going to find cavalry polkas, hornpipes, reels, Duke Ellington, and Moroccan mountain tunes played back to back? And all of it performed not with that 'ancien musique' dryasdust scholastic approach but as dance music, as it's supposed to be played in the first place? Is it a crime that this disc is out of print? Damn straight. Is it worth the thirty-odd bucks they're charging on the Marketplace pages? Hell yes!"

A Gem for Richard Thompson Enthusisasts

Greg Benson | Athens, GA USA | 02/11/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Strict Tempo" stands as the only Richard Thompson album composed entirely of instrumentals (unless one counts his instructional guitar tapes). For that reason alone, it is an essential part of Thompson's body of work. Those who appreciate his guitar prowess will bask in the wide range of musical territory it covers; yet it never strays from Thoompson's distinct musical vision. I would give it the full five stars, but he's done so many albums that are even better that I wouldn't want to mitigate the value of his best work."

4 1/2 Stars: Nice Departure

D.C. Hanoy | Athens, Georgia | 08/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're already a fan of Richard Thompson and want to hear something different, try this mostly-acoustic (there is some electric guitar) instumental set from 1981, originally released on his own Elixir label. It features a little bit of everything, from Irish jigs and reels to a very swingin' acoustic version of Duke Ellington's 'Rockin' In Rhythm.' There's also traditional string band music, flatpickin' with a Celtic twist, and (American) country twang. And if you're really adventurous, try this along with it's odd bookend, 'Sweet Talker,' a soundtrack recording Thompson did in the early-90's, that also features some excellent instrumental tracks."