Richard Thompson Mirror Blue CD

Though much of MIRROR BLUE was recorded live in the studio, producer/keyboardist Mitchell Froom's trademark processed sounds might make you think otherwise, as he tarts up Thompson's folk-rock arrangements with some exotic electronic flavoring. Though Froom's production puts too much icing on the cake for Thompson traditionalists, it never obscures the two essential elements of this or any other Thompson recording; blistering guitar solos and ace songwriting. The former is displayed proudly on tunes like "Mascara Tears" and "The Way That it Shows." The latter is virtually a given, but particular highlights are the delicate acoustic ballad "King of Bohemia" and the "set-'em-up-Joe" scenario of the misery-drenched rumination "Taking My Business Elsewhere."

Much of this album was recorded live in the studio, producer/keyboardist Mitchell Froom's trademark processed sounds might make you think otherwise, as he tarts up Thompson's folk-rock arrangements with some exotic electronic flavoring. 13 tracks. EMI. 2004.

All songs written by Richard Thompson.

Recorded at The Sound Factory, Los Angeles, California and Rak Studios, London, England.

Composer: Richard Thompson.

Personnel: Richard Thompson (vocals, guitar, mandolin); Tom McConville (fiddle); Martin Dunn (flute); Alistair Anderson (pipe, concertina); John Kirkpatrick (accordion, concertina); Philip Pickett (shawm); Mitchell Froom (keyboards); Danny Thompson , Jerry Scheff (double bass); Pete Thomas (drums, percussion); Christine Collister, Michael Parker (background vocals).

Recording information: Rak Studios, London, England; Sound Factory, Los Angeles, CA.

Personnel: Richard Thompson (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Tom McConville (fiddle), Martin Dunn (flute), Phil Pickett (shawms), John Kirkpatrick (accordion, concertinas), Alistair Anderson (English concertina, Northumbrian pipes), Mitchell Froom (keyboards), Danny Thompson (acoustic bass), Jerry Scheff (bass, acoustic bass), Pete Thomas (drums, percussion), Christine Collister, Michael Parker (background vocals).

Rolling Stone (3/24/94, p.96) - 4 Stars - Excellent - "...boasts the same fervid but stringently unsentimental writing and musicianship that has always distinguished this seminal rocker's best work...."
Spin (3/94, p.74) - "...On MIRROR BLUE, Thompson sounds renewed, unfettered, ready for whatever false promises life can send his way....It is Thompson's guitar that sets the stage--restless electric runs like a pack of Tarot cards shuffled in a thunderstorm..."
Q (2/94, p.98) - 3 Stars - Good - "...Richard Thompson appears to have hit one of those patches of blue sky that have from time to time marked his 25-year career...."
Option (8/94, p.131) - "...Thompson can do no wrong..."
Melody Maker (1/15/94, p.29) - "...another sublime album...life affirming..."
New York Times (Publisher) (1/5/95, p.C15) - Included on Stephen Holden's list of the Top 10 Albums Of '94 - "...Taut, stinging dramatic monologues..."