This is Thompson’s first acoustic solo album for 24 years, and his first ever solo album made up of new material – throughout his career he’s always improvised and adapted well so it should be no surprise that ‘Front Parlour Ballads’ is a distinct and individual album.
The striking thing about the collection is how English it sounds; even though it was recorded at his home in LA it’s obviously English in its subject matter and focus, but the degree of bleak humour, irony and anger means that this is a disc that offers more to a British audience than it does to listeners from further a field.
There is a wonderful variety of songs on offer here, from melody led easily accessible songs right through to slow, complex ballads and the highlights from the 13 songs come from the full range of styles on display.
Recorded and performed almost entirely by Thompson, on most tracks he plays acoustic guitar and has then over-dubbed the rest of the arrangement including mandolin, accordion and bass. The remarkable thing about the sound is how vital and live it sounds, with the arrangements moving from simple acoustic backing through to more elaborate and sophisticated pieces.
‘Front Parlour Ballads’ is an excellent album; it’s fairly dark and sombre in places, but this is tempered by a good degree of humour and contemporary references. Ambitious and demanding in places, but a truly memorable album.

£13.49