Here’s on what’s on the show tonight:
| Title (with link to iTunes, if available) | Artist (with link to the artists’ website, if available) | Album (with link to Amazon.com, if available) | Original Artist |
| Kiss | Richard Thompson | 1000 Years Of Popular Music | Prince |
| Turning Of The Tide | Bob Mould | Beat The Retreat: Songs of Richard Thompson | Richard Thompson |
| Wall Of Death | The Wrockers feat Louis B. Jones | Stranger Than Fiction | Richard Thompson |
| Persuasion | Richard/Teddy Thompson | Action Packed: The Best of the Capitol Years | Richard Thompson/Tim Finn |
| I Misunderstood | Mary Black | Shine | Richard Thompson |
| 1952 Vincent Black Lightning | Dick Gaughan | Sail On | Richard Thompson |
| Dimming Of The Day | Clive Gregson/Boo Hewerdine/Eddi Reader | The World is A Wonderful Place: The Songs Of Richard Thompson | Richard Thompson |
| End Of The Rainbow | Elvis Costello | King Of America (Bonus Disc) | Richard Thompson |
| Dear Janet Jackson (NSFW) | Richard Thompson | Unreleased | Richard Thompson |
48 minutes | 
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I have never before had a Coverville bring tears to my eyes. But if there’s any songwriter whose work turns me to jelly, it’s Richard Thompson. The last three songs of this show (not including the janet jackson tune) just killed me. Vincent Black Lightning is a magnificent song, and the version by Dick Gaughan stands up well next to the original.
The version of “Dimming of the Day” was similarly brilliant and haunting, and I started to shudder at that point.
And then I heard Elvis Costello sing the first words – “I feel for you, you little horror, Safe at your mother’s breast.” And I knew I was done for. “The End of the Rainbow” is a raw, vicious, heartbreaking song, and Elvis delivers it with every bit of sorrow and venom that it deserves. It’s one of my favorite RT songs (I suppose that says something about me).
A fine show, Brian. Cheers.
P.S. There is a version of the Byrds’ song “Here Without You,” performed by Clive Gregson, Christine Collister, and the celebrated Mr. Thompson. I don’t remember the name of the tribute album – it was part of that slew of early-1990’s tribute projects – but it’s an achingly beautiful version and well worth playing on your show. See if you can find it. TTFN…
One more thing. How great is Teddy Thompson? I loved hearing him singing alongside his father. (He’s also worked with his mother, the luminescent Linda Thompson, on both her and his albums. Hey, are you going to do a Linda Thompson show, too? She’s been covered by some remarkable artists.)
Teddy doesn’t remind me of Chris Isaak so much, but I’ve been hearing his voice for years. I hear that high lonesome sound that comes from country music – originated by Bill Monroe and practiced now by people like Vince Gill and Collin Raye. He’s got an unmistakable sound. Check out his last album, Upfront and Down Low” – all covers of old-timey country songs by the likes of Hank Williams and George Jones.
@Sky: “Here Without You” is on “More Guitar”, one of the official bootlegs RT sells at concerts or through his web site.
@Sky: “Here Without You” is on “More Guitar”, one of the official bootlegs RT sells at concerts or through his web site.
(Let’s hope the system doesn’t double-post this one too)
I found the tribute album with “Here Without You” — it’s called “Time Between – A Tribute To The Byrds”
Teddy Thompson has a fine country voice. Reminds me of Mark Wills. I have just discovered too he did a version of “King of the Road” with the fantastic Rufus Wainwright on the soundtrack to “Brokeback Mountain”. If I could bring myself to watch that movie that I have had on my shelf for 2 years, I would have realised this earlier.
Hooray – this is one that I’d been waiting for! I was familiar with most of these covers but the Dick Gaughan and Wrockers tracks were very pleasant surprises. REM and Nancy Griffith have also covered “Wall of Death” to great effect – might be interesting to play one of their versions in an upcoming show. I was surprised you didn’t include the cajun cover of “Tear Stained Letter” but maybe you’ve played it before.
Finally – if you’ve got the funds (hey it’s a business expense – right?) definitely pick up the Free Reed Richard Thompson box set – there is a whole CD of covers on there including “Substitute!” “Long Black Veil” and a Bob Dylan medly – it’s a great box set.
Take care!