Given Teddy Thompson's talent as a songwriter and the cool, intelligent folk-rock leanings of his first two albums, he would hardly seem like a likely candidate to record an album of covers, especially one devoted to interpretations of old-school country classics made famous by the likes of George Jones, Ernest Tubb, Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard. But that's just what Thompson has done with his third album, Upfront & Down Low, and while the arrangements occasionally refer to the honky tonk roots of these songs, for the ...
Read More
Given Teddy Thompson's talent as a songwriter and the cool, intelligent folk-rock leanings of his first two albums, he would hardly seem like a likely candidate to record an album of covers, especially one devoted to interpretations of old-school country classics made famous by the likes of George Jones, Ernest Tubb, Dolly Parton and Merle Haggard. But that's just what Thompson has done with his third album, Upfront & Down Low, and while the arrangements occasionally refer to the honky tonk roots of these songs, for the most part Thompson strives to give these tunes a fresh interpretation, and the secret theme of this album seems to be one songwriter paying homage to gifted colleagues in his field. Thompson's voice is essentially devoid of any southern twang, and his phrasing owes little clear allegiance to traditional country styles, but he clearly understands the emotional weight of the songs on this album, and his performances allows these classic tunes to be heard by fresh ears in a new context. While you can't take "She Thinks I Still Care" away from George Jones, and Ernest Tubb will always be linked to "Walking the Floor Over You," Thompson's renditions cast them in a new light, and his clear, unforced but emotionally resonant performances offer a striking reminder of how strong and timeless they really are, and the other songs fare every bit as well (and he contributes one new song, "Down Low," that shows his chops as a tunesmith are still in fine shape). Thompson has assembled a superb band for these sessions (including his father Richard Thompson on guitar, as well as Marc Ribot, Greg Leisz and David Mansfield), and Iris DeMent, Tift Merritt and Jenni Muldaur contribute excellent vocal support. But what makes Upfront & Down Low most effective is Thompson's excellent choices in material, and while this doesn't dig especially deep into the catalog of great Nashville songwriting, the 11 vintage numbers included here show how easy it is to find superb material in this context, and how striking they can be in the hands of a gifted interpreter. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
Read Less
Add this copy of Upfront and Down Low to cart. $3.19, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Verve Forecast.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Up Front and Down Low to cart. $3.19, good condition, Sold by Bookmans rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Verve Forecast.
Add this copy of Up Front and Down Low to cart. $3.19, fair condition, Sold by Bookmans rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Verve Forecast.
Add this copy of Upfront and Down Low to cart. $3.37, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Industries rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Eugene, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Verve Forecast.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Disc(s) may have light surface scratches unless noted as being NIP (New In Package). DVD's are guaranteed to play as new or your money back. Case conditions will vary. Purchasing this item from Goodwill provides vocational opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment.
Add this copy of Upfront & Down Low to cart. $9.86, good condition, Sold by Stephen White Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bradford, WEST YORKSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2007 by Import.