Richard Thompson

Richard Thompson, named the 19th Greatest Guitarist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, started his musical career in 1967 with the band Fairport Convention. But, I don't know much about that. When I think of Richard Thompson, I think of his 1999 album Mock Tudor. With a folky-rock or rocky-folk sensibility, his songs can be dark, even sinister while still containing a sly, humorous wit.

Crawl Back
Bathsheba Smiles
Uninhabited Man

Mission of Burma

Mission of Burma, having released only one full length studio album, broke up in 1983. At that time they weren't well known outside of the Boston area. However, over the proceeding years they posthumously became one of the most influential post-punk rock bands. In 2002, they reformed to release ONoffON, their first new material in 19 years. Their early recordings were ahead of their time and still sound fresh today.

That's When I Reach for My Revolver
Academy Fight Song
That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate

Patricia Barber

I think it's a misunderstanding to view Patricia Barber as a jazz singer; although she sings quite a lot. She is a pianist, lyricist, composer and MacArthur Fellow. I will concede that Patricia Barber is not a great vocalist. However, her distinct vocal style has its own merits and is well suited to her compositions. I saw the Patricia Barber Quartet perform live at the Green Mill a couple of weeks ago; not only did I get to see her do what she does best--play her instrument--I arrived early enough to see the award winning, internationally recognized jazz auteur walk in off the street, pour herself a drink at the bar, take off her coat and begin to play. Now, that's a long sentence. Ultimately, it is her ability to interpret, to imagine, to create with her piano and the accompanying instruments that make her a great artist.

You Gotta Go Home
Clues
Lost in This Love

The New Pornographers

Originally, I was going to start this music blog on April 20, 2008; the date I attended a live performance by The New Pornographers at The Riviera Theater. I saw the Canadian super group without star ingenue Neko Case who had broken her ankle two nights earlier. Nevertheless, the band, led by A.C. Newman and Dan Behar, rocked the venue with their thoughtful brand of power pop.

Use It
The Bleeding Heart Show
Jackie, Dressed in Cobras