This fascinating 4-CD box tracing the musical career of Richard Thompson is released on the US-based "Shout! Factory" label in late July, and is packed with the pick of his released recordings: there's 71 tracks in total, from his first album with Fairport Convention to his most recent release Sweet Warrior.
This US Import Box-set is being offered to Free Reed customers at the attractive price of just £37.99, and full track-listings are on-line at www.free-reed.co.uk/rtshoutand via the links above.
The set's tracks are arranged chronologically in order of release and the four CDs are accompanied by a 60-page book by Thompson biographer Patrick Humphries which serves as both an ideal introduction to anyone new to his music and as a convenient compendium for those who have bought only the occasional RT album. [More serious collectors who seek the rare, obscure and previously unavailable are directed to Free Reed's own five CD box-set RT: the life and music of Richard Thompson - see www.free-reed.co.uk/rt]
CD One takes us through his time as a member of Fairport Convention, his solo debut and his first three albums with his then-wife Linda: the classic I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight is the best represented album here, garnering six tracks in total.
CD Two takes us through to his move to America and reactivated solo career, with particular focus on the other bookend to the Richard & Linda partnership Shoot out the Lights
CD Three deals with the Capitol years and features several essential RT recordings - Beeswing, 1952 Vincent Black Lightning and Galway To Graceland, among them
CD Four brings the set right up to date and includes some of his more experimental projects - the Grizzly Man soundtrack, the concept album Industry and 1000 Years of Popular Music.
