Richard Thompson Rare Vinyl “Still” (2015); 2-LP USA Fantasy Label, Mint New

	£		17
	$		23

On offer is a mint new unplayed USA 2-LP vinyl import copy of Richard Thompson’s latest superb album, “Still”. If you are reading this advert, you are probably aware of RT’s brilliance and longevity in the musical firmament. I’m including an extra item too, described later.

He remains a formidable songwriter and great singer - and one of the world’s greatest guitarists (acoustic or electric - (well, he plays just about everything stringed, including mandolins, banjos, and dulcimers too!)

Produced by Jeff Tweedy, “Still” features a typically broad and eclectic collection of Thompson styles, diverse song subjects, in rock, folk and ballad solo and band settings.

Atypically, Side 4 concludes in his lengthy “Guitar Heroes” dedication to some of his early influences (with faithful guitar solos to match!) including Les Paul, Chuck Berry, Hank Marvin, James Burton, and Django. Richard confesses in the chorus: “To tell the truth, I always hid it - I still don’t know how my heroes did it!” Mr Thompson, you are far, far too modest!

The album is cut in heavy 180-gram black vinyl on the American Fantasy Label (FAN-3476-01), as opposed to the UK release, which was released on the Proper Label. I am only selling this copy as I ordered the LP twice and only want to keep one copy!

I have opened the album only to check contents - the double album is brand new, perfect, unplayed, plus the mp3 download card. Tracks shown are as per the photo of the rear sleeve.

I have left on the shrink-wrap, the front sticker is intact (see photos) and I will also package it in an outer protective polythene sleeve. Whoever wins the auction will be the first person to open up and enjoy the full gatefold sleeve of this lavish release.

The inner sleeves contain photos and the poster image of RT, and full lyrics. The first seven photos are of the actual item for sale and inclusions; the other (later) photos you see were taken of my own (UK) copy of “Still”, whilst the two final photos are ‘stock’ pictures of the Proper Label UK release from the internet.

Album Review:

“ 'Still' was recorded in a two-story rehearsal loft in Chicago over the course of just nine days with Wilco's Jeff Tweedy at the helm, backed by several long-time players from both Thompson's and Tweedy's bands. Thompson enlisted Tweedy's production skills in an effort to shake up his own creative approach to making records. "It turned out be really good idea," says Thompson. "Jeff is musically very sympathetic. Although some of his contributions are probably rather subtle to the listener's ear, they were really interesting and his suggestions were always very pertinent."

"I really tried to not have any preconceived ideas," Thompson says of working with Tweedy, "but of course you do. I tried to shove those to the back of my mind. You don't really know until you turn up - what the studio is like, what the gear is like. It ended up being a nice unfolding of surprises."

The key to Still's emotional resonance is a set of gripping new Thompson compositions rich with his signature mix of trenchant insight, gallows humor, and keen empathy for characters at the brink of being overcome by their emotions, their pasts, or themselves.

A recipient of BBC's Lifetime Achievement Award and Mojo's Les Paul Award, Richard Thompson was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire in the 2011 New Year Honours List. The Americana Music Association also recently honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting. Robert Plant, REM, Elvis Costello, Bonnie Raitt and many others have recorded Thompson's songs.

Taken as a whole, 'Still' is a powerful dispatch from an acknowledged master who remains unafraid to put himself into demanding new environments - its title reflecting that resilience and seemingly endless resourcefulness. "Or," Thompson adds slyly, "it could be read as 'Is he still performing? I thought he died years ago."

Extras:

I am including a great bonus item! There is a high-quality A4 reproduction copy of the Richard Thompson poster that was separately included in the UK limited edition issue of “Still”. (This A4 repro is actually larger than the original poster!

Here’s your only chance to own a rare, mint 180-gram heavy vinyl import copy of a great album, with this bonus item!

 If an overseas bidder wins the auction, the item will be sent via the eBay Global Shipping Programme. If local, you can collect it from me in north Birmingham B24, close to Jn 6 of the M6.

Happy to open it with you and play-demo on my excellent hi-fi if you visit, coffee and biscuits provided!

RT’s career spans almost 50 years, beginning as the precocious lead guitarist and singer/songwriter in the epoch-making folk-rock pioneers, Fairport Convention in the late 1960s.

Richard Thompson was recently awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for his contribution to music, and I think OBE should stand for “Obviously Brilliant Exponent” of song, voice & guitar!

One copy only, so grab it while it’s here!

Payment is by PayPal or cash on collection (from north Birmingham B24); postal cost shown applies to UK overland post only.

Overseas sale will be conducted via eBay’s Global Shipping Programme; eBay will liaise and ship the item, subsequent to the winning bidder paying the auction price and postage cost confirmed here at the end of the auction.

Please pay within 5 days of auction end to prevent the item from being re-listed.

Happy Bidding!