 | Shoot Out the Lights by Richard & Linda Thompson
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $4.99 The first four items on this list are stunning, must-own masterpieces. Unfortunately, the Hannibal versions are hard to find and poorly mastered. (Check back for updates.)
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 | Hokey Pokey by Richard & Linda Thompson
Buy used from: $10.50 Transcends the staid limitations of most English folk-rock. Timeless songcraft.
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 | I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight by Richard & Linda Thompson
Buy used from: $3.98 If Lennon had been a folkie and a Sufi Muslim, he would've written like this.
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 | Pour Down Like Silver by Richard & Linda Thompson
Buy used from: $9.49 Makes up for slightly weaker lyrics with some of Thompson's most beautiful guitar work.
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 | Sunnyvista by Richard & Linda Thompson
Buy used from: $38.89 Not as compromised by American label commercial pressures as First Light (their worst), this one is jaunty/thin but still worth owning. Love the backing harmonies by the McGarrigle sisters.
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 | Hand of Kindness by Richard Thompson
Buy new: $11.98 / Used from: $6.35 Thompson's first solo release after his split with Linda is predictably more sour than sweet. Fortunately, he lets his guitar do most of the emoting here.
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 | Amnesia by Richard Thompson
Buy new: $12.98 / Used from: $2.55 Often overlooked by Thompson diehards, this contains some of his most pointed (and political) songwriting.
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 | Starring Henry the Human Fly by Richard Thompson
Buy used from: $11.97 The "worst selling album in the history of Warner Bros. Records" is a mix of droll wit and brilliantly brittle guitar work.
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 | Live, Love, Larf & Loaf by French Frith Kaiser Thompson
Buy used from: $6.81 Thompson explores his avant garde side with Fred Frith and Henry Kaiser."Drowned Dog, Black Night" is incendiary.
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 | Rumor and Sigh by Richard Thompson
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $2.70 Capital obviously pushed for a more radio-friendly approach here, and the results (though short on guitar) are some of his most indelible melodies.
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 | Industry by Richard & Danny Thompson
Buy used from: $2.40 A concept collaboration with bassist Danny Thompson, this one is hit and miss, but contains six or seven of Thompson's best later songs, including the gorgeous and sad "Drifting Through the Days."
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 | Beat the Retreat: Songs by Richard Thompson by Maddy Prior
Buy used from: $4.83 Wonderful Thompson tribute album featuring Los Lobos, R.E.M., Bob Mould, Bonnie Raitt, and The Blind Boys of Alabama.
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