Hand of Kindness

Hand of Kindness

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Richard Thompson and then-wife Linda had achieved a cruel victory with their final album together, Shoot Out the Lights, a riveting classic drawing much of its power from frank allusions to their disintegrating marriage. That preoccupation with the Thompsons' personal history may explain why at the time fans scrutinized the first Thompson solo album after the breakup, 1983's Hand of Darkness, for fresh wounds ("A Poisoned Heart and a Twisted Memory") and new evidence ("Tear Stained Letter"). Fans thus missed a more fundamental issue--the de facto reunion of Thompson's first band, Fairport Convention, with Fairport's original producer Joe Boyd at the controls. Only violinist Dave Swarbrick is missing, with Simon Nicol, Dave Peggs, and Dave Mattacks all present and accounted for, augmented by twin saxes, John Kirkpatrick's always-evocative accordion, and Clive Gregson's, John Hiatt's, and Bobby King's vocals. Hardly surprising, then, that this set should hold up so well, or that its nine solid Thompson originals should be so fully realized. --Sam Sutherland

Tracks:

Tear Stained Letter
How I Wanted To
Both Ends Burning
A Poisoned Heart And A Twisted Memory
Where The Wind Don't Whine
The Wrong Heartbeat
Hand Of Kindness
Devonside
Two Left Feet

Amazon.com essential recording

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Richard Thompson and then-wife Linda had achieved a cruel victory with their final album together, Shoot Out the Lights, a riveting classic drawing much of its power from frank allusions to their disintegrating marriage. That preoccupation with the Thompsons' personal history may explain why at the time fans scrutinized the first Thompson solo album after the breakup, 1983's Hand of Darkness, for fresh wounds ("A Poisoned Heart and a Twisted Memory") and new evidence ("Tear Stained Letter"). Fans thus missed a more fundamental issue--the de facto reunion of Thompson's first band, Fairport Convention, with Fairport's original producer Joe Boyd at the controls. Only violinist Dave Swarbrick is missing, with Simon Nicol, Dave Peggs, and Dave Mattacks all present and accounted for, augmented by twin saxes, John Kirkpatrick's always-evocative accordion, and Clive Gregson's, John Hiatt's, and Bobby King's vocals. Hardly surprising, then, that this set should hold up so well, or that its nine solid Thompson originals should be so fully realized. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Someone rated this a one???.......2003-08-28

This disc has "Hand of Kindness" ... it is as good of a song as ANY that Thompson has done ... it has to be heard. I'm not crazy about all the songs on this disc, ... but "Hand of Kindness" is brilliant. "The Wrong Heartbeat" and "How I Wanted To" are excellent, too. When someone hasn't heard of Thompson before, and there are far too many who haven't, play them "Hand of Kindness" ... it's deeply tense with outrageous guitar ... Richard at his best. This is also the only place you'll find it.

Someone rated this a one???.......2003-08-28

Picks Up Where `Lights` Left Off, Adds A Little Zydeco.......2003-03-15

The sound of this album is very similar to`Shoot Out the Lights`, only now Thompson has added a brass band and other zydeco touches. The songs are generally top-notch, and while many deliver the gloom and/or vitriol we`ve come to expect from Thompson, there a couple of lighter moments, including `Two Left Feet`. Like on `Shoot out the Lights`, the electric guitar playing is mesmerising. This was his last great album with producer Joe Boyd- the next, Àcross a Crowded Room` has its moments, but it also has less enjoyable moments. And, for those who for whatever reason hate Michell Froom`s production work on later RT albums, the production style here will likely be more to their liking.

Underrated Gem.......2002-09-24

Coming from any other artist, this would certainly be rated 5 by most listeners. It's my favorite RT solo album. I think it's the closest to a live sound of any of his studio recordings. RT's humor slips through the gloomy facade that he cloaks himself in. At least give the songs a listen. You might like it too.

Both Ends Burning.......2002-06-03

In terms of his post SHOOT OUT THE LIGHTS output, HAND OF KINDNESS is one of his best, yet most underrated efforts. RUMOR & SIGH deserves all it's praise, & though not as flashy, this ranks as one of his most consistantly engaging efforts.

If SHOOT was the "divorce album", 1983's KINDNESS is the new fangled bachelor who's sense of freedom seems shackled by doubt and regret.

The toe-tapping exuberence of "Tear Stained Letter" & "Poisoned Heart" are deceptive. Jaunty as they are both have their fair share of acid wit with lines like, "when I die of shame, I won't know who to thank".

In terms of the ballads, "Devonside" is the major standout. One of his finest & yet oddly least well known. Elsewhere, Thompson lets his characteristic guard down for the regretful & haunting, "How I Wanted To".

With it's dark solos & snarling vocal, the title track would have easily been at home on SHOOT. A plea for the mercy of a kind hand, coming from a man with a rope around his neck. In the end, he leaves you dangling with, "you stretch out your hand and I'll stretch out mine".

Another stand out is, "Where the Wind Don't Whine". What starts off as a reckless joy ride with an underage hitchhiker turns out to be a good old fashioned ghost story.

Whether he's laying his throat bare to the dagger or driving it into another's back, Thompson is in fine form here. Aided and abetted by a tight backing band and guitar playing that is expressive but never induldgent, HAND OF KINDNESS is at the very least, one of the best, if not THE best record he put out in the '80's.

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