Whats on your turntable tonight?

Hey Chris!

Second spin for this….

Richard Thompson - 13 Rivers. New West Records 2018

Brian,

I passed on that record initially. I have most of not all of his solo output over the last 15/20 years 

Hoping you can give me a good reason to buy 

I was able to take home the tube amp I have been interested in (BAT VK-76SE) and connected it yesterday.  Could only play a couple of albums due to relatives company coming over (with small children).  My speakers are borderline capable of being driven well by a tube amp (Dynaudio Contour 60i) at 4ohm and 88 db efficiency, so this is a real test for me.  Thus far the vocals and string instruments are heavenly and the music just floats from the speakers with wonderful spatiality, a bit better than my solid state amp (BAT VK-255SE).  However, the slam and grip that I am accustom to with the SS amp was not there, and I miss that.  Well, a list of albums for tonight will be the real test.  I'll be using some very familiar music.  It will include plenty of low frequency energy and mid-bass punch.  If this amp can cut the mustard than I will likely make the purchase.  If not, I will keep what I have (which is a wonderful amp, too).  Though I do want that lovely midrange sound the tube amp gave me yesterday, I just can't give up on the slam, grip and energized room for the total listening experience.
We shall see...  

Well, Steve, it’s all very subjective…..but….when I first played this, it seemed very dark and heavy as it started. But After getting 1/2 to 3/4 the way through it the first time, it ‘opened-up’ and felt like a nice broken-in pair of comfy shoes. The recording is actually very nice. Intimate, but with a lot of depth and nice sound staging. And of course, there is Richard’s writing and guitar playing. I will say that his guitar playing seems to me to take a ‘back seat’ on this album. Concentrating more on song writing and delivery perhaps. Don’t get me wrong, Richard still plays well, and it is showcased when need be.


Second time around, I’m liking it even more. Very strong effort IMO. This could become a favorite.

Shoot man, I picked this up for $21 shipped for a 2LP set. What isn’t to like? It’s Richard Thompson.