Richard Thompson recommendations

Turn out the Lights. Start there.

That's actually "Shoot out the Lights" and it's with his ex wife Linda. Excellent album. You could also try:

Rumor and Sigh
Daring Adventures
Henry the Human Fly

His greatest hits, "Watching the Dark" would also be a keeper.

Really depends what you're looking for.

Thompson is a terrific songwriter who has two styles; character driven narratives (you might particularly seek out his more recent work - back to "Rumour and Sigh") versus personal revelation (more often with Linda - See "Shoot Out The Lights").

He's a wonderful acoustic player (Vincent and Beeswing are his two best known ballads) and a monster electric guitarist (Shoot Out The Lights, Cavalry Cross, Sloth, etc, etc.)

I'd definitely start with "Watching The Dark". It's a great intro to most aspects of Thompson's repertoire.

Good Luck.

Marty

Yes, "watching the dark" would be excellent, a wonderful 3cd set. If that hooks you, then you've got much to look forward to, all the solo albums, duos with linda, and the great early fairport convention stuff, and maybe even all the albums he's played lead on.
I like early Bruce Cockburn, but can no longer get on with him. He's such an ass of a person, that I can't get past that. A friend in the business told me years ago there are many greats that you wouldn't want to hang with, and he's one of them.
You might also try Martin Simpson, especially his latest, "prodigal son".