Another recent record that blows me away is Richard Thompson's "Electric." It was recorded at Buddy Miller's house in Nashville on 16-track analogue tape, and well, you can hear the difference. It's warm, full, and powerful.
It's primarily a trio, with some added musicians on some tracks. Amazing band. A Celtic power trio. Thompson himself describes it as "funk-folk," or "folk-funk." It will also put you in mind of other great power trios like Jimi Hendrix Experience and Eric Clapton's Cream.
Thompson is fully engaged here. Nicely written songs. Songs with gravity and meaning and wisdom. And his voice carries weight. But what really propels this album to greatness is Thompson's guitar playing. Especially his electric guitar. What a compelling, beautiful and exhilarating ride. Thompson has a style all his own. Sort of a classic Celtic blues thing, but no cliches - original, fiery, supple, like quicksilver.
This album grows on you with every listen. A classic. Amazing. Richard Thompson has an amazing catalog of music from Fairport Convention to all those great records with Linda Thompson. "Electric" is just a great, fully-realized project. Old world and new world collide and create sparks and thunder.