Separate Ways

For those who thought Teddy Thompson's self-titled first album was a fluke, think again. There is no sophomore slump on Separate Ways. It marks Thompson's debut with Verve Forecast. One has to wonder if -- and hope that -- they know they have a major talent on their roster. Separate Ways is a beautifully constructed collection of moody pop songs that reflect Thompson's melancholy yet blackly good-humored way of looking at the world. With able co-production provided by Brad Albetta, Thompson knows how to stack his musical deck with fine players. For starters, a host of second-generation offspring appear here: Martha and Rufus Wainwright appear as backing vocalists, as does Jenni Muldaur on a couple of tracks. His dad, guitar slinger Richard Thompson, plays on five tracks, and former Fairport Convention drummer Dave Mattacks and the Band's venerable Garth Hudson both play on one tune. There's even a hidden track on which Thompson sings with his mother. There is a country tinge to these proceedings, but that's all. British folk, rock, and even the blues all make appearances inside a musical web woven by Thompson. This is a gorgeous, tight, and utterly magical outing. -allmusic.com