Yes, Teddy Thompson's parents are renowned folkies Richard and Linda Thompson. And, sure, he's spent the past few years touring the world with his good friend Rufus Wainwright, who recently wrote a song about their inimitable relationship called "Nobody's off the Hook." But it's Thompson's rich, twangy voice that deserves the spotlight. After turning out two thoroughly underappreciated albums of original material--it would be pushing it to even call them cult favorites--the lovelorn singer-songwriter takes on a dozen classic country tunes on [title]Upfront and Down Low[/title]. It's a good fit, the bitter sentiments the inform his own work paired with the sterling melodies of Ernest Tubb's "Walking the Floor Over You" and Elvis Presley's "I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone." Thompson gives each of the tunes a masterful makeover, polishing them up with an all-star cast of players that includes Iris DeMent, Tift Merritt, and Marc Ribot. Wainwright offers string his own "Down Low" into the mix without breaking the mood. It's the kind of stuff that could represent a breakthrough moment, as long as nobody gets distracted by the fact that he was born and raised in a Sufi commune.Personnel: Teddy Thompson (guitar); Jenni Muldaur, Tift Merritt, Brian Fulk (vocals); Richard Thompson (guitar); Jim Campilongo, Marc Ribot, Tony Scherr (guitars); David Mansfield, Greg Leisz (dobro); Julia Kent (cello); Iris DeMent, Jason Crosby (piano); Glen Patscha (keyboard); Brad Albetta (bass guitar); Dan Reiser (drums). 1. Change Of Heart 3:05
2. Touching Home 2:46
3. Walking The Floor Over You 2:24
4. (From Now On All My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers 3:06
5. I'm Left, You're Right, She's Gone 4:22
6. My Heart Echoes 3:27
7. The Worst Is Yet To Come 4:26
8. My Blue Tears 3:16
9. Down Low 5:52
10. You Finally Said Something Good (When You Said Goodbye) 2:40
11. She Thinks I Still Care 3:20
12. Let's Think About Living 2:08
13. Don't Ask Me To Be Friends 3:11 (bonus track)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QXDCI8/?tag=imwan-20
