Locally World Famous by Eric Thompson

16 Jun

Written by Morrice Blackwell
font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Eric Thompson is back with another great album this year. The title Locally World Famous is an oxymoron. The irony of it fits Thompson so well, he is like the guy next door playing his guitar and singing on his porch on a hot summer night. I fondly remember his previous release Manic + Organic and I played this album waiting for much of same...vital invigorating shots of blues-rock and country roots with lyrics that catch the ear. As expected, I got it fired at me with both barrels. Treated to yet another rousing blues country fried session with Thompson’s heartfelt Elvis meets Dave Alvin vocals, each track offered me another ride down many different highways of story and song. I rode shotgun for the entire trip.

Thompson’s influence by blues greats of the past and can be heard in the way he blows the harmonica and plays his six-string. "Gotta Lotta Lovin'" personifies his sound and musical vision while "Pack of Lies/Endless Game" has that wailing in the distance pedal steel and haunting Johnny Cash like elegy to fittingly end the album. Considering we just lost the great Mr. Cash recently it seemed appropriate. I felt a few chills creeping up my spine during that song.

Let me tell you this is one talented guy, he writes great songs, sings, and plays countless instruments; in a word, he is the consummate professional and entertainer. The roots of his sound reach back to the 50’s drawing from a wellspring of rock icons like Elvis and Carl Perkins, and then in same gulp of air he sounds fresh and modernized. This is due to the artists’ technical knowledge of his instruments and respect for the people that inspired him. This plate-full of down home cookin’ will work up your appetite in no time so get your order in now.

Additional Info

Artist / Group Name: Eric Thompson
CD Title: Locally World Famous
Genre: Blues
Year Released: 2003
Record Label: Independent
Tracks: Gone, Gone, Gone Gotta Lotta Lovin Road Yer Travelin' Cipher + The Muse You're the One I Love Crazy 4 You One More Time The Beginning Slave To Love Something's Up Pack of Lies/Endless Game'
Musicians: Eric Thompson (Guitars, Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Harmonica, Vocoder, hand claps, snaps, drums, percussion), J. Scott Smith (Drums, bass, bkg vocals, synths, percussion, guitars), Baxter Robertson (Piano, Synths, Organ), Dave (Crisis) Ristrim (Pedal Steel), Bobby Wood (Pedal Steel), John Wedemeyer (Lead & Slide Guitar), Tracy Maher & Andrea Dudley (Backing Vocals);
Label Website: -
Rating: Four Stars