Teddy Thompson - 'Separate Ways'

If you’ve been lucky enough to hear “I Don’t Want To Say Goodbye” from the Brokeback Mountain soundtrack, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Teddy Thompson is country or alt-country – straight up, no chaser. But on his new album Separate Ways, Thompson proves himself to be instead one of pop music’s most interesting emerging artists. The ridiculously talented offspring of Richard and Linda Thompson (who both make cameos on the record) has crafted a heartfelt gem that exudes the warmth of a family affair.

In addition to Mum’s vocals and Dad’s guitar, Thompson recruits sibling pals Rufus and Martha Wainwright for vocal contributions, and The Band’s Garth Hudson adds keyboards to a couple of tracks. Though his debut album was packed with its share of highlights, Separate Ways raises the bar considerably. On several tracks, he favors pop-flavored arrangements, complete with chiming guitars and memorable hooks. These are balanced with some softer tracks - especially "Sorry To See Me Go" - that might not sound entirely out of place on the Brokeback soundtrack (minus the fiddle and pedal steel, however). Tying it all together is Thompson’s honeyed voice, which shares some traits with Rufus Wainwright but is a much less of an acquired taste. Regardless of his considerable talents as a songwriter, Teddy Thompson is indisputably a gifted vocalist. While his first record showed promise, Separate Ways fulfills it.

Finally, 2006 gets its first great album (noting that Neko's Fox Confessor is still on the way).